Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Brooks.
Hi Kristi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have a background in sales and property management. The idea of becoming an Officiant began with a conversation I had with a co-worker a little over 10 years ago. We talked about what we’d really love to do if we ever decided to get into another field of work. At the same time, we said, “I would love to marry people!”
I eventually left that job with that conversation very much in the back of my mind. Four years later, my best friend asked me to officiate his wedding, and it was through that process I realized it was what I was meant to do! I was in my late 40’s and decided if I were to make a drastic career change so late in life it would need to be something meaningful not only to me but to others as well.
In this crazy world, we live in, it made a lot of sense to choose a path that celebrates so much love!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
For me, the biggest challenge has been creating a healthy balance between my work and home life. When you’re self-employed, work from home, and are easily reachable through social media, it’s not unusual to work 16-18 hour days.
I love working with my couples, but I’m learning the key to making a positive impact in serving them is a healthier work/home balance for me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Brooks Wedding Ceremonies?
Starting out as a new Officiant, I performed ceremonies using that same-old cookie-cutter script we’ve all heard a thousand times because I thought that’s the way it was supposed to be done. But, honestly, there was something about those ceremonies that didn’t sit right with me. They seemed cold, impersonal, and boring! And, after 2 years into my career, I learned there were couples out there that felt the same way!
That’s when engaged couples began to reach out, sharing their struggle to find an Officiant that didn’t try to fit their relationship into the “cookie-cutter” box. These couples so desperately wanted a ceremony experience that celebrated their relationship and love in a very personal way. It wasn’t long before I traded cookie-cutter for a beautiful heartfelt ceremony written from scratch from the ground up!
The Brooks Wedding Ceremonies Love Story ceremony is completely inspired by the magic of each couple’s personal story; how they met, fell in love, got engaged, and the reason they decided to spend the rest of their lives together.
I quickly learned a personal ceremony with “all the feels” couldn’t be written without really getting to know my couples before putting pen to paper. It’s what I love most about what I do; creating a genuine relationship so, by the time we get to the altar, we’re no longer strangers, but more like long-time friends! I’m connected with most of my couples through social media.
I love being able to watch their love and their families grow over the years.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I am so glad you asked!
When I first started out, I thought an Officiant’s job was pretty simple, and that my only responsibility would be to read the ceremony and sign the marriage license.
I was so wrong!
I had no idea the couple would be looking to me to guide them through one of the emotional moments of their lives! I didn’t know I had to direct the ceremony and create a smooth transition from one element to the next. Most importantly, I didn’t know my role as officiant meant I was solely responsible for the legality of the couple’s marriage, and I can only imagine new Officiants aren’t aware of that either.
My best advice for someone getting started is to seek out some kind of officiant training or education so they can learn to lead and deliver a flawless ceremony and avoid the many common mistakes new officiants make. With so many couples asking a friend or family member to marry them these days, I created my own Officiant coaching program 2 years ago to help new officiants gain an edge.
Engaged couples look to their officiant to answer their questions and lead them through the entire process. They want to be confident whoever is in this very important role knows exactly what they’re doing.
Finding a mentor who’s been in the wedding industry for a few years is another great way for a new Officiant to gain confidence and learn how to best serve their couples.
Contact Info:
- Email: yourceremony@brooksweddingceremonies.com
- Website: www.brooksweddingceremonies.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/brooksweddingceremoniesmi
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/brooksweddingceremonies
Image Credits
Lexi Lauren Photography, Phrene Photography, Jessica Lang Photography, Aly DenBesten Photography, and Noemi Binagatan Photography
