Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Allen-Steward.
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?
While planning my own wedding in 2020, it was very difficult for us to find an officiant that looked like us. We ended up finding a good friend to get ordained online. I went through the process of becoming a licensed minister first to see how easy or hard it was. (It was so simple!) I recognized there was a lack of Black, queer, women representation in the wedding industry in Ohio and I wanted to change that. If I was looking for someone like me, I was sure that others were also. My new year’s resolution was to begin working on the business and on February 14, 2021, Boom Married Officiating Services was born!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been surprisingly an easy process. The hardest part for me is marketing and social media! There are so many ways to advertise yourself and there are some free/low-cost options but some can be expensive and it’s such a risk when you’re just starting out. I started out just on Facebook in all the local wedding groups and even started my own (Officiants of Ohio). This was very good for me and really got my name out there! Also, I’m not good at content creation. I know reels and Tik Tok are very vital for an online presence, but it is just not my wheelhouse. So, I do a lot of networking with other wedding professionals, go to wedding expos and of course, word of mouth is the best marketing there is!
As you know, we’re big fans of Boom Married Officiating Services. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am Erica, The All-Star Officiant! I am founder of Boom Married Officiating Services. I specialize in writing custom ceremony scripts for my couples and vow writing assistance. Other services I offer are day of coordination and American Sign Language Interpretation.
I pride myself in being professional, friendly, and inclusive. I am based in Columbus but willing to travel.
I strive to make each couple’s experience smooth and memorable. I cater to all people and environments. I have performed ceremonies in homes, parks, small and large wedding venues, and even prisons! Currently, I am booking weddings, elopements and vow renewals through 2023.
Contact Info:
- Email: Erica@boommarried.com
- Website: www.boom-married.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/boom_married
- Facebook: Facebook.com/boommarried
Image Credits
Comfort Photography
Jehan LLC
