Business Details
Custom Wedding Ceremonies in Grand Rapids
Brooks Wedding Ceremonies & Premarital Counseling specializes in creating deeply personalized wedding experiences and relationship-building premarital programs. Founded on the belief that ceremonies should reflect the unique story of each couple, the company combines storytelling expertise with professional officiant services to deliver emotionally resonant moments. With a team of experienced officiants and a proprietary premarital counseling framework, we serve couples across Michigan and destination locations, prioritizing authenticity, connection, and lasting impact. Our approach integrates customized ceremony writing, vow coaching, and relationship tools designed to strengthen marriages before they begin.
Services
Custom Wedding Ceremonies
Premarital Counseling
Vow Coaching
Destination Weddings
Ceremony Writing
Details
- Year established: 2025
Highlights and features
- We offer 10+ years of professional ceremony writing experience
- Our team includes certified premarital counselors using proven Prepare/Enrich methodology
- We provide destination wedding services across the U.S. and internationally
- Our proprietary 'Love Story Ceremony' process guarantees unique, emotionally engaging experiences
- We include complimentary marriage license assistance and name change guidance
Associations and certifications
- The Knot Best of Weddings Award
What people say
Beautiful ceremony
Real and true to us
20/10 recommend
Brought us to tears
BEST wedding ceremony
Services
Love Story Ceremony
Crafted entirely from scratch, this service transforms couples' unique love stories into emotionally engaging wedding ceremonies. Through detailed questionnaires and collaborative editing, we create personalized scripts that capture each couple's personality, ensuring guests experience authentic moments that resonate deeply. Ideal for couples seeking a ceremony that feels like a natural extension of their relationship journey.
Premarital Counseling
Six-session program combining Prepare/Enrich assessments with personalized coaching to strengthen relationship foundations. Covers communication patterns, conflict resolution, and future planning through practical exercises and tailored guidance. Designed for engaged couples seeking to build lasting marriages with proven tools and professional support beyond typical wedding planning services.
Ceremony Writing
Professional ceremony creation for couples using non-professional officiants. Includes detailed scripting with performance cues, unity ceremony options, and optional officiant coaching. Available in two tiers: Simple Ceremony for structured templates or Love Story Writing for fully customized narratives, both ensuring seamless delivery by non-experienced officiants through comprehensive preparation materials.
Destination Weddings
Full-service wedding officiating available for locations worldwide. Includes virtual planning coordination, travel logistics support, and local legal requirement guidance. Our team adapts ceremonies to destination settings while maintaining personalized storytelling elements, ensuring legally valid and emotionally impactful experiences regardless of geographic location requirements.
Vow Coaching
Guided support for crafting and delivering personal vows. Combines writing assistance with delivery practice sessions to build confidence and emotional impact. Includes personalized journaling tools and optional 60-minute coaching sessions focused on creating authentic, memorable spoken commitments that resonate with both partners and guests.
People
Kristi Brooks-Olivo
Elite Officiant/Premarital
Founder with 10+ years of wedding officiant experience specializing in storytelling ceremonies. Certified premarital counselor using Prepare/Enrich methodology. Recognized for creating emotionally impactful ceremonies that reflect couples' unique relationships while providing practical marriage preparation tools through Brooks Wedding Ceremonies.
Greg Gough
Lead Officiant
7-year team veteran with public speaking expertise and non-profit leadership experience. Combines professional officiant skills with community engagement background to deliver warm, authentic ceremonies. Known for creating comfortable environments that help couples feel at ease during wedding ceremonies.
Megan Blamer
Senior Officiant
Former Brooks bride bringing wedding planning insights to officiant role. Quality management professional with public speaking background. Specializes in creating confident, seamless ceremony experiences while balancing family life and community involvement through personalized wedding services.
Andy Shineldecker
Associate Officiant
Experienced officiant with attention to detail and calm demeanor. Combines wedding expertise with analytical skills to ensure flawless ceremony execution. Known for steady guidance during wedding ceremonies while maintaining personal connection with couples through thoughtful preparation processes.
Lisa Hall
Associate Officiant
Retired law enforcement officer with extensive public service experience. Brings organizational expertise and community focus to wedding officiant role. Specializes in creating structured yet heartfelt ceremonies while balancing real estate career and community engagement through personalized wedding services.
Questions
What distinguishes your custom ceremonies from standard wedding services?
Our ceremonies are written entirely from scratch using detailed storytelling techniques that reflect each couple's unique relationship journey rather than using pre-written templates or generic scripts.
Do you offer premarital counseling as a standalone service?
Yes, our premarital counseling is available separately or bundled with officiant services, featuring Prepare/Enrich assessments and personalized coaching sessions to strengthen relationship foundations.
How do you accommodate destination weddings?
We provide full destination wedding services including virtual planning coordination, travel logistics support, and local legal requirement guidance while maintaining personalized storytelling elements in every ceremony.
What's included in your vow coaching service?
Vow coaching includes writing assistance, delivery practice sessions, and personalized journaling tools to help couples create authentic, memorable spoken commitments that resonate emotionally.
Can we upgrade from Classic to Love Story Ceremony after booking?
Yes, upgrades are permitted at any time by adjusting the invoice and replacing the questionnaire to transition from structured templates to fully customized storytelling ceremonies.
How long do typical ceremonies last?
Ceremony duration varies by couple preferences: Love Story Ceremonies average 19-23 minutes while Classic versions typically run 12-16 minutes, accommodating personal vows and special elements.