Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Jackson.
Charles, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Journey as a Wedding Officiant
I began officiating weddings approximately eight and a half years ago even though I had been an ordained minster for over 20yr at the time. One day, my son heard me speaking and said, “Dad, you have a great voice and a great personality—you should really consider being a wedding officiant for everyone.” So, I did just that.
I’ve always believed in the magic of love—the essence and purity of what it truly means. That belief became the foundation for this journey. I started my business with a great deal of apprehension, and to be honest, it was scary. I had no idea what I was doing.
One of my first ceremonies took place at a venue here in Houston, Texas, called The Bougainvilleas. After the ceremony, the owner, Badra Andrews and the wedding coordinator and planner for the venue, Rasha Shammaa approached me and said, “Oh my gosh, where have you been?!” At the time, I didn’t quite understand what they meant. But as they continued, they told me how much they appreciated my charisma, attention to detail, and, most importantly, the way I centered every word on the power of love. They had never heard anything quite like it.
I give them full credit—they were the ones who truly catapulted me into this business the right way. They invited me to my very first wedding venue open house. I didn’t know what to bring, so I simply brought my laptop with a few photos. That’s literally and figuratively how my business started. They guided and taught the wedding industry inside and out. I am forever grateful to them.
From that moment to now, I have been incredibly blessed to grow and flourish as a top, award-winning wedding officiant. I’ve learned so much along the way. I’ve made mistakes—yes, I’ve mispronounced names (always unintentionally), but I stayed the course. I learned what works, what doesn’t, what to say, and, even more importantly, what not to say.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is this: the most important people in the room is the couple standing before me. Not their friends, not the guests, not even the audience—though all are important, none are as important as the two people exchanging vows. Every single ceremony I perform—alongside my talented team—is focused entirely on the couple. They are the reason we are all gathered: to witness the emancipation of their love for one another.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Road Was Not Always Smooth
No, the road has not been smooth. There have been speed bumps, off-road detours, and more than a few metaphorical trees and bushes to crawl through. It hasn’t been easy—but it has absolutely been worth it.
In the beginning, one of my biggest struggles was perception. Some individuals would look at me and expect one thing, but once I began to speak and deliver the ceremony, their assumptions quickly changed. At first, this would upset me. I felt like an outsider. But over time, I realized: if they didn’t want me there, they wouldn’t have paid me or invited me to officiate such an important moment in their lives. That realization gave me strength, and I moved forward.
Another challenge was advertising. I didn’t know where to advertise, how to advertise, or even what effective advertising looked like. So, I taught myself. I learned how to market my strengths, highlight my skills, and, just as importantly, work on my weak spots. It was a journey of trial and error—but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Being a wedding officiant brings me profound joy. It is more than just a role—it’s a sacred pause from the routine of everyday life. It is my sanctuary, my space to celebrate love in its truest form. When I’m not officiating weddings, I work as a certified paralegal—a profession I’m equally proud of. I also sing for special occasions, particularly birthdays and Christmas. Christmas, in fact, is my favorite time of year to share music—there’s something magical about the way it brings people together.
Of all my roles in life, the ones that fill me with the greatest pride are being a father and a grandfather. I know it may sound cliché, but it’s true. I deeply value the work I do in both the legal world and as an ordained minister, but my greatest joy comes from the conversations I share with my son. Whether I’m telling him about a wedding I officiated or a legal matter I worked through, he listens with such genuine interest and pride. His excitement reminds me that I’m walking in purpose—balancing law and love.
What truly sets me apart as a wedding officiant is the intention I bring to every ceremony. I don’t just want to know my couples—I want to understand them. Whether traditional or same-sex, I strive to see them as individuals, to hear the heartbeat of their relationship. I listen to what they want—and just as importantly, what they don’t. My goal is to craft a ceremony that reflects their story with authenticity and depth.
After all, anyone can sign a marriage license. But to officiate a love story—to be the one who guides that moment when two hearts become one—that requires more. It takes empathy, artistry, and a deep reverence for the beauty of love. I see each ceremony as a dance, and through my words, I aim to let the music of their love fill the room—so that every heart in attendance begins to dance right along with them.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
What Surprises People Most
The thing that surprises most people about me is my ability to project my voice and articulate my words with clarity and expression. It’s a unique skill I’ve had my whole life.
When I was younger, I taught myself how to sing. I never had professional training, but I knew what I liked when I heard it and tried to mimic it. The first singer I ever imitated was Johnny Mathis, followed by Al Jarreau. I remember performing for my mother, and she was completely shocked. She told me, “One day, your voice will bring joy and happiness to people.” And she was right.
Over time, I discovered I had a gift for vocal dynamics. I can change the tone, rhythm, and emotion behind a word depending on the message I’m trying to convey. I can emphasize or soften words—make the same word feel different simply by how I say it. That gift allows me to bring depth, emotion, and authenticity to every ceremony.
Pricing:
- An elopement/just signing the marriage license is $225.00
- A full Ceremony – Starts at $375.00
- Luxury full Ceremony – Starts at $1000.00
- Travel fees do apply beyond 20 mile radius
- All forms of payment accepted – However no checks
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lovethe1urwith.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovet1urwith/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovethe1urwith/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/love-the-one-you-re-with-wedding-officiant-services-4423b6237/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs4LR_2RCOtpKc1dvD7w8Sg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/love-the-one-youre-with-houston-4?osq=Wedding+Officiant&override_cta=Request+quote+%26+availability
