We recently connected with Bretta Thompson and have shared our conversation below.
Bretta, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from my mother. I grew up watching her work two full time jobs and several part time jobs just to provide for us. She never complained. She simply did what needed to be done and taught us that whatever you do, you give your best and you aim for success. That lesson stayed with me my entire life.
In my business, I hold myself to the same standard I expect when I am the customer. I believe couples deserve exceptional service, because this is the most important day of their lives. They trust us with something sacred, and I take that responsibility seriously. My goal is always to pour my best into every couple, every ceremony, and every wedding day.
Hard work pays off in more ways than money. The real reward is seeing everything you have built come to life. It is the relationships you form within your community, the reputation you earn for caring deeply, and the joy of knowing you helped someone feel heard, supported, and safe. That is what drives me. That is why I do what I do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a small business owner, I started Just The Two Of Us Wedding Services Initially as an officiant and coordination company serving couples all across Central Indiana. I started this business in 2012 with one goal in mind, to give couples an experience that feels warm, personal, and supported from the moment they contact us. Today we have grown into the largest officiant team in Indiana, with a group of dedicated professionals who care deeply about the people we serve.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to create ceremonies that truly reflect each couple. No two couples are the same, so no two ceremonies should be either. Helping people feel seen and heard during one of the biggest moments of their lives is something I never take for granted.
Our Planning and coordination services were added in 2015, and I bring that same personal touch into the planning and wedding day experience. Timelines, vendor communication, logistics, and all the behind the scenes details that couples often find overwhelming are things my team and I genuinely enjoy. There is something incredibly fulfilling about bringing order to the chaos so couples can relax and actually enjoy their own wedding.
What I want people to know about my brand is that we lead with heart. I know it sounds Cheesy, But it’s true! We serve everyone. We welcome everyone. We believe every couple deserves a ceremony and a day that feels authentically theirs. And we pride ourselves on being a trusted, compassionate and highly experienced team that cares about the outcome just as much as the couple does.
We also partner with more than twenty venues across Central Indiana and continue to expand our officiant and elopement offerings. One of our newest focuses is creating elevated, simple, intimate experiences for couples who want a beautiful day without the stress of a large wedding. Those smaller celebrations have become some of our favorites to design and officiate.
This work is very personal to me. It is creative, emotional, high energy, and incredibly rewarding. Watching a ceremony come to life or seeing a day run perfectly after months of preparation and planning never gets old. It is an honor to play even a small part in someone’s day, and that is what keeps me passionate about what I do year after year.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that shaped my journey the most were adaptability, people skills, and a deep commitment to service. This industry changes constantly. Venues, trends, expectations, family dynamics, timelines, and even the weather can flip everything upside down in a second. Being able to stay calm, adjust quickly, and still deliver an exceptional experience has been one of the most important parts of my success.
The second quality is people skills. Weddings are emotional occasions. Couples, families, and vendors all bring their personalities, hopes, nerves, and expectations to the table. Being able to communicate clearly, listen fully, and make people feel understood is a skill that took years to develop. It is not just about directing a ceremony or running a timeline. It is about building trust, setting the tone, and creating a feeling of safety and confidence for everyone involved.
The third area is a strong commitment to service. My work ethic came from my mom, but my dedication to serving couples came from years of seeing how much this moment means to them. When couples hire you, they are inviting you into one of the biggest days of their lives. That responsibility matters. Going above and beyond, staying organized, preparing thoroughly, and caring deeply about the outcome are what set you apart in this field.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple.
First, be teachable. You will learn far more from real world experience than from any class or certification. The more open you are to learning, the faster you will grow.
Second, build your communication skills. Whether you are an officiant, planner, photographer, or vendor, your ability to handle people with confidence and kindness will determine your success.
And finally, serve others well. Show up prepared. Honor your commitments. Care about the details. When you focus on doing excellent work, doors will open for you that you never expected.
These qualities do not develop overnight, but with intention and consistency, they will shape you into a professional people trust, respect, and recommend.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I am always open to collaborating with other professionals who share the same commitment to serving couples well. This industry works best when we support one another, and I love partnering with vendors who value communication, professionalism, and kindness as much as we do.
I especially enjoy working with photographers, videographers, venues, florists, and planners who understand the flow of a wedding day and want to create a seamless experience for couples. I also love connecting with newer vendors who are building their brand and want mentorship, guidance, or simply a supportive professional relationship. Community matters, and the more we lift each other up, the better experiences we create for couples.
If someone is interested in collaborating, they can reach out through my website, send a message on social media, or email me directly. I am always happy to connect, learn about their work, and see how we might support one another. This industry thrives on relationships, and I am grateful for every opportunity to build new ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justthetwoofusweddingservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justthetwoofusweddingservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justthe2ofusweddings
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretta-thompson-204b64112/
Image Credits
These photos were taken by my team.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
