About Us

At Lasting Memories by Tom LLC, we believe the moments that matter most deserve to be handled with care, presence, and respect.

Our work is rooted in connection — showing up prepared, attentive, and calm when people need it most.

Our Brand Commitments

Our work is guided by two foundational commitments that shape every service we provide.

The Lasting Memories Promise™

The Lasting Memories Promise™ reflects our commitment to creating meaningful, thoughtfully guided experiences that are remembered with warmth, clarity, and care long after the moment has passed.

The Calm Presence Promise™

The Calm Presence Promise™ is our commitment to showing up prepared, steady, and fully present — creating an environment where couples, families, and clients feel supported, grounded, and at ease.

How It Began

What began as a calling has grown into a thoughtfully built, multi-service business serving individuals, families, and organizations across Connecticut.
Each service we offer was added intentionally, guided by real needs we saw and real trust we were given.

Our Approach

From wedding ceremonies to photography, notary services, and safety training, our focus remains the same: people first.
We understand that meaningful moments often come with emotion, stress, and vulnerability — even joyful ones...

That awareness shapes how we show up: grounded, respectful, and fully present.
Our approach is not rushed, transactional, or one-size-fits-all.

It is thoughtful, steady, and centered on creating environments where people feel supported and at ease.

🌿The Calm Presence Promise™

We commit to showing up prepared, attentive, and calm — creating an environment where people feel supported, respected, and at ease during meaningful moments.

View our latest work

Discover our collection of creative work and visual projects. Each piece showcases our attention to detail and commitment to delivering results that exceed expectations.

Our Team

“Our Team brings calm presence, intentional leadership, and thoughtful coordination to every experience. Together, Tom and Danielle ensure each service feels respectful, well-organized, and genuinely supportive from start to finish.”

Thomas Hettel

Founder & Lead Professional | Ordained Minister

Thomas Hettel is the founder and lead professional of Lasting Memories by Tom LLC, where he personally leads the company’s core services with intention, professionalism, and care. His hands-on approach ensures that every client experience is thoughtfully guided and meaningfully executed.

As an ordained minister and wedding officiant, Thomas specializes in creating personalized ceremonies that reflect each couple’s story, values, and vision. Known for his calm presence and steady guidance, he helps couples feel supported, confident, and fully present during one of life’s most meaningful moments.

Thomas’s work is informed by his professional background in mental health support and de-escalation, giving him a strong understanding of how stress and emotional weight can surface during important moments — even joyful ones. This awareness shapes how he shows up for every client: attentive, patient, grounded, and focused on creating environments that feel calm, respectful, and supportive.

In addition to ministerial services, Thomas is a professional photographer, Connecticut notary public, and certified health & safety instructor. His diverse skill set allows clients to work with one trusted professional across multiple services, all delivered with consistency, respect, and compassion.

At the heart of Thomas’s work is a personal commitment to meet people where they are — to listen first, communicate clearly, and provide steady, reliable support when it matters most.

Danielle Dionne

Creative Operations Manager | Behind-the-Scenes Content Creator

Danielle is a key operational leader at Lasting Memories by Tom LLC, serving as the Creative Operations Manager and Behind-the-Scenes Content Creator. Her role is essential to how the business functions day-to-day, supporting both the internal workflow and the client experience with care, clarity, and consistency.

As a mother, Danielle brings a deep sense of patience, awareness, and emotional presence to her work. This perspective shapes how she manages communication, logistics, and coordination — helping create an environment that feels calm, supportive, and well-organized, even during busy or emotionally significant moments.

Danielle oversees client communication, scheduling, and creative coordination, ensuring each service is thoughtfully prepared and executed. She also leads behind-the-scenes content creation, capturing the meaningful details and authentic moments that reflect the heart of the work and the values behind it.

Her steady presence and intuitive understanding of people make her a foundational part of the operation. Danielle helps maintain structure, flow, and reassurance behind the scenes, allowing every service to be delivered with intention and care.

Through her leadership, organization, and compassion, Danielle plays a central role in upholding The Calm Presence Promise — supporting experiences that feel seamless, respectful, and genuinely cared for.