Today we’d like to introduce you to Birdie James.
Birdie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I cut my teeth in theater production and puppetry in Sautee-Nacoochee, a small arts town in the Northeast Georgia mountains. A number of mentors took me under their wings and gave me opportunities to make magic; plays, ping-pong tournaments, large scale interactive installations, concerts, and all manner of other assorted special events.
Then I burnt out. The magic gave way to the hustle and grind.
Luckily enough, the sparkle I needed wasn’t too far away. My in-laws family business is weddings. They are the best at what they do and were gracious enough to get me ordained and in front of joyfully captive audiences. Happy endings are my bread and butter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My pace as an artist is always in opposition to the speed of social media. I struggled mightily with how creating richness wasn’t as important as creating content. Being beholden to the algorithm is soul killing.
Crafting ceremonies is mostly free from those digital demands. My focus gets to be solely on making people feel.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Turning Love into Family is my specialty. Of all the tools I’ve had the pleasure of crafting with, my signature on a piece of paper that binds people and opens doors, is probably a career highlight. It’s actually kind of wild.
People allow me into their rarefied air to perform their rituals. There’s a care and a reverence required when people trust you with their story.
What sets me apart is probably my knack for coming in a stranger and leaving a full family friend.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I am unafraid to jump into a dream blind and with both feet. It skirts the lines somewhere between courage, confidence, and delusion. Adding to my basket of skills and saying yes as often as possible keeps things fresh and flowing.
It also helps that I love talking to strangers. I find everyone interesting and you never know how someone might be the exact person you need.
Pricing:
- Weekday (MON-THU) Ceremony – $250
- Weekend (FRI/SAT/SUN) Ceremony – $350
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atlantaweddingofficiant.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clergybird
- Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Pi723tWPiFxwCuZT9
