FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
Years ago, after receiving a calling to ministry, I took a volunteer position working with a Christian Non-Profit organization as an Associate Chaplain. I loved serving the Lord and serving members of our congregation by helping to cook and to serve meals, teaching Sunday school, participating in praise and worship (playing bass guitar), and even preaching on Sunday mornings. Though I have since moved on from the Non-Profit ministry, and I am still active in my church. However my focus now is on finishing my bachelors degree, with plans to attend seminary thereafter. A little while back, I was asked by a good friend of mine to perform his wedding ceremony. I agreed, and I loved every minute of it. Since then, my services have been requested by a number of friends and family, as well as through referrals. This is my passion and something that I enjoy doing. I love meeting couples and hearing how they met, what they love about each other, and any other stories or information that may be included in their ceremony. My personal commitment is to be creative and supportive enough to help you in realizing the vision that you have for your wedding day. As a former stand-up comedian I love to entertain and to make people laugh, however, as a Chaplain I am willing and able to give your ceremony the reverence that it deserves.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
A Chaplain is a member of the clergy who conducts religious services outside of a church. Oftentimes, the people I marry have religious beliefs, but do not regularly attend or belong to a church. So in some respects, I bring the church to them. Therefore, the most common type of job that I do is a customized wedding ceremony, with an opening prayer and/or scripture reading to honor the couple's beliefs, without going overboard.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
My advice to a customer looking for a wedding officiant is to avoid what I call the McWedding. By that I mean to avoid the wedding "packages" where you order a number 3 with a side of hand fasting. You shouldn't have to choose from a list of pre-written ceremonies. I think that your wedding should be unique, personal, and reflect who you are as a person, and you won't find that choosing from a "menu".