We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Moon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, appreciate you joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions about the officiant industry is that officiants, especially ordained ministers, should be inexpensive or even free. Many people assume that because the ceremony itself is relatively short and seems straightforward, the service shouldn’t cost much. However, the reality is quite different. As a professional officiant, I dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to ensure every couple’s wedding is personalized and memorable.

I write a custom wedding script tailored to each couple’s story and preferences, which requires careful listening and creative writing. I also make myself available around the clock—responding to messages, calls, and emails 24/7—to accommodate last-minute changes or questions. My goal is to go above and beyond to make sure every bride and groom feels supported and confident on their special day.

Couples often spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on photographers, venues, flowers, and other vendors to create their perfect day. But what many don’t realize is that without the officiant, the wedding simply wouldn’t happen. The officiant is the person who legally marries the couple and helps set the tone for the entire ceremony. It’s a crucial role, yet it’s often undervalued or underpriced.

Despite these efforts, I often find myself undercharging for the level of service I provide. The challenge in this industry is balancing the expectation of affordability with the time, effort, and personal touch that truly make a wedding meaningful. It’s a rewarding profession, but one where the true costs of personalized, dedicated service are often underestimated or overlooked.

Melissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At 44 years old, I find myself reflecting on a beautiful journey that’s deeply intertwined with love, dedication, and a passion for helping others celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. My story begins with my own love story—being married to my high school sweetheart for 27 wonderful years has deeply shaped who I am today. This enduring partnership has instilled in me a profound appreciation for love’s transformative power, which I now channel into my work.

My passion for writing and guiding others has been a driving force throughout my personal and professional life. A pivotal moment in my journey was when I officiated my best friend’s wedding. That experience ignited a newfound passion for celebrating love and supporting couples as they embark on one of life’s most significant milestones. It became clear to me that helping others create memorable, heartfelt ceremonies is my calling.

Today, I serve as a wedding officiant and a guide for couples seeking to personalize and elevate their wedding experience. My services include crafting customized vows, creating meaningful ceremonies that reflect each couple’s unique story, and providing support throughout the planning process. I aim to make each event a heartfelt reflection of love, connection, and joy.

What sets me apart is my genuine dedication to every couple I work with. I bring authenticity, compassion, and a personalized touch to each ceremony, ensuring that their special day is as unique as their love story. My goal is not just to officiate a wedding but to help couples create memories that will last a lifetime.

I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built and the countless couples I’ve had the privilege to serve. Seeing their joy and knowing I’ve contributed to a milestone in their lives is incredibly fulfilling.

To potential clients, and followers, I want you to know that my work is driven by a sincere love for love itself. I believe every couple’s story deserves to be celebrated authentically and beautifully. Whether you’re planning your wedding or seeking guidance on your journey, I am here to help make your special day as meaningful and memorable as possible.

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

What has truly helped me build my reputation within my market is my genuine passion for celebrating love and my commitment to personalized, heartfelt service. From the very beginning, I prioritized understanding each couple’s unique story, values, and vision for their wedding day. This personalized approach has resonated deeply with clients, leading to strong word-of-mouth referrals and repeat engagements.

Additionally, my authenticity and integrity in every interaction have fostered trust and credibility. I believe that showing up with sincerity, attentiveness, and professionalism has set me apart from others. My willingness to go the extra mile—whether that’s crafting custom vows, offering guidance throughout the planning process, or simply being a calming presence on the big day—has consistently earned positive reviews and a reputation for reliability.

Most importantly, I think what helped me build my reputation is my genuine love for what I do. When clients sense that I truly care about their stories and their happiness, it creates a memorable experience that they want to share. That authenticity, combined with my dedication to quality service, has been instrumental in establishing a trusted and respected presence in my market.

How’d you meet your business partner?

The story of how I met my most important partner in life and business is as heartfelt as it is inspiring. My husband, who has been my partner for 27 wonderful years, is much more than just my spouse—he’s my confidant, my biggest supporter, and my co-creator in this journey. We were high school sweethearts, and over the years, we’ve built our life together on a foundation of love and a shared passion for celebrating life’s beautiful moments.

From the very beginning, he’s been by my side at every wedding and elopement, making the experience fun and relaxed. His easygoing nature and positive attitude help set a calm, happy tone for each couple’s special day. He’s also been incredibly helpful behind the scenes—taking videos of elopements and creating keepsakes for clients, often without expecting anything in return. I often give these videos to the couples for free because I believe in doing whatever I can to make their day even more memorable.

Whether it’s helping me coordinate, capturing precious moments, or simply offering encouragement and support, my husband’s involvement has been a cornerstone of my work. His willingness to step in whenever needed—whether it’s helping with logistics, making the couple laugh, or just being a calming presence—has played a huge role in building the trust and reputation I cherish today.

Together, we’ve built not just a business, but a shared passion for helping others celebrate love in authentic and memorable ways. Our partnership is a testament to the power of love, teamwork, and always having each other’s back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moonsvowsandnotary.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonsvowsandnotary/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonsvowsandnotary
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/moons-vows-and-notary-fayetteville