We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kevin Harper. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kevin below.
Kevin, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Life’s journey has a knack for taking us on unexpected and profoundly fulfilling adventures. Imagine this: back in college, I made a whimsical decision to get ordained online, more as a quirky novelty than anything else. Little did I know that this seemingly casual choice would become an integral part of my most cherished life experiences.
It all started with weddings within my inner circle—close friends and family who saw in me the ideal officiant to bring anecdotes, humor, and heartfelt sentiment to their special day. As I crafted that very first ceremony, it struck me that I was stepping into uncharted territory. Few among my circle had ventured into officiating weddings, and I found myself uniquely positioned to create ceremonies that resonated deeply with the couples I held dear.
The journey to establish my presence in this sphere involved a blend of creative social media efforts, exploring graphic design concepts, and, most importantly, convincing engaged friends to entrust me with the honor of officiating their wedding. While I had always been a comfortable public speaker, I was eager to refine this skill. I’ve always been a storyteller at heart, never shying away from the spotlight.
What fueled my passion most was the unwavering belief that I could breathe fresh life into what is arguably the most significant moment in a couple’s journey together. My goal was to transform standard, repetitive ceremonies into experiences that couples eagerly anticipated, leaving them with beautiful memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Furthermore, my experiences as a firefighter served as a bedrock for my commitment to serving the community, even in a different role. The values of safety, dedication, and the profound importance of shared moments resonated deeply with the mission I envisioned for my wedding officiant service.
The excitement I felt was deeply rooted in the potential to fill a noticeable gap in wedding ceremonies. It was about more than just reciting vows—it was about weaving unforgettable memories. I aimed to design ceremonies that were a true reflection of each couple’s love story, personalities, and beliefs, offering them a deeply resonant and bespoke experience.
This amalgamation of passion, experience, and a profound appreciation for the significance of these moments formed the very essence of my service. It’s a commitment to celebrating diversity, cherishing love, and crafting joyous memories that will endure a lifetime.
From that playful online ordination to the creation of heartfelt, personalized ceremonies, this journey has brought me to where I am today—devoted to crafting weddings that transcend the ordinary, providing couples with emotional roller coasters that are unforgettable, joyous, and profoundly personal.
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.
My journey into the officiating began in 2010 when I became an Ordained Minister through the Universal Life Church. It wasn’t merely an ordination; it was the start of a deeply fulfilling path, officiating weddings for couples from diverse backgrounds. This experience, witnessing the union of love in its various forms, laid the foundation for my belief in the transcendent power of love. I hold a deep respect for the rich tapestry of religious views and ceremony preferences that each couple brings, ensuring their special day is a true reflection of their unique bond.
Simultaneously, I serve as a full-time firefighter, a role that’s not just a profession but a dedication to safeguarding my community. It’s a calling that embodies selflessness, sacrifice, and a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of those around me. This commitment to service has ingrained in me a profound sense of responsibility and honor, qualities that I carry into each ceremony.
Moreover, beyond these professional roles, I am a proud father and husband. These roles have taught me invaluable lessons in commitment, family, and the significance of nurturing meaningful relationships. They’ve greatly influenced how I approach each wedding ceremony, understanding the importance of the union being celebrated and the journey that lies ahead for the couple.
What sets me apart is this dynamic blend of experiences and perspectives. As an officiant, firefighter, father, and husband, I bring a multifaceted understanding to every ceremony. I aim to infuse a sense of reverence and celebration into the union of each couple, blending the solemnity of the occasion with a touch of joy and light-heartedness.
My proudest accomplishment is the ability to craft ceremonies that are not just traditional or routine but reflect the genuine love and individuality of each couple. Every ceremony is a unique reflection of their journey, respecting their beliefs and preferences while adding elements of joy and celebration that create lasting memories.
Potential clients should know that I’m here not just to officiate their union but to ensure their special day becomes a cherished and unforgettable memory for everyone involved. I’m dedicated to weaving together the sacredness of the moment with a celebration of love in all its beautiful forms.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The most effective means of attracting new clients has been through a balance of genuine self-promotion and a deep commitment to service. In the realm of wedding officiating, I’ve encountered a diverse spectrum of individuals, some valuing their services significantly above market price, whether rightfully or not. Conversely, there are those who, like myself when I began, offer their services humbly, or even officiate for friends and family as a heartfelt gift.
Navigating this landscape, I’ve found that leveraging social media platforms and dedicated groups tailored to the clientele, such as wedding vendor networks and bride-to-be groups, has been instrumental. These outlets allow me to exhibit my skills and share meaningful experiences, presenting a tapestry of ceremonies and moments that reflect the essence and diversity of the unions I’ve had the honor to officiate.
In this interconnected world, couples often make their choice based on the resonance of the vibe they hope to cultivate for their special day. By showcasing not just the technical proficiency but the heartfelt dedication and the unique atmosphere I bring to each ceremony, I provide couples a window into the experience they can anticipate. It’s not merely about the service provided; it’s about the journey I offer to create a wedding that mirrors their vision and encapsulates the spirit they wish to evoke on their day of union.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Over time, I’ve realized the profound importance of humility in my role as an officiant. I’ve had to unlearn the notion of being the focal point and shift the spotlight to where it truly belongs: on the couples themselves. As my business grew, I encountered the challenge of balancing self-promotion with the genuine celebration of love.
The turning point arrived when I noticed potential client wedding dates overlapping and found myself inadvertently adopting a sales-oriented approach rather than embodying the supportive guide that couples truly needed on their significant day. This realization was humbling, prompting a vow to myself: never to compromise the authenticity of the experience by resorting to pushy sales tactics or overshadowing the couple’s momentous occasion with my own accolades.
It’s become clear that what truly resonates with couples is not just a list of achievements or pressured pitches, but rather the sincerity and warmth of my personality. I aspire for couples to choose me not because of sales tactics or impressive credentials, but for the unique and genuine touch I bring to their special day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hitchedbyharper.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/hitchedbyharper
- Facebook: facebook.com/hitchedbyharper
Image Credits
Tami & Ryan Photography EricaJay Photography Nicole Daake Photography Courtney Kattler Photos Revel Studios NJ