First, let me apologize for posting an uncharacteristically heavy topic. I know there is quite a bit of controversy around the idea of marriage equality, and it can bring out a lot of strong emotional responses from people on both sides of the issue. My goal with this blog post isn’t to create negative feelings, but I’m aware that, as with any controversial topic, someone will probably disagree with me. That’s fine. I just feel that this is a topic I need to take a minute to discuss.

On a personal level, I am completely behind the idea that love is love, regardless of gender, religion, or race. I have friends in the LGBTQ community, and their sexual orientation doesn’t change my mind about who they are as people. We were childhood friends before they “came out”, and we remain friends after, simply because we are friends. Who they find attractive or fall in love with doesn’t change the years of memories we created, it doesn’t degrade them or make them any less great. We are friends, and part of being friends is accepting each other unconditionally for who we are. If we can’t do that, how were we ever friends to begin with?

But this post goes a little deeper than this, since I’m also a business owner.

To be honest, it was never a question in my mind about whether or not I would coordinate same-sex marriages if the opportunity arose. I know there are other business owners struggling with this, because it really can be an issue of faith vs. finances. Choosing to work with same-sex couples to create their wedding day is a personal choice each vendor will have to think about and make on their own. I’m sure there will be businesses that choose not to provide services for gay marriages. For my company, I proudly choose to support every couple who loves each other and wants to commit to spending their lives together. I believe every love story is different and beautiful. When two people love each other so much, it should be celebrated.

I’ve accepted that this could impact my future client base. I know there will be clients who choose not to work with me based on the fact that I support same-sex marriage. That’s ok! I respect their beliefs, just as I hope they can respect mine.

To keep this blog post short and sweet, I stand confident in my decision to be a supporter of same-sex marriage, and am looking forward to creating a network of other vendors who feel the same. Happy Tuesday, everyone!