In summer of 2019, my partner and I were sitting in our living room, debating if it would be worthwhile to start my own small business.

We just picked a name out of the hat! Dr.Nick Mdiv. seemed like a fun business name. I had just completed a PhD that spring. Doing so had been my capstone career project! Next, when my spouse registered my website domain name, she landed on DrNickMdiv.org. (The “.org” URL extension is often used by non-profit groups.)

“Nick,” she said, “You’re not a charity, but mostly you will be providing a community service.” I agreed.

Just a few months later, the world shut down due to Covid 19. My phone started ringing as deeply disappointed couples saw their wedding plans disintegrate and scrambled to find alternative ways to get officially married. In short, weddings in a park, on a boat, in backyards, outside in the middle of winter, with lots of guests on Zoom from around the world — a lot of these ceremonies became uniquely memorable and lovely.

Now five years later, including a move to Ottawa in 2023 to be closer to my grandkids, hundreds of wedding couples have placed their trust in me to be their wedding officiant. Likewise, I feel honored by the dozens of families who have selected me as their funeral celebrant. Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined my DrNickMdiv project would grow and flourish as it has.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you! I’m offering a 15% discount on all wedding services provided in July and August this year to celebrate my 5 years in business. Give me a shout any time!