Check Out Kimberly Burke’s Story

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kimberly Burke.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Two decades ago, a pirate-themed social gathering of friends turned into a conversation about unconventional weddings. We were interested in ideas outside of the traditional marriage norms. We wanted the freedom to marry wherever and however we chose, making the experience truly personal. Fueled by this vision, I did some research and became ordained and registered with the State in 2005. I’m currently a member of the Buckeye Lake Pirates.

Over time, I began creating ceremonies, tailoring themes, and no one had to ask me twice about dressing the part. Word-of-mouth referrals increased each year. Although I loved creating ceremonies, I also enjoyed my role as a remote employee for a pharmaceutical company until the mergers took place, job roles were changed, and stress increased dramatically. My dad lived next door to me. As my work stress escalated, he began offering supportive words.

My dad’s final words of wisdom to me were to enjoy life now because you may not be able to later. He said I love hearing about your weddings and seeing the joy they bring to you. He strongly suggested that I quit my job and do what I love. Of course, I told my dad that weddings are my passion, but it doesn’t pay the bills. He said, “It’s your passion that will make it possible”. It wasn’t until he passed away that I followed his advice. With the help of my Mr., I quit my job and couldn’t be happier.

I’m directionally challenged, so my partner drives me to all of my weddings. After the ceremony, we usually find a local place in the area for a little date night.

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?
Things didn’t start smoothly, but creativity and a challenge-accepting attitude helped me on my journey.
Public speaking wasn’t natural for me, and self-promotion was an initial hurdle. Fortunately, gradual progression allowed learning and growth.

Early on, I received a lot of calls, where couples were requesting a male officiant. Soon after, same-sex weddings became legal. I am a very open-minded and curious individual, accepting all. I guess some couples disapproved of me for this reason. Balancing the happiness of couples while keeping things fulfilling for myself was a little delicate.

I quickly learned not everyone will like everything I do, and that’s okay. On occasion, couples would ask me to say things in their ceremony that didn’t reflect my views, or maybe I didn’t feel that they had a natural flow for public speaking. I had a bride want me to say Obey; a few others wanted the traditional “you may kiss your bride” or “who gives this bride”. Learning to respond graciously with positive suggestions was an evolving process. I offer a traditional-style ceremony that is more of an updated version, in my own words. I may say, “Who has the honor of presenting this bride to be united in this union?” or “You may seal your vows with a kiss”. If someone wants to obey, they can certainly say that in their personal vows in addition to what I say.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a wedding officiant, I help couples bring their unique love stories to life, specializing in elopements and micro-weddings that truly reflect their personalities. While I’m more selective about larger weddings, I love taking on services that feel adventurous and fun. I do not require marriage counseling or anyone to convert to another’s religion. I treat Love equally. I have performed services for parapsychologists, doctors, the homeless, lawyers, detectives, inmates, and people of all walks of life.

I specialize in crafting themed ceremonies that speak to the couple’s passions. I offer a Pirate-themed ceremony, Star Wars, Football, 420, and an Edgar Allan Poe-inspired ceremony. I’m currently working on a gamer-themed ceremony. Still, my Nature-Based ceremony remains a couple’s favorite – and, of course, I also offer traditional-style ceremonies for those who prefer a timeless approach. I offer add-on ceremonies such as a gemstone ceremony, a beer ceremony, as well as many other common add-ons. I may not know much about all of the topics, but with some creative research and the help of couples, I’m able to create a theme to intrigue.

Sometimes, it’s not about a theme; it’s the place that makes the day special. I performed an elopement ceremony for a couple by their mother’s side in the OSU Hospice Center. Another couple invited me to perform their ceremony at the birthing center where she had just delivered. I offer services to six different correctional facilities.

I travel all over Ohio and even further if the adventure calls. I’ve performed weddings in Hell (the chapel in Hell, MI), the Midwest Haunters Convention, and a hearse-side elopement at the Halloween in July Market celebration. Yes, I drive a hearse. I performed a ceremony in a family cemetery, mausoleums, the historical Green Lawn Abbey, and Spring Grove Cemetery in the Norman Chapel.  I have been under covered bridges, on the Rich Street bridge, the Dublin Link, “oh boy does it sway”, and the Santa Maria replica on the Scioto River.  We have been in Old Man’s Cave, The Tranquility Salt Cave, Alongside streams, ponds, and lakes.  Parks from all over, such as Rising Park, a 250-foot sandstone bluff, Park Of Roses, Topiary Park, Bridge, Goodale and Gantz Park, Clarence W Latham Educational Park, Homestead, Schiller, Bicentennial Park, and Ballantrae Community Park.  I’ve even met a couple on the shortest street in America (Bellfountain, Ohio).  I’ve performed services at Ohio Brewing Company, Land-Grant, and the Wooly Pig Farm Brewery.  Oh, dam, I almost forgot about the dams. I performed ceremonies at O’Shaughnessy, Griggs, and Dillon Dam.  Weddings have been performed at the Franklin Park Conservatory. I also perform wedding ceremonies in correctional facilities.

I’m most proud of my hundreds of glowing five-star reviews that spread over several platforms. Knowing that I have provided couples with a truly unforgettable experience is more rewarding than anyone could ever imagine.

I think what sets me apart from others is, I offer a service that works with everyone, regardless of their budget, starting at thirty dollars and up. I listen and treat each person as if they were a friend, not a business transaction. Many couples say that they don’t know what to ask; I make it easy by asking a lot of questions to determine their needs. I’ve had couples ask for a Sign & File, which is the legal minimum with no ceremony. I could sense they wanted more, but this is what they could afford. When they arrived, I surprised them with a ceremony.

Another thing that sets me apart is that I drive a vintage black hearse that says ’til death do you part on the back. The front plate says Just Buried. I give back to the community; I attend seasonal charity Trunk Or Treats and have offered my services to food banks and animal shelters. I’m currently sponsoring Bailey Loy at the Marysville BMX Track. The community is very important to me.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When I started officiating, there wasn’t much out there as far as mentoring or networking groups. Now that I look back, I’m happy for that. With a specific niche, it can be difficult to mentor; my goal was to break free from predetermined corporate paths and follow my passion. My journey started with intimate settings, working with friends and family. Doing this allowed me to discover my unique strengths, and from there, I grew.

I guess you could say that my best friend Fred Gablick, could be considered my mentor. He is the one who lifted me when I needed it the most; he inspires and builds my confidence in ways I never knew possible. He also provides valuable feedback on my ceremonies without criticism.

I have started mentoring a few officiants. My method involves discussing actual situations that require resolution and asking them how they would manage the scenarios, followed by a solution of my own.

Pricing:

• Sign & File $30 and up
• Elopement $65. and up
• Elopement-Style Ceremony $150 and up
• Micro-wedding $200. and up

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlternativeWeddingsOfficiant
• Other: https://share.google/5lU4yqc8PoOlOmNjQ