Community Highlights: Meet Amanda Qualls Shryock of AQ Wedding Officiant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Qualls Shryock.

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?
I didn’t have an easy start in lifetdd. I grew up bouncing between homes, spending time in a halfway house and a place called the Buckeye Ranch, and even running away at times. Born in Cambridge, Ohio, and later raised in Columbus with my dad and stepmom Betty, whom over time I called Mommy. I often went without things like electricity or gas and even food, but those experiences shaped my resilience. At a young age, I learned the value of hard work, starting with a job at Betty Anne’s, a small convenience store on the south side of Columbus.

As I grew older, I pursued a career in the medical field and even graduated with high honors as a medical assistant. But life took a difficult turn, and in 2016, I found myself incarcerated for six years. I’m not proud of that chapter, but I also don’t regret it—because it’s where I reconnected with God, got baptized, and truly started to change my life. Prison became the place where I discovered faith, studied the Bible, and even began taking theology classes. That transformation helped me become the woman I am today.

After my release, I wanted to give back to the world in a meaningful way. In 2022, I became an ordained minister, and in 2025, I launched AQ Wedding Officiant LLC. At first, I knew nothing about running a business, but I trusted God to provide—and He has. Today, I get to be part of one of the most beautiful moments in a couple’s life: uniting two people in love and marriage. It’s an honor I don’t take lightly.

Now, I’m working to grow my business, set my own schedule, and build a future that’s a far cry from my past. I went from struggling with addiction and incarceration to owning my own company, working from home, and making a difference in people’s lives. I also have a friend to thank Allen Knott is someone who I call my brother is someone I look up to and get advice from he put me in the right direction on becoming a business owner.And Every ceremony reminds me why I started this journey: because love is powerful, and helping others celebrate it gives me 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. My journey has been filled with struggles, setbacks, and hard lessons, but I wouldn’t trade those experiences because they shaped me into who I am today. Growing up, life was unstable—I bounced between homes, sometimes without basic necessities like gas or electricity. As I got older, I faced struggles with addiction, financial hardships, and eventually spent six years incarcerated.

That time in prison was a turning point for me. It was where I got baptized, reconnected with God, and started to believe in myself again. Even after I was released, the challenges didn’t stop. I had to rebuild my life from nothing, learn how to run a business with no formal training, and work through the stigma of my past.

But every obstacle pushed me to grow stronger. Now, I see those struggles as stepping stones that led me to my calling as a Minister/Wedding Officiant. I, taught me resilience, empathy, and how to connect with others on a deeper level. Today, I use that strength to not only build my business but also to make every couple I work with feel valued and celebrated.

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Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is called AQ Wedding Officiant LLC, and I specialize in creating personalized, meaningful wedding ceremonies that truly reflect each couple’s unique love story. What sets me apart is the personal attention I give every client—I take the time to really get to know them, their story, and what matters most to them so their ceremony feels authentic and unforgettable.

I’m known for keeping ceremonies smooth, simple, and stress-free while adding just the right amount of humor and warmth. I believe weddings should feel joyful and personal, not cookie-cutter, so I write custom scripts for each couple and make their big day as special as possible.

I’m most proud of building my business from nothing, fueled by faith, passion, and a desire to bring people together. Even though I’m self-taught, I’ve built a reputation for professionalism, creativity, and genuine care. Couples often tell me how comfortable and supported they feel with me officiating, and that’s exactly what I want every client to experience.

At AQ Wedding Officiant, I offer everything from simple elopements to fully personalized ceremonies, premarital counseling, and same-day marriages. My mission is to make every couple’s wedding day one they’ll cherish forever, no matter their style, beliefs, or budge

My business is called AQ Wedding Officiant LLC, and I specialize in creating personalized, meaningful wedding ceremonies that truly reflect each couple’s unique love story. What sets me apart is the personal attention I give every client—I take the time to really get to know them, their story, and what matters most to them so their ceremony feels authentic and unforgettable.

I’m known for keeping ceremonies smooth, simple, and stress-free while adding just the right amount of humor and warmth. I believe weddings should feel joyful and personal, not cookie-cutter, so I write custom scripts for each couple and make their big day as special as possible.

I’m most proud of building my business from nothing, fueled by faith, passion, and a desire to bring people together. Even though I’m self-taught, I’ve built a reputation for professionalism, creativity, and genuine care. Couples often tell me how comfortable and supported they feel with me officiating, and that’s exactly what I want every client to experience.

At AQ Wedding Officiant, I offer everything from simple elopements to fully personalized ceremonies, premarital counseling, and same-day marriages. My mission is to make every couple’s wedding day one they’ll cherish forever, no matter their style, beliefs, or budget.

I want readers to know that my work isn’t just about officiating weddings—
that my work isn’t just about officiating weddings—it’s about celebrating love, building connections, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

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Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor or building a network can feel intimidating at first, but I’ve learned it’s all about being genuine and willing to learn. For me, I didn’t have a formal mentor when I started AQ Wedding Officiant LLC—I had to teach myself a lot through trial, error, and faith. What worked best was putting myself out there, introducing myself to people in my community, and using every opportunity to grow.

I’ve built connections through local wedding platforms, social media, and word-of-mouth. I also make a point to support other wedding vendors, photographers, and venues. Networking isn’t just about what you can gain; it’s about creating relationships that benefit everyone.

For anyone looking for a mentor, I’d say: be open, be humble, and seek out people who inspire you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, volunteer your time, or share your goals—many experienced professionals are willing to help if they see your dedication. And if you can’t find a mentor right away, remember that your experiences can teach you just as much. I didn’t wait for the perfect opportunity or person to guide me; I trusted God, stayed consistent, and learned from every challenge.

Networking and mentorship are about connection, and in this industry, genuine relationships are what open doors.

Pricing:

• $256 Drive up ceremony
• $456 Sign n go ceremony
• $556 Simple Ceremony
• $756 Traditional Ceremony
• $1256 Full package ceremony

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aqvowsyourwayorknot.com
• Instagram: Amanda.qualls
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19x6S8r1eh/