Alright – so today we have the honor of introducing you to SARAH HOLZER VAZQUEZ. We think you will enjoy our conversation; we have shared it below.
SARAH, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let us start with the big picture – what are some of the biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
When speaking with wedding planners, I am constantly hearing that the couple has chosen a family member or friend to perform their ceremony. The thought of getting ordained just to do a friend’s wedding seems like a great and personal idea. However, there is more to do than just recite a “speech.” The proper attire, coordinating the ceremony with the DJ, being heard, being professional, and then there is the paperwork. Marriage is a legal procedure and one of the most important days in a couple’s life. Do not discount the importance of being a professional marriage Officiant. A guest should be considered a guest, one that can freely enjoy the day and one who you do not have
to worry if they have had too much to drink or embarrass the couple at the altar.
SARAH, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a degreed Accountant, so I am used to details and paperwork. I became an Officiant by a chance meeting with a wedding planner. Which I have been doing for 4 and 1/2 years. With each ceremony, I get such a sense of honor. One of my first ceremonies, the bride had three daughters and the groom had three daughters. After I pronounced the couple married, the six girls went into a huddle and proclaimed, we are finally sisters. I was so taken back and became so emotional because I felt the honor of my marriage ceremony and the honor that was bestowed on me.
Being in a tourist town, I marry numerous out-of-towners, who find the area beautiful and want
to get married in South Carolina.
They are unaware of how to go about getting a marriage license and what else needs to be done. I have helped couples obtain their license and make the process effortless. After the ceremony, I file the marriage license which takes a great burden off of them and let them enjoy.
I try to make my ceremonies memorable. I also am proud to say that I will perform same sex and transgender ceremonies, which I find that my contemporaries will not.
How do you stay connected with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I will always reach out to my couple by text a few days before the ceremony to make them aware that I have not forgotten them plus give them an avenue of communication just in case there is an issue.
I also use this text to inform them of filing and I share pictures that my husband, who accompanies me to all my ceremonies, has taken. I also try to friend them on social media and allow them to follow me to let them see my post of their ceremony and also see prior ceremonies.
At year end, I send all my couples a holiday card, wishing them well and thanking them.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best way of getting new engaged couples is being on preferred vendor lists at venues.
The second way is letting wedding planners see how you manage a ceremony and of course there is word of mouth.
Social media is also a powerful tool but now you really have to target your audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: shhvows.com
- Instagram: hv.Sarah
- Facebook: Sarah’s Hilton Head Vows