Today we’d like to introduce you to Dannielle Thompson
Dannielle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was inspired to become a wedding officiant about 20 years ago while attending a friend‘s wedding at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Their officiant was an older lady in a peach suit with the most incredible voice. She created a wonderful vibe and the ceremony was perfect for the couple. I was so inspired – I knew instantly I wanted to do the same. I wanted to help people celebrate their love. And I’ve found a way to do that since moving to Atlanta, GA. At first, I worked at a law firm and did weddings on the weekends for 13 years, but finally, I opened up a full-time wedding officiant business in a dedicated office space that is intimate and welcoming.
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?
Lots of thought and planning went into opening this business. I joked around about starting the business at first, dreamed a little, discussed with friends and when the opportunity came, I had a clear picture of what I wanted to do and I was ready. Financially, I had to prepare myself to make very little profit for the first two years. Rather than taking out business loans I used my savings to build this business so it is important to me that it succeeds. The investment in this journey has been worth it. Having a project of my own, with the freedom to do as I like – in a business that matters to me – has been life changing. After two years in business, my costs have remained fixed and I have gotten used to the fluctuations in the business cycle. My educational background is in economics so I know the importance of having a business model with very little overhead. I keep everything incredibly simple. If I can generate more business soon, I’ll consider moving to a larger space.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started my business to create special wedding moments for couples looking to elope. After the pandemic, the need for smaller scale ceremonies and a simpler approach to marriage seemed to increase. There is probably be an increase in courthouse weddings but many counties no longer offer marriage ceremonies. The license application is still a requirement, then the couple has to find an officiant. At the Tender Moments wedding chapel I offer wedding ceremony packages in English and Spanish. Any couple with a marriage license is welcome. I create a welcoming, nonjudgmental atmosphere with soft lighting and music. All ceremonies are nonreligious and inclusive. My weekday rates start at just $150 so couples have an option to get married with short notice even if the cost was unexpected. The chapel space and fair pricing are what set me apart from other wedding officiants in the metro Atlanta area.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Quitting my full time job to open Tender Moments was a risk. It was scary to walk away from my health insurance, a W-2 and a pay check. The timing felt right for me because I had just finished graduate school and I felt I had enough tools at my disposal to land on my feet if the business was not successful. To be honest, I did not have another plan. I kept applying for jobs and getting nowhere. The job market really did not seem to want me so I figured it was best to make my own place in the world so my self worth would not suffer. If you don’t fit into their mold – make your own.
Pricing:
- Starting at $200 on weekdays
- Starting at $250 on weekends
- Some same day appointments
- No payment until day of ceremony
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atendermoment.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/tenderceremonies
- Email Address: tenderceremonies@gmail.com
