Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bonnie Sanchez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bonnie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

As devastating as the pandemic was to so many individuals and businesses/industries worldwide, the wedding industry in Florida had somewhat of an opposite effect.

From mid March to the end of June 2020, I had at least 40 wedding bookings that were either cancelled or postponed. Beyond that point, were several postponements that continued right through till the end of 2021. International clients pushed their new dates out to 2022 in most cases. With exception to that three to four month time period when venues, parks, beaches, most public areas were closed – wedding bookings along the Gulf Coast of Florida surprisingly increased. Elopements, micro-weddings and mini-monies became more popular than ever, as did the value of my role as a Wedding Officiant.

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 was inspired to become a Wedding Officiant / Celebrant, by attending a very impersonal, rushed, unprofessional wedding ceremony being performed along the Las Vegas strip. At the time, it was simply a thought voiced out loud, “I could do a better job than that!” After extensive research, I decided to give this “wedding thing” a try. On July 7, 2014, I launched my new website, “Weddings by Bonnie” – and here I am 8 years later, having performed 1200+ ceremonies.

What sets me apart from many others in my industry is my passion and desire to create a unique and special experience for each couple I work with. I am truly blessed to connect with so many wonderful couples and their families from around the world. I have been exposed to many different cultures and traditions originating from their heritage or practices related to their faith. The ceremonies I create and perform are modern, personalized, and anything but “cookie cutter.” Wedding or Vow Renewal ceremonies should never be a rehearsed script but rather a personalized reflection of their unique love story.

In addition to the wonderful couples I am blessed to work with – the incredibly talented industry professionals I interact with, also fuel my inspiration. Like any industry, trends within the wedding world are ever changing. As professional wedding vendors, we need to adjust and adapt just as quickly. Each couple has their own creative vision for their special day and it is our job as wedding professionals to guide them and bring that dream to fruition. Working with a team that shares the same passion, flexibility and goal to please – makes every event I attend just that much more exciting!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

There are many sources that direct clients to me:

1. First and foremost – having an effective online presence is crucial. Online platforms promoting weddings (i.e. WeddingWire, the Knot, Google Ads, Eventective, Thumbtack, etc), increase my exposure so my company name and photos show up everywhere clients are shopping for Officiant services. You have to “get in their face” to have them come to yours.

You must have an eye pleasing, easy to read website describing what you do, that best represents you as a person to help people decide if you are the best fit for them – and keep it updated. I’m not always the best at keeping mine updated (especially my blog!) – but it is currently in the works.

2. Staying connected to my industry peers so they think of me (first, second or third), when an Officiant is requested! Of course there is nothing like word of mouth from family, friends, and former clients.

3. Networking – Networking – Networking!

Although I love to get up in front of a group of people to publicly present, put me in a room full of my peers and I just want to hide in a corner and pretend I’m invisible (what’s up with that!?). I’ve never felt comfortable speaking up in meetings even when I know I have something valuable to contribute. I have had to push myself to go to networking functions, zoom calls, industry events, etc. In all cases at the end of each one I thought…glad that’s over…and it wasn’t really that bad! I often hate to admit – I actually had fun and learned something AND made some wonderful connections!

4. Social Media Posting…the first thing in the procrastination pile – posting!
It takes time, patience, thought, tagging the appropriate professionals (and often looking up their tag names on each platform), keeping up with new trends on social media, and above all – CONSISTENCY! My excuse is always – I don’t have time, too tired, not in the mood, etc. I am not as quick as I used to be and I am also a lot busier than in years past so I don’t seem to “make the time”to post as often. Although I haven’t done a great job in keeping up with new posting techniques (reels, stories, TikTok, etc) – it’s more about the consistency and getting that exposure that is important.

If you stay on top of these items above, you’ll have so much business your head will spin (at least mine is!). Don’t fall into the the negative nelly self talk – “there is so much competition – it’s just too hard – I’ll never make it.” That is a lame excuse not to get out there and at least try – just do it. If your heart is truly in it – the phone will ring. There is plenty of business out there for all of us if you want to put a wee bit of effort into it!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation was and still is organic – by not trying to prove or be someone I’m not. The best advice was given to me right before I performed my first wedding ceremony. I was freaked out, ready to vomit and ditch the wedding I was so scared. I reached out to a mentor on Facebook and he simply said…”Bonnie, just go out there and be yourself.” Those words have stuck with me when standing before 2 people, 200 people, and once in front of over 36,000 sports fans while televised around the world. RIP Jimmy McNamara, for your kind words from day one and for instilling that confidence in my heart from the very first experience at the altar. Whenever I am writing, speaking, posting, sharing, I have always stuck to that same principle, of just being myself. As always, a little bit of common sense goes a long way…show up on time, dress for the occasion, be professional, organized, communicate with your colleagues at the event and play nice with others. Success will soon follow!

Of course showing up, looking nice, being professional, organized, communicating and playing nice with others are pretty much ‘no-brainers’ in maintaining your reputation!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.WeddingsByBonnie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weddingsbybonnie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weddingsbybonnie/

Image Credits
Photographers: Paul’s Vegas Photography Rob Hurth Photography DTCB – Downtown Chelsea Brown Jeff Jansen Photography Jen House Photography Mad Images Wild Love Photography Caroline Allen Photography Katelyn Prisco Photography CFL Photography