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

Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

What sets me apart from the industry standard as a wedding officiant is the level of personalization and care I put into every ceremony. While my packages may be more expensive than some other officiants in the area, what I offer is a truly customized experience. I don’t use generic scripts or cookie cutter ceremonies… each script is crafted specifically for the couple, reflecting their love story, values, and personalities. No two ceremonies are ever the same.

I take the time to get to know my couples, understand their journey, and incorporate meaningful elements… whether that’s cultural traditions, personal vows, or symbolic rituals. My goal is to create a ceremony that feels deeply personal, memorable, and uniquely theirs.

Beyond the script, I invest a great deal of time, effort, and love into the process. From guiding them through vow writing to ensuring the ceremony flows seamlessly on their wedding day, I go above and beyond to make their experience stress-free and special. It’s not just about officiating… it’s about storytelling, connection, and making sure their ceremony is one of the most cherished moments of their wedding day.

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 started my journey as a wedding officiant 18 years ago when I joined an interfaith seminary to study the world’s major religions. My goal was to ensure that I could authentically and respectfully marry couples from different cultures, faiths, and traditions. Since then, I’ve had the honor of officiating countless weddings, each one unique and deeply meaningful.

After moving to Lynchburg, Virginia, in the summer of 2023, I dedicated myself to growing my business in a new community. I’m incredibly proud that in just a short time, I’ve expanded my business here even more than I did in New York and Florida combined over the previous 15 years. My hard work and dedication to creating personalized, heartfelt ceremonies have been recognized in the community… I was honored to receive the Central Virginia Weddings Best Officiant award, the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award, and the Rising Star award from the Central Virginia Business Coalition.

It’s been amazing to connect with so many couples and fellow wedding professionals, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring my passion for personalized, inclusive ceremonies to even more people.

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

I believe my reputation in the community has been built on my commitment to creating deeply personalized and meaningful ceremonies. Every couple I work with receives a ceremony that is uniquely theirs… crafted with care, love, and attention to their story, values, and traditions. I take the time to truly connect with my couples, ensuring that their ceremony reflects who they are and what their love means to them.

Beyond that, my dedication to inclusivity and cultural authenticity has resonated with many. Having studied the world’s major religions and traditions, I am able to officiate ceremonies that honor different faiths, cultures, and personal beliefs with authenticity and respect.

Additionally, my active involvement in the local wedding industry has helped establish my presence. Since moving to Lynchburg, I’ve worked hard to build relationships with fellow wedding professionals, attend networking events, and engage with the community.

Ultimately, my reputation is built on trust, professionalism, and the heartfelt experience I provide to each couple. The best compliment I receive is when couples tell me their ceremony was the most meaningful part of their wedding day… that’s what drives me and continues to strengthen my standing in the community.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source for new clients is any couple looking for a unique and personal experience that they will never forget on their wedding day. Many of the couples I work with do not belong to a specific church or aren’t looking for an overly religious ceremony, but they still want something deeply meaningful and reflective of their love story.

These couples value a ceremony that is personal, heartfelt, and inclusive… whether that means incorporating cultural traditions, custom vows, or symbolic rituals that resonate with them. Because I craft every ceremony from scratch, no two are ever the same, which appeals to those who want something beyond the standard, one-size-fits-all approach.

Word-of-mouth referrals from past couples, wedding vendors, and industry professionals have been a huge part of my success. When a couple has a ceremony that moves them and their guests, they often share their experience, leading to more connections. Additionally, my presence on platforms like WeddingWire, The Knot, and social media helps reach couples who are searching for an officiant that offers a truly customized and memorable experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/VowsByVanessa
• Instagram: @VowsbyVanessa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16BuUPHayS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-waters-300818233?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Other: TikTok: @VowsbyVanessa