Today we’d like to introduce you to Gilbert Ramirez Jr.
Hi Gilbert, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been a big fan of weddings, from big 200 person weddings to a small, intimate wedding with just the couple and the officiant. The whole idea of a day celebrating your love, culminating with that exact moment that you pledge yourself to love your significant other for the rest of your days, just fills me with such joy. I’ve been looking for a way to get myself into the wedding sphere and my moment happened by pure happenstance. We were going on a cruise with my entire family when my brother-in-law wanted to surprise my sister with a vow renewal. When talking to him, there was a discussion about having the captain of the ship perform the ceremony, but he felt that was a bit impersonal. That’s when I offered to do the honors because I can really tie their love story together far more than someone who just met them can. From that day, Aisle Marry You was born.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Getting started was tough for sure. Not everyone was on board with the idea of someone with no experience playing such a central role in one of the biggest days of their lives. I was interviewed by dozens of couples and had to make the case why my style of officiating would work the best for them. Plus, I had to get myself into the right mindset as well. It’s easy speaking in front of your family; it’s far more difficult doing so in front of complete strangers. However, as time went by and couples got to know me, I began to book more and more weddings! Couples these days are looking to not have the same types of weddings that their parents had. They want more engaging ceremonies, more humor, and more of a relaxed, non-stuffy atmosphere. It was a niche that I felt more than qualified to fit.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a dad, I am a big believer in puns and wanted to have a punny name for my officiating service. I teamed up with one of my closest friends to discuss names and that is where Aisle Marry You was born.
I went into the officiating business with the idea of changing the officiating game. I wanted to create a brand that takes a personal approach to each couple’s unique wedding celebrations. I specialize in performing customized ceremonies with a touch of light humor to keep loved ones engaged from beginning to end. There is no pre-generated wedding script, with everything created uniquely for each couple. I take the time to get to know my couples and mix in their love stories into the wedding like I am making an ice cream sundae. From religious ceremonies with a touch of humor to a ceremony that felt like it came out of the last Harry Potter novel, I have made a ceremony for it.
I’ve married people from many different backgrounds, creeds, sexual orientations, faiths, and non-faiths. Where you are from does not matter to me. All that matters is that you and your spouse are in love and want to spend the rest of your lives together. Love is love is love is love is love is love.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Wow; there are just so many people who have helped me on this journey! Truly, none of this could have been possible without the love and support of my family. My sister Melinda and my brother-in-law Edgardo who entrusted me with their vow renewal which set this path in motion. My parents, Marisol and Gilbert, who’ve supported me and given me advice. My brother, Matthew, who is always there, sending me videos of funny weddings for inspiration. My wife, Xiomara, who helped me every step of the way with encouragement, dancing after I booked a wedding, and accompanying me to each one as my personal hype girl.
I also have to thank my best friend, Sarah, who has always supported every venture I have done and has already entrusted me to officiate her future wedding. My other best friend, Kim, who is always pimping out my services to her friends. My boy, Eric, for helping me with the name and supplying me with endless puns and laughs. Lastly, my friend, Danielle, for trusting me with her wedding when I was just starting off with officiating outside of my family and doing this professionally.
Pricing:
- My services start at $250 and can go up depending on the distance.
Contact Info:
- Email: minister.ramirezjr@gmail.com`
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Aisle_Marry_You
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AisleMarryYou
- Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/aisle-marry-you/3febca1ec4f82b76.html
