Check Out Lynsey Thomas’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynsey Thomas. 

Hi Lynsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started on a whim. One boring day at Kings Bay Submarine Base in early 2015, I said to myself, “Oh I should get ordained and call myself Reverend!!”…and I did. I went to ULC online and selected the free ordination, and I was a reverend. (Of course, I don’t generally call myself a reverend or a minister…Seems misleading. But I digress.) About 3 months later, when Marriage Equality passed and people were free to legally marry whomever they chose, I saw an opportunity. Some people and parts of the South are small-minded, and I decided to offer my newly legal officiant services, temporarily free of charge, to couples of all orientations. It took a month or so before I was hired for my first wedding – they paid me $25 and fed me lasagna. But I was hooked. My husband Chris supported my weekend wedding habit and encouraged me every step of the way. Friends helped get my name out there, especially my big sister Katie, who’s always been my cheerleader. Slowly building my business, working around my “real” work schedule in the Navy, I tirelessly pursued information and scripture and poems and unity ceremonies. I sought leads across the internet, made business cards, found mentors, and researched wedding ceremonies. Couples found me and I found couples. 

I’m a pretty good people reader and I think that’s what makes me good at what I do. I try to match their energy and always do my best to bring each couple’s dream ceremony to life. Seven years in, I have officiated hundreds, if not a thousand, weddings of all sizes in 3 states, and I have a 5-star rating across the board. I have made true friends with “my couples” and their families- I truly care about each of them, how they are doing, and I share in their successes and heartbreaks. I can’t wait to do this for the rest of my life. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been easy. I mean…sometimes it was. But those times come and go. In the first few years, I was honestly just winging it. I had no idea how to market myself beyond Facebook and word of mouth. I would go months without a lead. I made mistakes that probably detracted from the perfectness of weddings. (Forgetting the ring exchange, saying the wrong names, not bringing a book light for a sunset wedding on the beach…) In 2018, I decided to start getting serious about my business, and I sought out mentors. I joined an amazing community of officiants called “Wedding Officiants of America”, where people gave me honest feedback, real advice, SEO tips, etc. It may well be the only Facebook group in existence that is encouraging and nurturing. One where people lift you up instead of tearing you down. I can attribute a large portion of my success in recent years to the officiants in that group. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a wedding officiant and I think my super special, secret talent is reading people and flexibility. My customers hire me because I provide a truly customized experience. From a couple of conversations and a short questionnaire, I craft a personalized ceremony that captures the essence of the couple and their journey. It reflects their beliefs, their personalities, their successes and struggles (to the extent they’ve shared with me.). If they need someone to boss people around and get shit in order, I’ll jump in. I don’t charge extra for a late start; I don’t charge extra for date changes…I just go with the flow. 

If a customer for some reason isn’t happy, I’ll do whatever I can to get them there. Maybe it’s from all this time in the military, but I honestly can’t imagine telling someone “That’s not my job”. If I think it’s something I can do, I’ll usually do it. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Basically, every wedding officiant blog! Officiant Eric is one of my faves for last-minute changes or additions to ceremonies. Wedding Officiants of America on Facebook, the officiant directory.com and Thumbtack for filling in the gaps, and all the customers and friends who hype me up! 

Pricing:

• Basic Elopements from $150
• Custom Wedding Ceremonies from $300
• All-Inclusive Elopements from $600

Contact Info:

• Website: lynsey-thomas-wedding-officiant.business.site
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Aikenweddingofficiant
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Aikenweddingofficiant

Image Credits
Jenny O’Neill
Jennifer Druelle
Lucy Thomas
Nick Snell Photography