Tom Ersland, Today I give to you weddings

Serves Faribault, MN

35244

Hired 129 times

1 employee

13 years in business

$225

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash and Check.

Next Service

Hours

Sun 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mon 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tues 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Wed 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Thurs 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Fri 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Sat 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Thomas Ersland
Completed on 9/28/2021

Introduction

Today I give to you Weddings is just that. I give to you what you want in your wedding ceremony. I believe I have the ability to help people relax and feel confident that the event will go as planned. Just like a great marriage is about always giving your best to your spouse, I am committed to giving my best to every couple I work with. While everyone has a story to tell about how they've reached this point in their relationship, the end story is always their strong love for each other. I find it very refreshing to be around couples that have that kind of "love energy".

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

The price I quote includes everything.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I prefer to meet with the couple prior to the wedding day to get a feel for the couple and make sure the day is planned according to their wishes. The last thing I want the couple to worry about is how the ceremony will go. It's not uncommon for something unplanned to happen during a wedding. Finding an officiant that doesn't let the unexpected ruin an otherwise amazing event is important. I like to think I have the ability to keep things moving smoothly and I try to let a couple know that.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

No formal training as a minister. However, I have been married for over 30 years and can draw on that experience when meeting with a couple and preparing a sermon if one is desired. I am also a director of theatre at a high school along with the speech coach. I believe I possess the ability to prepare a service that is clear and concise, and also can be heard and understood by all attending.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

My son encouraged me to do this. I presided over his wedding when our minister wasn't able to.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Young and not so young (Anyone getting married is still young at heart). As long as you're in love and committed to each other I am happy to help.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

A recent wedding found me with a couple that didn't want much religion and no real sermon or homily. The groom was a fairly accomplished musician so instead of a sermon, I related to his musical appeal and read the lyrics to a Van Morrison song titled Steal My Heart Away. Both he and the bride were near tears by the end of the reading. I believe it captured their feelings for each other perfectly.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Remember, this is your wedding, not your officiants. Hire someone that takes some personal interest in both of you. I would also encourage couples to have an idea of what they want in their officiant. Find someone with a style or personality that is a good fit for how you want the service to flow. I recently spoke with a couple that hired someone without meeting them prior to the wedding day. They told me they wish they could have a "do over". You want someone that will resonate with you and your guests.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

Quite often couples haven't thought enough about the order of their service. I like to discuss that with the couple. I believe this helps a great deal when planning the event.