Business Philosophy? *Deep thoughts with Dr Dave* This one is pretty easy. My wedding day, some 16 years ago, was one of the greatest days of my life. I will never forget the way Father Joe made me feel during those incredible moments when I promised my love and commitment to my wife. Father Joe made us all laugh, put us both at ease and yet captured the incredible depth of the moment. I will treat your ceremony for what it should be... one of the greatest days of your lives.
WHAT THINGS HELP SET YOU APART AND MAKE YOU UNIQUE ON THE OUTER BANKS? I don't really get to see other OBX Officiants in action so I'm not sure I can specify what makes me different. I can tell you that I strive to make your ceremony unique and personal to you. It would probably be easier to read off of a "script", but that would eliminate the joy that I get from learning about the two of you and how you arrived at this point in your lives. The other aspect that I take great pride in is bringing a sense of calm to your wedding day. When I arrive early on the day of your rehearsal and/or ceremony, you will know that you are in good, calm hands and everything is going to be fine and fun.
How long have you been in business AND WHERE? My wife and I are originally 'MidWesterners'. After growing a bit weary of the long winters and looking for a fresh start, we relocated to the Outer Banks in 2001 and started our family. I have been involved with OBX weddings since that time and have been officiating wedding ceremonies for the last 5 years. Never in my life has a profession been so worthwhile and so gratifying as what I am doing now.
WHAT IS SOME OF YOUR BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE A FRIEND WHO WAS GODING TO BE MARRIED ON THE OUTER BANKS? Do your homework. This is one of the most important days of your lives. While there are many excellent vendors here on the beach, you want to be sure that you are surrounded by people that your are very comfortable with.
-Book early. This is the only way that you can ensure that you secure the vendors that you prefer.
-Use those preferred vendors to assist you in booking your other vendors. It can be very confusing "shopping" for vendors if you are several states away. Allow us to at least help you narrow down your choices.
-Once your secure your preferred vendors, let them do what you hired them to do. They are experienced, very good at what they do and strive to make your wedding day special. That's why they are preferred ; )
-Never forget the true meaning of your wedding day and have fun with it!
What is your favorite part of your job? I enjoy getting to meet so many interesting people. I get to hear your "story" of how you arrived at this point in your lives. I get to spend time with those that are closest to you... and they usually have a good story or two about you ; ) Most of all, I enjoy being a part of one of the greatest moments of your lives, seeing the deep emotions in your faces and the incredible satisfaction I receive in knowing that I could add even a little bit to help make it all possible.
Where is your favorite place on the OBX? Seriously?!?! There are so many wonderful locations here that it's hard to pick one. However, what makes the Outer Banks so special is the incredible beaches. My personal favorite is being on the beach at sunrise. I can't say that I would want to be there every day ; ) But it is the most beautiful, serene setting that I have been a part of.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES OR PASSIONS BEYOND YOUR WORK? My family is by far what's most important to me. I enjoy watching my two boys grow and develop into the wonderful people that they are. I love spending time outdoors and being surrounded by nature whether it be working in the yard or playing a round of golf with friends. And according to my wife... I am a "sports junkie".
JUST FOR FUN, WHAT WOULD YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE MEAL BE? Hmmm. I'm a 'Surf-n-Turf' kind of guy. So how about a nice red wine and an appetizer of lightly breaded calamari with a few roasted oysters on the half shell. Then we'll go to a petite filet' with sauteed mushrooms, Alaskan King Crab legs with lots of butter and a side of steamed veggies. For dessert Baked Alaska and a cup of coffee. Finally... a wheelbarrow to get me to my car ; )
Why Dr Dave?...
Let me give you a little background and explanation as to how I became a Wedding Officiant. First of all...'Why Dr Dave?' I have been a practicing Chiropractor since 1998. My wife and I relocated to the Outer Banks in 2001 looking for a 'change of pace' and immediately joined the family DJ business playing almost exclusively for weddings. I have been involved in the Outer Banks wedding industry ever since. And after a few years of being around weddings, I realized that the aspect I enjoy and respect the most is that moment when the couple exchange their vows and commit to each other before their friends and family, starting the rest of their lives together. My wife and I have been married since 1993 and every wedding ceremony I witness still reminds me of that magical moment when Father Joe (in his Berks and odd socks) said; "I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride." For that reason, I decided that I would very much like to be an integral part in the union of two people wanting to share their lives together. Therefore I became an ordained Wedding Officiant in 2005, enabling me to marry two people who are committed to each other. Please visit Dr. Dave's website OBXWeddingOfficiant.com
