Rising Stars: Meet Lilly Arce of Tustin, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilly Arce.

Hi Lilly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story is one of reinvention and following passions that were always there, even if they took time to pursue.

For 22 years, I worked in my family’s welding business in the Palm Springs area, which my parents started in 1984. During that time, I helped manage the business while raising my two children. I was proud of what we built as a family, but when the business closed in 2020, I found myself starting over after more than two decades.

Rather than seeing it as the end of a chapter, I chose to pursue a dream I had always carried with me—the medical field. At 49 years old, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in a surgical technology program. I earned my associate degree at age 50 and began an entirely new career as a surgical technologist.

Today, I work in the operating room, where I have the privilege of being part of procedures that improve and sometimes save lives. Going back to school and starting over later in life was a major transition, but it showed me that it is never too late to pursue something that has always been in my heart.

Around that same time, my cousin asked me to officiate her wedding. I became ordained to perform her ceremony and quickly discovered how much I enjoyed helping couples celebrate one of the most important moments of their lives. What started as a favor soon grew into a thriving wedding officiant business serving couples throughout Southern California.

Looking back, both of my careers are centered around people. Whether I’m assisting in the operating room or standing before a couple on their wedding day, I have the opportunity to be part of life-changing moments. I often joke that I help save lives during the week and bring lives together on the weekends—but there is a lot of truth in that statement.

I am especially grateful to my family and friends who supported me through such a major transition in my life. My husband, my children, my cousins and my friends have encouraged me as I reinvented myself professionally and pursued paths I never imagined would become such meaningful parts of my life.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges was having the courage to start over later in life. At 50 years old, after more than 20 years in our family business, I went back to school to begin an entirely new career in healthcare, while still being a wife and mom. Today, balancing my work in the operating room, my wedding officiant business, and family life can be challenging, but it has taught me that it’s never too late to take a chance on yourself and start something new.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional wedding officiant serving couples throughout Southern California, specializing in personalized and bilingual English/Spanish ceremonies. I’m most proud of building a business that began with officiating one family wedding and grew into something I truly love. What sets me apart is the personal connection I build with each couple and my commitment to creating meaningful ceremonies that reflect their unique love story, family, culture, and traditions.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family and the people who have encouraged me along the way. I’m especially grateful to the couples who have trusted me with one of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Their referrals, kind words, and continued support have helped my officiating business grow in ways I never expected. I’m also thankful for the mentors, friends, and colleagues who have believed in me and encouraged me to keep pursuing new opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @weddingofficiantlilly

Image Credits
Tony Arce (my husband of 29 years)