Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Maples .
Joshua, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been a creative writer all my life so I laughed about the idea of marrying people ever since my grandmother said I was going to do this when I was three or four years old. 40 years later, here I am. Many couples have spent so much money on vendors and venues that they overlook a creative officiant. Most couples don’t even know they want more than just an officiant. I creatively write and personalize every wedding script for the day they’ve been planning for their entire lives or on a whimsical spur of the moment.
It’s fantastic to have a wedding officiant that is different from other officiants, not a robot, especially after spending so much money already on photography, videography, venue, catering, and everything else. Why end it with a bland ceremony?
There’s no “Dearly Beloved, do you promise to honor, and there’s no questions of anyone objecting”.
Couples shouldn’t want a robot or judge without any emotion to read from a book and then walk away.
I send my couples a list of questions about thenselves to get to know their personal story. Then, write an original customized script then send it to then for their review.
I just give a little more than they expect. Because it’s THEIR one special day that THEY want perfect.
Planning a wedding can be stressful.
I usually know what pictures they want so I know how to move and coordinate with the DJ’S, photographers, etc to keep their family & friends engaged with what I have to say about their story.
I’m empathetic and sincere with all couples and keep a balance of little humor intertwined with humbleness in my ceremonies.
After 11 years, it’s automatic to help them prepare so they can relax a little more. They can be assured to hire a professional and someone with empathy that understands what style they’re looking for.
Additionally, I enjoy taking behind the scenes photos of the couples and vendors to give a shout-out every week on Facebook to the hard workers that spent their time and value to make a wedding or elopement come together.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been smooth sailing but everlasting life changes. Hurricane Helene displaced so many couples and rearrangements had to be made. Unfortunate things happen and plans need to be changed all the time. By keeping in touch, through text and email, The couples and I create a wedding unlike any other wedding. I love being creative so any struggle isn’t a struggle but an opportunity to create something that hasn’t ever happened before.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a certified professional capable of handling a wide variety of ceremonies or elopements – no matter the needs of the couple and their families, I can ensure that I’m legally qualified to provide you with an official, certifiable marriage. Additionally, I am kind, organized, creative, and always respectful of the soon-to-be-married couple in their work.
As often as feasible, giving just “a little more” every day separates an average marriage from an “exceptional marriage ceremony”
I, the wedding officiant, am the beginning of your “exceptional marriage.” giving a wedding script that additional special touch with an impressively distinctive and “non boring” ceremony!
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
There’s risks in everything. Taking a flight, riding in a car, or walking outside during the rain storm. There is nothing that frightens me. I stand on mountains, ledges, and large rocks near waterfalls and so many places that it’s just second nature to hold my ground and get the job done with the best photos the couples could ask for. There’s always a plan B in the back of my mind and any mistakes are just a part of life that happen to every single person on this planet. When we capture those moments, it’s invigorating to witness lives that are different than ours.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joshuamaplesweddingofficiant.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuamaplesweddingofficiant
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CEinGTsA2/
