Our Story

Chris started in weddings almost by accident — helping with a family member’s celebration, then getting asked again. Early on that work included music; what stuck, and what he chose to devote the company to, was the ceremony: writing words that sound like the couple and standing with them when they say I do.

When a couple asked for an unconventional officiant and couldn’t find one, Chris stepped in. That ceremony led to more. The company became You Had Me At I Do, and over 26+ years and 400+ ceremonies the focus sharpened: personalized ceremonies on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, with a Wisconsin team for Madison and the Dells.

In 2024 Chris moved operations to the Florida Panhandle and chose to focus solely on officiating — the part of the work he loves most. Today we’re here for the words, the rehearsal, the license, and the calm of that moment.

And yes, the name is a nod to Jerry Maguire — that “you had me at hello” magic. For us, it’s the moment you truly had each other at “I do.”