Love's Events: 10 Questions with Matthew Love

Officiant - Matthew Love

Business: Love's Events
Location: Seattle, Washington WA
Experience: 20 Years
Profile: Love's Events
Website: lovesevents.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

WoW! My story...? That is a HUGE wide open question and I would LOVE to connect with you to share it. My real name is Matthew Love and I have done event work for over 20 years. I launched the Love's Events brand and current iteration in 2014.

This type of content is readily available on many places but naturally, my website at www.lovesevents.com is the best; NOT that we want you to hop off Wedding Rule! Really, the NUMBER 1, unequivocally best and frankly requisite manner of learning about me is to give me a call at 206.501-9686. Let's talk. MY STORY is nothing compared to YOURS. I want to know about you, your plans and your vision because everyone's idea and manner of finding their perfect provider is personal and unique. I can hardly wait to meet you.

2. What's your experience as a wedding officiant? How many weddings have your officiated?

I am an event professional which means that as a coordinator, DJ, emcee, auctioneer, lighting designer and officiant I have a deep wellspring of experience facilitating and guiding live gatherings of many types in many different ways with different goals. I have done this for over twenty years. A quick look at my EVENTS tab at my site will give you a snapshot of non wedding work which is invaluable at informing my favorite form of work; weddings. Why? Because weddings may be the last form of affair we all agree regularly and naturally unfold in modern life where we can come together without an agenda; without anything being asked of us other than our presence and joy. TO come together to just be human BEINGS not DOINGS, to celebrate, have fun, enjoy and connect. To me, that's nothing less than pure platinum.

3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?

My average lead time runs about six months to a year and half out which is ideal. I receive many requests a matter of days or weeks and really, were I to take these it's really unfair to my booked clients to be prioritized lower because of a tight lead time. The reality is joining together in a collaborative planning journey is FAR best when approached proactively. This IS, after all, your wedding and I truly believe that if there were ever an occasion to be on the ball, this is it.

4. How would you describe your officiant style?

I couldn't. It's always going to be a reflection of the couple and I always strive to personalize it accordingly. Fun, appropriately brief (20-25 minutes excluding processionals and recessionals is the sweet spot as there is such a thing as too short. Peoples hearts cannot be touched and opened in minutes). I usually perform non religious yet spiritually minded services. I often, where desired, perform ceremonies with touches from couples faith backgrounds such as Filipino Catholic, Latin American traditions, Greek Orthodox, tea ceremonies etc.

5. What are your fees for officiating a wedding?

I have detailed packages and services outlined at www.lovesevents.com PACKAGES.

6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?

I want to complement, not match, your colors and themes. Outdoor garden weddings are typically a bit more casual so a grey linen jacket with either bow or straight ties work better than formal suits, otherwise known as tuxedos. A classic tux with a crisp white shirt and pale pink straight tie is usually THE perfect look.

7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?

This is really dependent on the whatever is going to take my couples to their most comfortable and confident place. Typically, we start with group phone or video consultation and move to a first live meet up prior to presenting a contract. Once we verbally agree to level and terms, I present a contract accordingly. Once that is executed I am effectively on retainer to you. From there I recommend official planning consult #1 anytime where I collect my raw materials from you with which I work and then present to you in a more formalized fashion at our official planning consult #2, ideally within about two weeks of your date. We will have an entire afternoon and evening together as I facilitate your rehearsal which is much more about creating a "container" with your closest tribe which unfolds beautifully into your wedding day.

8. Will you be able to create a personalized ceremony?

Absolutely!

9. Are you available to travel if needed?

Absolutely!

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

I hope folks can understand that there are a very limited number of prime dates during our wedding season; about twelve Saturdays, then Sundays. I do not recommend Fridays although some folks go with weekdays. All in all, these dates are incredibly valuable. When a contract is executed, your date is locked down and I am unavailable to others. If extenuating circumstances arise, I am still out 50% of the contract value. Therefore, as this path requires "adulting", unless it is something unprecedented such as Covid-19, my contracts are provisionally non refundable. More details are outlined on the contract.