From 1999 to 2014
DEFINING THE MODERN COUPLE WHO are they? WHY does it matter?
OLD HABIT
“The Bride” NEW PRACTICE
Bride & Groom Bride & Bride Groom & Groom
NEW TERMS
“LGBTQ” Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer
Bri McDaniel Photography
REACHING THE MODERN COUPLE WHERE are they looking for me? WHAT do they want to hear? WHAT do they need to know?
THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE
www.gayweddings.com/same-sex-marriage-map
A FEW FAVORITE FACTS • 35 states + DC likely to recognize marriage by the end of 2014. • Current 33 + KS & MT • 6th Circuit Court Ruling Upholds Marriage Ban in KY, OH, TN & MI Authentic Eye Photography
A FEW FAVORITE FACTS • 77% of those under 30 support marriage equality • 82% of wedding pros surveyed said they planned to serve same-sex couples in 2014 Ashley Durham Studios
Authentic Eye Photography
SERVING THE MODERN COUPLE WHAT do I need to know? HOW do I express what I know?
Authentic Eye Photography
IT’S ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE
From Gay-Friendly to Gay Wedding Competent • Understand who the LGBTQ community is • Understand what LGBTQ couples need • Understand how our experiences & legal options shape our choices
BEST PRACTICES
• Be mindful about your ‘coffee table’ • Be inclusive • Consider website(s) and ALL of your ad campaigns A Lovely Photo
BEST PRACTICES
• Don’t assume orientation on first contact • Get reviews from LGBTQ couples • Vet your referral list Leslie Barbaro Photography
The REMARKABLE EFFECTS of heteronormativity and gender role expectations in wedding planning
“…I think our planner should have stepped in and pointed some things out, but she didn’t…”
Maggie Winters Photography
Holman Photography
LEAD with love LISTEN with love SERVE from love… … and you can’t go wrong.
LGBT(Q) & A: Everything You Want To Know But Might Be Afraid To Ask with Bill Cronin
3:45 pm
International Ballroom (III, IV, V) Book signing & Qs at our reception