Weddings Redefined

I'm very pleased to let you all know that I'm speaking on the subject of gay weddings at a couple of awesome upcoming wedding industry events.  The goal of these presentations is to educate wedding industry vendors on how to work with gay and lesbian couples without making assumptions on their needs and lifestyles.

1.  Maximize Your Brand in New York City, October 19-20

2.  The Special Event in New Orleans, January 12-15

Registration is now open for both events, and you have the opportunity to not only hear me but also other truly visionary leaders in the wedding industry such as Harmony Walton from the Bridal Bar, Abby Larson from Style Me Pretty and Linnyette Richardson-Hall from Whose Wedding is it Anyway?

I admit that I'm super honored to be speaking at the same event as these fabulous folks and can't wait to meet them in person.

Jen will be with me at both events and is co-presenting in New Orleans!

Many gay and lesbian couples choose to process to the front of their sacred ceremony space down not one, but two aisles.  Jen and I did this; each of our attendants alternated going down the respective aisle, then Jen and I walked parallel to each other simultaneously. 

It's fairly common for a number of reasons, the main one being that in a gay or lesbian wedding, there is not necessarily a "bride" who is expected to be the center of attention.  Many gay and lesbian couples who are marrying have been together already for years and want to walk separately and meet in the middle. 

Regardless of whether the two aisles are parallel or coming in from opposite sides of the room, this two aisle processional is a nightmare for a photographer without an assistant!  I've had a few photographers attempt to talk me out of this processional and even one trying to change it at the last minute.  While there is something to be said about getting amazing wedding photographs and you'll never hear me argue otherwise, I do feel that it's important to honor this emerging gay and lesbian wedding tradition. 

If you are considering having two aisles instead of one central aisle, I highly recommend that you invest in a photographer's assistant if you are concerned about capturing both of your moments in the spotlight!

This week's photo is from a 2005 wedding we planned for two brides with 110 adults and 70 kids!  How do you entertain 70 kids?  We figured it out and brought in a children's entertainer, children's arts and craft leader, tons of high chairs and booster seats - and lots more to make sure the kids were having as much fun as the adults!

I'll reserve an entirely separate post for my suggestions on kids at a wedding.



Photo by Beth Kukucka