When Sarah Anderson decided to respond to an ad she saw in the newspaper two years ago, she had no idea it would put her on a path to starting her own wedding business.
East Coast Pop Up Weddings, launched last May, offers non-traditional weddings in a venue of the couple’s choice. Want a wedding at a favourite hiking area or a place where you shared a romantic picnic? East Coast Pop Up Weddings brings the celebration right to that spot, with cake and flowers, as well as a photographer to capture the scene.
“I saw an ad in the paper that the province was looking for more administrative justice of the peace officers. So many people are choosing not to get married in the church or the traditional way and the province needed more JPs to meet the need,” Anderson explains.
Anderson, who works as an elementary school teacher but is currently on maternity leave with her second child, applied and got trained to perform a civil marriage ceremony. Soon after she started, she became aware that people were looking for more help than just booking someone to officiate the wedding.
“Couples were contacting me saying they were coming to Wolfville for a visit or to do a winery tour and wanted to get married as well. I just saw a need to create something for people who want to do something small and fun, but well done.”
Joking that she started the business as her “maternity leave project,” Anderson says she has been surprised by how quickly demand has grown — and not just for the spring and summer, but year-round.
“I knew I was going to take 18 months off, but it has really snowballed. What I’m finding is that there are a lot of people who just don’t want to get bogged down in the details of planning a big wedding. And, honestly, people are done with spending $30,000 on a wedding. They’re willing to spend, but they want it to be meaningful and to reflect who they are as a couple,” Anderson says.
Depending on their budget and package chosen, couples can opt for seasonal wedding flowers, cake, refreshments and locally sourced charcuterie, as well as a professional photography session.
“Doing this is the best job in the world. Helping people write their ceremony and hearing people say their vows ... I am a crying JP; that could be my business slogan!” Anderson laughs. “I really enjoy everything about it.”
With bookings into the summer and beyond, Anderson is likely already stocking up on tissues.
For more information, check out eastcoastpopupweddings.com.
