Douglas A Smith
Ordained Minister in Asheville, North Carolina
Why did you originally become an ordained minister online?
I first became a minister to marry by nephew and his girlfriend at an outdoor wedding in Ohio. Neither are very religious, and they could not find a minister from any church that would marry them.
Where are you from?
I'm originally from Ohio; grew up and went to college there. But I lived with my wife and children in Florida for 20 years and now in North Carolina for 20+ years.
What do you hope to achieve with your online ordination?
Hundreds of people come to the Asheville area and the mountains of Western North Carolina to get married every year; lots of destination weddings. I discovered it's not easy to find a minister (outside of a specific local church or congregation) to perform a ceremony here, or they are all booked up well in advance. There's enough to plan and worry about when you are getting married, and finding a good minister to officiate the ceremony should not be such an ordeal.
Religious Affiliations
Catholicism, Universal Life Church
What do you think makes your ceremonies special as a Asheville, NC wedding officiant?
Before I retired, I was a professional speaker for 25+ years, owning my own speaking company and delivering more than 2,000 presentations to audiences of all sizes across the country during my career. I am well spoken, amiable, and know how to deliver a smooth, happy and memorable ceremony.
Types of Service Offered
Marriages, Renewal of Vows
Additional Information
I do not believe a wedding ceremony should be overshadowed by a pushy photographer, or an anxious wedding planner, or a self-centered minister. It is all about the couple! They are the centerpiece of the event.