Personal Touch Bridal Agency is a Twin Cities wedding officiant service with a passion for making your wedding ceremony unique and personal. We talked to Cheri Rice, owner of Personal Touch Bridal Agency, about how she began her start in weddings 30+ years ago, what she’s learned over the years, and how she’ll make your ceremony perfect for you and your spouse-to-be!
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?
A: Wedding Officiant
Q: Where can we find you?
A: Anoka, MN, and online
Q: Tell us when and how Personal Touch Bridal Agency began.
A: My mom catered while I was growing up so I have been loving weddings for most of my life! After I got married I decided to become a wedding coordinator and became the site coordinator for the Association of Bridal Consultants. My husband and I did a multi-camera video business, then I went into photography. We had a shop and sold invitations, rented tuxedos, and put in a small chapel.
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: I have been in the wedding business for over 35 years and I have seen a lot of changes, especially how things have moved from traditional to very casual and personal. This includes venues, wedding attire, vows, and pretty much every aspect. More casual photography and wedding parties with outdoor games and less formal meals.
Q: Walk us through your average workday.
A: I don’t have an average workday as I do the officiating pretty much on weekends. But, I will meet with a couple, discuss their wishes and desires for their ceremony, give them ideas and suggestions and be inventive and supportive of their personalities and work with them to make their ceremony unique.
Q: What makes Personal Touch Bridal Agency unique from others?
A: I have been wedding-related for over 35 years and there probably isn’t anything I haven’t seen or experienced regarding weddings. I don’t only officiate a wedding, but if someone needs assistance (groom with a tuxedo, bride with bustling, florist with putting on corsages and boutonnieres) I can be of help as I have been a coordinator and know what to expect.
Q: What would you want couples searching for your business type to know?
A: That a ceremony is only a ceremony and what really matters is the lifelong commitment to love and cherish each other.
Q: How far in advance should a couple book with you?
A: Probably about 9 months or so. But I have had people book as little as 2-3 weeks.
Q: What’s one wedding trend you’d like to see fade out?
A: Drinking before the wedding so people can be serious for the service.
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: Through couples who are in love and desire to have a meaningful ceremony.
Q: What are your other hobbies and passions when you’re not marrying couples?
A: I enjoy reading and being with our children and grandchildren. I like to go to garage sales and watch some TV.
Q: Any unique ceremonies you’ve done that you can share with us?
A: Couples are being creative with the “unity” part of their ceremonies (unity paintings, sharing letters to each other).
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: Duck Duck Grey Duck or Duck Duck Goose?
A: Duck, Duck, Grey Duck
Q: Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall Wedding?
A: Fall
Q: Veil or no veil?
A: Veil
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Beach
Q: Chocolate or Vanilla?
A: Chocolate
Q: Go-to comfort food?
A: Mac and Cheese
Q: Favorite Minnesota pastime?
A: Garage sales
