Camp Hill duo offers wedding planning, officiant services

Jacqueline Smith-Bennett

Business Name: Great Celebrations LLC

Years in business: 15 years as wedding planner; 9 years as officiant/celebrant

Location: Camp Hill

Contact: 717-730-0432; greatcelebrations.net

Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?

A: When Great Celebrations began in the event industry as wedding planners, it always bothered me and my partner, Mylah, that so many couples paid little attention to the nuptial part of their ceremony. Our conviction that “marriage” is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly led us to reinvent the business. Great Celebrations LLC is now a business that helps couples approach their wedding day, recognizing the distinction between their wedding event and their wedding ceremony.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: I (Jacqueline) was my own first client. Like many, I planned my own wedding and subsequently realized I could do it for others. After a years in the wedding industry, a mentor encouraged me to become ordained and to begin offering “officiating services.”

Q: What does your business sell or provide?

A: As providers of “service,” we are selling our training, knowledge and experience. Specifically: ceremony scripts written from scratch, training for the novice officiant, marriage license signing and wedding choreography and wedding day detailing.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?

A: Time management and ability to source marketing tech services. Cash flow is needed to effectively connect with and inform clients about our service. At this point we are still doing everything “in house.” Keeping up with rapidly evolving technology demands a lot of time.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?

A: Geographically, we love Cumberland County’s positioning with its variety of communities. It is a friendly place to live. Getting around to the local shops (especially coffee shops) is a favorite pastime.