We were lucky to catch up with Sam Mullen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam , thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

When I first started my business back in 2015, a friend suggested “Weddings by Sam”. And I responded, “Sounds good!”

If I had to do it over again, I would pick any name but that!! I was so new to officiating and the wedding world, that I honestly didn’t know any better. I loved what I did as a ‘side hustle’ on weekends while serving as a full-time hospice chaplain. Organically, my officiating business grew. I began to get more referrals from my ‘friendors’, and family/friends of couples.

“Weddings by Sam” also grew not only in the amount of couples I served, but with my first website in 2018. That was huge! I also experienced a shift in my business because I began to see it as something that I wanted to pursue full-time.
I became even more interested in how I could develop myself professionally. And to that end, I pursued educational growth. For me, that was “Unboring Wedding Academy”, where I honed my skills, thanks to Mark Allan Groleau.

When I was on a phone call with Mark one day, I mentioned that I woudn’t pick “Weddings by Sam” for my business name if I had to do it over again. I shared that I would go with a name that was ‘catchier’. A name that really nails what I do as a professional officiant. And what Mark told me stuck with me- “Sam, it doesn’t really matter what your business is called if you’re delivering an unforgettable experience and people know you and trust you.” WOW. A gamechanger for sure.

And I realized in that moment that “Weddings by Sam” compelely worked. And for that , I am grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to marry amazing couples full time. Grateful for the incredible people I work with in the wedding industry. Grateful for the being a creative, an entrepreneur. And if I do rebrand at some point, I’ll let you know. :)

Sam , 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?

I am a full-time professional wedding officiant! I officiated ceremonies as a pastor, but when I created my business 7 years ago, I knew that I would one day do this full time. While I’m there on the big day, with bow tie on and ready to go- I help couples get to that point too.

This is through supporting them throughout the planning process. I’m not a ‘one and done’ type of guy. If a couple books with me, they get my undivided attention from the get- go. And one of the things that sets me apart IS the planning process- my most popular package includes a video planning session “Wedding Workshop”. This gives every couple a sense of ease, knowing that every detail is covered for their ceremony. I like to call it a ‘bullet proof’ ceremony.

Another strength that makes my brand unique is the sense of storytelling & personalization that I bring to each ceremony. While it takes more time, it’s worth it. And not boring!!

One of the greatest compliments that I can get is when a guest tells me after a ceremony: “That really grabbed me, and I wasn’t trying to get through this part to get to the bar.” I love putting the couple in the spotlight, pulling their guests into the moment- through their love story and vows- right down to the kiss with everyone cheering them on!

And that is really what it’s about- THEM, not me. That’s what I’d call a ‘successful’ ceremony!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

When I pause to think about this question, I’m reminded of what couples have told me- that I truly care, and that they felt as they they really mattered. That they weren’t just ‘another ceremony.’ I do believe that this, along with other wedding pros who have recognized this, has greatly encouraged me, as well.

Maya Angelou said it best: “I”ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Oh boy. *face palm* That’s a ‘yes’. When I first started, I took on everything that I could in an effort to grow my business, without knowing how to define my brand. It just happend through trial and error, organically. Granted, that’s often the path to success (with a few landmines along the way!), but I wish I knew some of the pros that I know now.

For example, fellow pro officiants that could’ve given me input. One of my close officiant friends told me recently, “I’ve fired and rehired myself several times.” Yup!! Me too. I also wish I would’ve known about some of the great wedding networking groups that I am belong to. And how to effectively market my business. I posted on Facebook, but had NO idea about SEO, algorithms, and Instagram. Seriously. They do make a difference! And while I know they’re still periforal to consistently delivering a customer based excerience, there are so many ‘hats’ a small business owner wears. And they all matter.

I’ve often loved the quote from Joyce Meyer: “I may not be where I need to be, but I’m not where I used to be…and I am ON MY WAY!” Can I get an amen up in here??

Contact Info:

• Website: www.weddingsbysamofficiant.com
• Instagram: @samofficiant
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weddingsbysamtoday
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/weddingsbysamtoday

Image Credits
-Sara Ozim Photography -Willow & Oak Photography