We recently connected with Carla Doshi and have shared our conversation below.
Carla , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
Naming a business is definitely one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of creating a brand! The story behind Forever Incredible Ceremonies is rooted in both my passion for the work I do and the idea of making weddings truly memorable for couples.
After making the move back to Chicago, I was contemplating a rebrand—moving away from simply using my name and finding something that better represented what I offer couples. I wanted a name that would convey the level of care, creativity, and personal touch I bring to every ceremony.
The name Forever Incredible came together when a customer said to me, “You have made our day forever incredible,” after their ceremony. Those words stuck with me and felt like the perfect way to describe the experience I strive to give every couple. It was more than just a ceremony—it was an unforgettable moment that marked the beginning of their life together.
I wanted the name to reflect the idea of not just making the marriage official, but making it incredible—unique, personal, and meaningful. It’s a reminder that every couple deserves a ceremony that stands out and is crafted with care and authenticity.
The name just felt right because it expresses the idea of making a wedding day extraordinary while staying true to my values of authenticity and connection. Every couple deserves to have a wedding that feels made just for them, and Forever Incredible embodies that dream.
It’s been wonderful to see how the name resonates with couples, as it perfectly captures what I strive to offer—an incredible experience that marks the beginning of their forever together.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Carla, the owner and lead officiant of Forever Incredible Ceremonies, a wedding officiating service based in Chicago with connections to St. Pete/Tampa, Florida. My journey into this industry began 24 years ago when two close friends asked me to officiate their elopement on St. Pete Beach. It was an unforgettable experience that ignited my passion for bringing couples together in the most meaningful way possible. What started as a favor for friends quickly blossomed into a career that I truly love.
At Forever Incredible, I specialize in crafting deeply personalized and creative wedding ceremonies. Unlike many officiants who may use templates, I write custom ceremonies that tell each couple’s unique love story. Whether couples are planning a traditional wedding, a multicultural fusion ceremony, or an intimate elopement, I work closely with them to create a ceremony that truly reflects who they are, what they cherish, and how they envision their future together.
The biggest problem I solve for my clients is helping them create a ceremony that feels authentic and personal. Many couples worry that their ceremony will feel impersonal or rushed, but through thoughtful collaboration, I ensure that every moment is meaningful and uniquely tailored to them. From writing vows to including cultural traditions or blending different family customs, I create a ceremony that not only honors the couple’s love but also their families and backgrounds.
What sets me apart is my genuine dedication to crafting a ceremony that is not only heartfelt but also a reflection of the couple’s personality. I believe in going beyond the script to connect deeply with each couple and their story. My goal is to make the ceremony an unforgettable, joyful moment that feels true to who they are as individuals and as partners.
I’m incredibly proud of the impact my work has on couples and their families. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the joy and emotion during the ceremony, knowing that I’ve played a role in such an important day. I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built over the years — from working with couples across the country and internationally, to creating lasting bonds with other wedding professionals.
For those considering my services, I want them to know that my focus is on making their wedding day truly incredible. It’s about more than just performing a ceremony—it’s about crafting an experience that resonates deeply with them. At Forever Incredible, I strive to make every moment of your ceremony unforgettable and uniquely yours. On the day you make it forever, make it incredible!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Building a reputation in the wedding industry takes time, dedication, and a genuine passion for what you do. For me, I believe a few key factors have really helped me build my reputation:
Authenticity and Personalization: From the very beginning, I made the decision to focus on crafting deeply personalized, custom ceremonies. This means truly getting to know each couple and their story—something that’s often overlooked in this industry. By consistently delivering ceremonies that reflect their love and values, couples began to trust me to make their most important day unforgettable.
Word of Mouth: Weddings are such a personal event, and couples who feel truly seen and heard often share their experiences with others. Many of my bookings have come from past couples who recommended me to their friends, family, or colleagues. This word-of-mouth marketing has been a huge driver of my business and reputation.
Building Strong Relationships with Clients: I focus on creating a strong connection with each couple, from our first conversation to the moment I officiate their ceremony. Being there for them, offering guidance, and making them feel comfortable and supported goes a long way. It’s not just about performing a ceremony—it’s about being a trusted part of their journey.
Commitment to Quality: I’ve always prioritized the quality of my work over volume. Whether it’s the time I spend writing a couple’s vows or rehearsing with them to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly, I ensure that each ceremony I perform is executed with care and excellence.
Consistency and Integrity: Over the years, I’ve remained consistent in my messaging and approach. I’ve stayed true to my values and have continuously shown up as someone who genuinely cares about making each wedding meaningful. This integrity is what has helped me build trust and loyalty within the market.
Networking and Collaborating: By forming relationships with other wedding vendors—photographers, florists, planners, etc.—I’ve been able to tap into a larger community and expand my reach. Collaborating with talented individuals and businesses in the industry has allowed me to provide a seamless experience for my clients, further solidifying my reputation.
Overall, my reputation has been built on a foundation of passion, personal connection, and commitment to providing couples with an unforgettable ceremony that authentically represents their love. I believe that when you pour your heart into your work, it reflects in everything you do, and people notice that.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
There was a time when I had a thriving elopement business in Florida, where I combined photography and officiating. It was a wonderful setup, and I loved being part of such intimate moments in couples’ lives. However, when I moved back to Chicago, I decided to focus primarily on wedding photography for a while. This shift allowed me to experience wedding days from start to finish, and it gave me a deeper understanding of what truly makes a ceremony special and unique. It also provided an opportunity to connect with some of the best wedding vendors in the Chicago area, many of whom have become great friends.
Then, life threw a curveball. After a car accident and later spine surgery, I found myself in a situation where I had to put my camera down for good to give my body the time it needed to heal. It was a difficult decision, and I honestly felt at a loss—not wanting to leave the wedding industry entirely.
That’s when a few friends asked me to officiate their intimate wedding. Standing there, officiating, I had a flash of realization—this was exactly what I was meant to do. It was a moment of clarity that brought me back to my true calling. Since then, I’ve been officiating weddings full-time, and I haven’t looked back. It was through that unexpected shift that I discovered my true passion for creating meaningful, authentic ceremonies for couples.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chicagolandweddingofficiant.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4everincredible/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOREVERINCREDIBLE/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-doshi-forever-incredible
- Twitter: https://x.com/foreverincred
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@foreverincredibleceremonies
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/forever-incredible-chicago
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/foreverincredibleceremonies/
https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/forever-incredible-ceremonies-chicago-il-2061813
Image Credits
Bradley Moss Photography
Rachael Kazmir Photography
Danielle Heinson Photography
J Lauryn Photography
Diamond Photography
Alex Maldonado Photography
Becky Brown Photography