VENDOR SPOTLIGHT // CATHY DAVIS AND CO.
Today we're providing a closer look into the heart and soul that is Cathy Davis of Cathy Davis and Co. -- one of Niagara's top wedding officiants and dedicated Swish List member!
A short description of what you do: Provide unique, original and meaningful wedding ceremonies every time! The wedding ceremony sets the tone for the whole day, it is the beginning of your journey together and the only thing you actually need to get married - sure the other elements are important too, flowers, food, and drink- you want your guests to have the most amazing experience with you, we can help you achieve that!
How long have you been working in the wedding industry? I have been working in the wedding industry for over 20 years and as an officiant for the last 7!
What makes your business unique? I believe that professionalism is important from the first point of contact until after the ceremony. We do not overbook weddings allowing us to bring a calm, warm and professional presence to your wedding. I also believe that every ceremony should be different, we have an incredible website that allows you to create the ceremony that you want to have - we also want you to feel comfortable in the knowledge that we will not be going off on any tangents - you will know almost word for word what we will say before your big day. We also believe in connection; we want to get to know you as a couple so that guests will leave your ceremony believing we have known each other for a long time! We also love incorporating your ideas into the ceremony and what is truly important to you such as involving children, memorial ideas, etc. After overseeing weddings for so long I saw a lot of what not to do as an officiant, it is what has inspired me to make us so different than anything else out there!
Favourite part of your business? I am so blessed to have the most amazing team of officiants and I love the family that we have become and how we work collaboratively to bring our couples the most amazing experiences. Also, of course, the moments of standing next to the groom when he sees his bride for the first time walking down the aisle towards him and declaring couples married!
What inspires you? Sharing other people's stories...people have overcome incredible adversities in life, I am so lucky to share these stories of love and hope.
Who is your mentor/hero in the industry (your own industry or the Niagara wedding industry)? There are so many people in the Niagara Region who have developed incredible businesses that I like to model after, however, it was a business leader and friend Tony Miele who is leading the Region for Investors Group that taught me the importance of building relationships with people.
On your day off...where would we find you? Probably outdoors in the summer or in my sunroom, walking my golden retriever Ginny, having a meal with family, sitting around the pool reading a book....sunshine and bare feet whether surrounded by friends, family or all alone is always the best time!
If you weren't a wedding vendor, what would be your dream job? Travel writer or restaurant critic -- so I could travel the world and eat amazing food and get paid for it!
What are great wedding trends you seeing this year? Loving the burgundy and navy suits on guys, the gold accents coming back and rich colours in florals.
Do you have any practical advice for couples planning a wedding? Absolutely - keep it simple. This day is all about the two of you, so if it is important to bring in traditions that were important to parents and grandparents, do it if it is what you want, not just to please someone else.
Photography Credits:
Image #1: Philosophy Studios | Image #2: Reed Photography | Image #3: Josh Bellingham | Image #4: Jenn Kavanagh
