Officiant Phil | Breckenridge Wedding Vendor Spotlight

What's your name?

Phillip Joseph Gallagher

What is the name of your business and what do you do?

My official business name is “True Vibes LLC”. However, everyone just calls me Officiant Phil. I bring smiles, connection, and "good vibes" through creating and delivering wedding scripts.

What is your favorite beer?

Coke. That's Coca-Cola. I have to be honest, I am not a beer drinker. But that doesn't mean I’m not loads of fun!

What is your favorite outdoor adventure?

Believe it or not, my favorite outdoor adventure is SURFING. Don't ask me why I live in the mountains. Just come visit, and you'll see why!

How did you get into the wedding industry?

I directed a mentoring nonprofit for 15 years with my wife and clicked with lots of families and students. My connections led to all sorts of public speaking on their behalf, from memorials, to graduations, to weddings. I'm a pretty happy and relatable guy, and weddings just sort of seemed to take off. I still speak a lot at all sorts of events but weddings are truly the most fun!

Who is your ideal client?

Great question! I love to work with couples that are in love, easy-going, and ready for an adventure! I do like it when the couples I work with are giddy as well; sort of "on the edge of their seat" to get married. You can feel that sort of energy on the day of the wedding and it makes everything more exciting for sure.

Tell me your favorite wedding story - either your own or a client’s!

I have so many favorites! From clients dropping rings, sharing hilarious vows, surprising the guests, a groom surprising the bride, and mountain top hikes. It seems like every wedding brings its own unique story into the mix! But here's one short story: One time, I arrived to a mountain cabin to officiate an intimate ceremony and quickly learned we would be wading across a knee-deep river. Surprise! The couple made a last minute decision to stand on a little island along with me and their bridal party... and none of us were prepared for that! It made for some truly adventurous pictures and moments together that I'm sure none of us will ever forget. And yes, we all made it to the island, but we weren’t necessarily dry.

What is the process for a couple working with you?

I tend to adapt my process to each couple's needs. With that said, once we agree on availability for a date and time, I send along a proposal that makes things official and gets the process moving forward. Immediately, I like to have couples fill out a detailed questionnaire from which I create a few drafts. I've found that some draft scripts really begin the brainstorming process allowing couples to get creative and truly picture their day. Following the drafts, we talk or meet in person to create something very tailored to the couple themselves. Then we edit, talk, and email as much as needed until the script is perfect! I personally like to have everything completed at least two weeks prior to the day of the wedding.

What's your most frequently asked question from wedding clients?

"Can you please stay for the reception?" Just kidding (sort of)! Couples tend to ask me, "How should this or that happen?" or "What is the right way to do this or that?" I simply respond by sharing the traditional approach, but quickly assure them that it is THEIR wedding and we can get creative and do things however they would like. That's the beauty of weddings nowadays; they are all different and can be tailored to each couple's story.

Who or What inspires you?

My family. My wife and three boys endlessly bring me joy and love and each day bring the world to a better place. And the rest of my family as well. The connections I have with everyone in my life keep me going and honestly add years to my life.

What's your best advice for couples before the wedding?

Plan and prepare for Plan A. But realize that weddings tend to happen according to Plan B or even Plan C. And the beauty of Plan B or Plan C is that it is YOUR story... your "perfect" wedding... it is what you will remember and cherish for years to come.

What's your best advice for couples on their wedding day?

DO NOT obsess over the weather. It will all work out without you wasting your time and energy on the unpredictable weather of Colorado!

What's your best advice for couples after the wedding?

Take a moment together for just the two of you. Depending upon your particular DNA, the entire day and ceremony can either speed up or slow down. Regardless, it can all seem very surreal. So spend some time to soak it in just the two of you. Relax, breathe, smile, hug or whatever - just the two of you!

I believe it's more about the marriage than the wedding. So what's your best relationship advice?

I think the best thing you can do for your relationship is to always give the other person the benefit of the doubt. Too often our own mind creates problems or issues that don't even exist and take us to places we didn't have to go. So just assume the best. NEVER stop thinking the best of your partner's actions and intentions, remembering that they love you first and foremost.

What's the best way for a couple to contact you?

Couple's should contact my through website www.officiantphilgallagher.com, or shoot me an email at officiantphilgallagher@gmail.com. I'm highly responsive before and after working with all of my fabulous couples.