About Us
First Choice Weddings of America
First Choice Weddings of America Officiant Referral Service is an extension of Dr. Chuck and Jeanette's pastoral ministry that began formally in 1987. FCWA was created to provide brides and grooms in every community or city in the United States extraordinary, professional wedding ceremony services in accordance with the supreme significance of the event. Your wedding is a profoundly important life moment not only for you but the families and friends who have been there for you throughout your lives. It should be treated as such.
About Dr. Chuck and Jeanette
Jeanette and I were both raised in pastor's families. My family took us from Nebraska to New York to Montana. Perhaps the most significant turn of events of my childhood was being crippled and in a full-length leg brace for almost four years. I learned what it was to be an outsider, left out and often alone. But in my little church in Whitefish I was loved and accepted regardless of being a cripple. Ever since I've had a special place in my heart for "outsiders", people who feel like maybe they don't fit or are not wanted or don't measure up to expectations.
In his ministry my dad taught people to focus on loving God and loving neighbors and everything else kind of falls into place. He taught us kids to always look for the good in every person and situation. To be thankful in all things and see the seed of the equivalent benefit in every setback.
These were formative influences in my life and shaped the character of my ministry.
You are a Priceless Diamond of God
In church I always wanted to create a safe place for people to be appreciated, noticed, and loved in spite of weaknesses. Wanted to be the positive encouragement for people who have been dealt adversity. Most of all, my drive in ministry has been to validate every person as a diamond of God. Whether you are rich or poor, young or old, homeless or live in a mansion, European or Hispanic or African or Oriental or Jewish or Arab, straight or gay, democrat or republican – you are God’s priceless diamond (and so is your neighbor) and should be respected as such.
My mission remains to be an agent of God’s love and grace most perfectly demonstrated in the person of Jesus Christ who came not to put down but to lift up, to validate the worth of every human soul, and much more. My passion is to take God’s love out of the pews and out on the road where everyday life is. First Choice Weddings of America is one expression of that life purpose.
Dr. Laird's Current Ministries
- Founder of First Choice Weddings (2000)
- Founder, President, and CEO of Wedding Ministers, Inc., the first and largest directory of wedding ministers on the internet (2001)
- Founder and Executive Director of Sanctuary Christian Ministries (2001)
- Created The Love Toolbox, a successful relationship diagnostic
- Creator of The Love-o-meter, a practical online tool for couples designed to establish, monitor, and reinforce healthy daily love skills.
- Author and Nationa Director, Wedding Minister Certification and Training Program
Professional Credentials
- Bachelor of Science, Arts and Letters, Portland State University
- Master of Divinity, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
- Doctor of Ministry, Fuller Theological Seminary
- Ordained by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1989)
Pastoral Experience
- Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Hazleton, IA (1987-89)
- Pastor, Parkdale Community Church, Parkdale, OR (1989-93)
- Pastor/HOS, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Duluth, MN (1993-97)
- Pastor/HOS, First Presbyterian Church, Santa Paula, CA (1997-2001)
- Temporary Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, LaSalle, CO (2007-10)