Meet Al-X of Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Al-X.

Hi Al-x , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I met Alan Katz at an all-Filipino wedding neither of us were supposed to be at. He was filling in last minute for an officiant who canceled, and I was a plus-one for a friend whose date had just broken up with her.

The moment Alan started the ceremony, I was in awe. It was nothing like the formal church weddings I grew up seeing in the Philippines his style was funny, heartfelt, and full of joy. After the ceremony, he came up to me, took a selfie, and somehow walked away with my number.

That unexpected meeting became the start of something beautiful. Alan later trained me to become an officiant myself, knowing my bilingual skills in Tagalog and Japanese would help reach more couples. He even sent me to notary school, and soon I became a certified Los Angeles County agent authorized to issue confidential marriage licenses.

A chance encounter turned into a calling and a lifelong love.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all, it definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge helped shape who I am today. When I first started, I was completely new to the wedding industry. I had to learn everything from scratch: how to perform ceremonies, handle licenses, manage clients, and build trust with couples during one of the most emotional moments of their lives, yet somehow i got my first 5 star review from my very first couple, it was an English / Japanese inter racial wedding.

There were times of doubt, especially balancing the technical side of being a licensed notary and county-authorized agent with the creative and emotional side of officiating. English wasn’t my first language, so learning to speak confidently in front of large groups took time and courage. But Alan was patient and encouraging, always reminding me that authenticity matters more than perfection.

Each ceremony, each couple, and each little mistake along the way taught me something valuable. What started as a chance encounter became both a career and a calling proof that even an unexpected beginning can lead to a beautiful purpose.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I worked full time as Alan’s Company’s Office Manager / Administrative

I’m a bilingual wedding officiant and licensed notary based in Southern California. I perform ceremonies in English, Tagalog, and Japanese, helping couples feel truly seen and understood in their own languages. I’m also a Los Angeles County authorized agent, which means I can issue confidential marriage licenses on the spot, making the process easy and stress-free for couples who want everything handled in one place.

What I love most about my work is that it blends heart and humor. My ceremonies are lighthearted, romantic, and personal I want guests to laugh, cry, and walk away saying, “That was so them.”

I’m most proud of being trained and mentored by Alan Katz, one of California’s top officiants and the founder of Great Officiants. What started as a spontaneous meeting at a wedding turned into a career where I get to bring joy to hundreds of couples each year.

What sets me apart is authenticity. I bring a multicultural perspective, a calming energy, and a deep respect for every couple’s story. Whether it’s a big celebration or a simple elopement, my goal is always the same to make each ceremony feel fun, meaningful, and unforgettable.

Any big plans?
I’m really excited about what’s ahead. My goal is to continue growing as a bilingual officiant and to help even more couples celebrate their love in a way that feels authentic and joyful. I plan to expand my services for Tagalog- and Japanese-speaking couples, creating more inclusive ceremony options that honor both culture and personality.

I’m also looking forward to collaborating with Alan and the Great Officiants team on new projects that make getting married in Southern California even easier from on-site license services to creative elopement experiences that blend fun, beauty, and convenience.

Every ceremony teaches me something new, and I want to keep learning, evolving, and spreading that happiness to couples from all backgrounds. The biggest plan is simple to keep helping people start their forever with laughter, love, and meaning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.greatofficiants.com/
• Instagram: Al-x Buenaflor
• Facebook: Al-x Buenaflor
• Other: https://www.greatofficiants.com/about-our-officiants/our-non-denominational-officiants/al-x/

Image Credits
my sister took this shot / not professional