Deric W

My wife and I are blessed with three children. She was raised Lutheran, and I was raised Southern Baptist; today, we worship in a non-denominational setting that keeps our focus on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. From a young age, I was active as a Royal Ambassador through my teenage years, and later in my twenties I served as a youth minister. Throughout my life, despite my human imperfections, I have remained a devoted follower of Christ and committed to growing in faith and service. Becoming ordained was a natural next step in my calling—a way to serve others more intentionally and in a more meaningful capacity as they begin one of the most important covenants of their lives.

Born and raised in Auburn, Alabama, I later moved to Georgia in 2006 where I met my wife Melissa, and we decided to make Florida our home in 2022.

I approach every ceremony with joy, clarity, and deep reverence for what God is doing in the lives of the couple. Marriage is not just a milestone—it is a covenant designed by God (Genesis 2:24) and strengthened by His presence at the center. My role is to guide couples with biblical wisdom, honest encouragement, and practical spiritual insight drawn from my own faith journey, life lessons, and reliance on God’s grace. I speak not from perfection, but from experience, humility, and a desire to help them build a marriage rooted in Christ.

My ministry is absolutely Jesus centric as he is my savior. I am most comfortable working with and supporting non-denominational, Baptist, Southern Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal denominations. But will absolutely pray to Jesus with or for anyone.

What makes my ceremonies special is the care, intention, and faith I bring to each one. I don’t see a wedding as just an event, but as the beginning of a sacred covenant designed by God. I take time to speak with couples about the meaning of marriage, offering biblical wisdom, practical encouragement, and spiritual perspective drawn from my own life and walk with Christ. I share openly and honestly—not from perfection, but from experience, humility, and a desire to help them start their marriage with a strong spiritual foundation. My goal is for every couple to leave their ceremony not only married, but inspired, encouraged, and equipped to build a Christ-centered marriage that can endure life’s challenges and grow in love, faith, and unity.

Beyond my general ministry initiatives, I feel called to serve in a more personal way as well. In 2015, I survived a 30-foot fall that resulted in a broken back and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While I am grateful to be healed and restored, the journey through pain, recovery, and uncertainty shaped me deeply. That experience gave me a compassion and understanding that can’t be learned from a book. Because of what I’ve walked through, I am able to listen with empathy and offer encouragement to those facing similar injuries, as well as those struggling with anxiety, depression, or other life challenges. I offer not just words, but understanding drawn from lived experience, faith, and perseverance.