Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharnise Sears
Hi Sharnise, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey as a wedding officiant began with a deep passion for love and commitment. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of officiating weddings and guiding couples through premarital coaching to help them build strong foundations. What started as a calling to support couples in their journey to marriage has grown into Minister Sharnise, a business dedicated to creating meaningful, personalized wedding ceremonies. My journey has been shaped by my dedication to love, to relationships, and to cultural inclusivity. As a certified premarital coach and marriage educator, I don’t just officiate weddings—I help couples start their marriages with intention and purpose.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped me grow. When I first started officiating, I followed a more traditional, “copy-paste” approach to ceremonies. But I quickly realized that every couple has a unique love story, and their wedding ceremony should reflect that. So, I shifted to writing custom scripts, weaving in personal details that make each ceremony meaningful and unforgettable.
Then came the pandemic, which brought a whole new set of challenges. With in-person weddings on hold, I adapted by performing online ceremonies, ensuring that couples could still say “I do” despite the circumstances. At the same time, my premarital and marriage coaching sessions skyrocketed—couples were home together more than ever, navigating new dynamics, and needed support. Balancing it all was overwhelming at times, but it reinforced my passion for not just weddings but for strong, lasting marriages.
As my business grew, I set my sights on creating an elevated experience for my couples and making my way into the luxury wedding space. I wanted to offer more than just a ceremony—I wanted to craft an experience that felt personal, intentional, and aligned with the couple’s vision. Through it all, I’ve remained committed to placing more value on the marriage itself, not just the wedding day. A beautiful wedding is amazing, but what really matters is the life that comes after the vows.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an ordained wedding officiant, certified premarital coach, and marriage educator dedicated to helping couples create meaningful wedding experiences and build strong marriages. Through my business, Minister Sharnise, I specialize in crafting custom ceremonies that reflect each couple’s unique love story. I also provide premarital coaching to help couples navigate important conversations and set a solid foundation for their future together.
What sets me apart is my focus on the marriage, not just the wedding. I want couples to walk away with more than a beautiful ceremony—I want them to feel prepared for a lifetime of commitment. That passion extends beyond my business. I currently serve as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging for WIPA Cleveland, where I work to create more inclusive and culturally aware experiences within the wedding industry. Additionally, I’m pursuing a degree in psychology, which deepens my understanding of relationships and allows me to better support couples before and after they say “I do.”
I’m most proud of the impact I make in people’s lives, whether it’s through officiating, coaching, or advocating for a more inclusive wedding industry. My work is more than a job—it’s a calling to help couples build a love that lasts.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is to trust the journey and lean on God through every step. Entrepreneurship, especially in the wedding industry, can be unpredictable, but when you’re walking in your purpose, God will always make a way. There will be moments of doubt, but faith and perseverance will carry you through.
One thing I wish I had known earlier is the importance of rest and resetting. As a creative, it’s easy to get caught up in constantly producing, but burnout is real. Taking time to pause, reflect, and recharge is just as important as the work itself. Some of my best ideas have come during moments of stillness.
There’s a Nigerian proverb that says, “A man who chases two rats catches none.” It’s a reminder to stay focused and intentional. When you’re just starting out, it’s tempting to try and do everything at once, but clarity comes when you align your work with your true purpose. Stay patient, stay prayerful, and give yourself grace in the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ministersharnisesears.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/minister_sharnise_sears
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/minister_sharnise_sears
Image Credits
@dragonflyphotography
@amandahemstreetphotography
@mattericksonphotography
