Frequently Asked Questions

  • What's the origin of the 14 in 14 Stories?
    14 is a powerful number in civil rights history. It was the number of individual plaintiffs in the case that first legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts. 14 is the U.S. Constitutional Amendment that was used to dismantle segregation and end the ban on interracial marriage. We think this number is a great reminder of the importance of civil rights for all citizens.
  • In what parts of the country/world do you work?
    14 Stories has two offices: one in Boston, Massachusetts, the first place in the US gay marriage was legal; and a second in New York City. But we plan weddings and parties anywhere you want us to. Certainly throughout New England and New York, but we are happy to plan in Iowa (where it's also legal) or in other states or countries as well.
  • What makes a gay wedding planner different? Why do I need a gay wedding planner?
    Because we can relate.  We can tell you stories of our own wedding, of the hundreds of LGBT weddings we've planned. We can answer questions like "Who walks down the aisle first?" and "What churches will allow me to marry?"  We will also provide you with resources of other LGBT-owned businesses like financial planners, estate planning attorneys and others who, like us, really want to help you protect your family.
  • Do you plan commitment ceremonies or weddings that are not legal?
    We don't plan commitment ceremonies unless that couple is planning to have a legal ceremony also. We can work with couples to plan and design both the legal ceremony and a large reception back home. But we don't plan the large event in a state where same-sex marriage is not legal unless we're also involved in the legal part. This is because we believe in the powerfulness and meaningfulness of a legal marriage and this is very important to us.
  • How do the logistics work when you have a client who lives somewhere else?
    This actually happens all the time. Typically we have 3-4 (or more) in person marathon meetings before the wedding and we do a lot of planning via conference calls, email and Skype. Those marathon meetings include site visits, vendor meetings, design consultations, walk throughs and more. We make our time together incredibly full so you feel very productive by the time we head back to our respective homes.
  • Do you plan straight weddings?
    Sure, we've worked with and continue to work with awesome straight couples who want a really cool planner who thinks outside the box, doesn't judge them and keeps things low-stress. Our straight couples know of our specialty, of course, and love us for who we are, just like we love them for who they are.
  • My venue has an event coordinator. Why should I hire an outside planner?
    That person's primary job is usually catering and/or sales, not event planning. Our job is to be your advocate and recommend a wide variety of vendors who have your best interest in mind. The venue's event coordinator is seldom involved in things like hair and makeup, the wedding ceremony, cueing music, pinning flowers, bringing gifts back to your home after the wedding and so on... 
  • One of us is a non-US citizen. Can we have a gay wedding?
    We are not legal experts so you should consult an immigration attorney on this matter. We also recommend that you read this resource on bi-national marriage from GLAD.
  • What's your mailing address?
    Our mailing address is 511 6th Avenue, Suite 325, New York, NY 10011.
  • How do I get Bernadette to speak at my event?
    Bernadette is a sought-after speaker and regularly trains her peers in the wedding industry as well as conducts gay wedding workshops for couples.  You can contact us about having her speak at your event.
  • How can I work with you or be included on your vendor list?
    Please read this first.  14 Stories always looks forward to hearing from gay-owned, gay-friendly, and green businesses, especially those in states where gay marriage is newly legal or where legislation is pending. Please contact us with information about your business and experience. We read every email and visit every website sent to us but we receive many of these requests, so please do not call to ask to be included on our vendor referral list.
  • Do you accept a referral fee from the vendors you recommend?
    We never have and we never will. All fees offered to us we kindly ask vendors to pass along as savings to our clients.
  • Are you hiring?
    READ THIS FIRST. We are always looking for a brilliant partially paid intern.  All job and internship opportunities will be posted on the careers section of our website. Please do not call us about job openings.
  • Who took all the fabulous photos on your website?
    The photographers featured on our website include Closed Circle Photography, Cheryl Levine, Michael Manning, Casey McCormick, Beth Kukucka, Zoom Photography, Katje Hempel, Margaret Singer, Susan Symonds, Jag Studios and Gretje Ferguson.
  • How do I become a wedding planner?
    A lot of hard work! My colleague Laura Auer talks about it best - you should read her article here.  This is also great advice on getting started!