Everyone Has A Choice!

 Hello my fellow blogger's! I have pondered heavily about what I am about to post today. I've been in conversation with Wedding Pros and Non-Wedding Pros on this topic that I am about to present to you. I am writing this because it has been on my heart and I felt guilty about doing something that I believed in and I needed to share. I am prepared for some to agree with me and for many to not agree with me at all. But in the end Everyone Has A Choice!

Last month I received an inquiry to plan a same-sex Day of Coordination Wedding. I looked at the email as I knew what my response was going to be without even thinking twice....I Cannot do it. I thought long and hard on the most respectful and professional way to respond so that I do not offend anyone or be caught discriminating another person. 

The whole scenario went something like this:

Good Evening,

           My partner, (.....) and I, are looking to hire a Day-of coordinator for our civil union ceremony scheduled to take place in (...) on (....).

Sincerely,

(....)

My response went like this:

Hi (...),
I regret to inform you that (...) does not plan civil union ceremonies. I wish you and your significant other much luck finding the right planner.

Sincerely,
(...)

She kindly replied "Thank you" and we both went on with our lives. I thought over and over, did I reply correctly, was I offensive, should I have lied and just said I wasn't available??? I began to feel bad, but then let it go and thought it is okay. Yesterday however, the subject of not completing a service due to religious belief arose and so I thought about this couple. After being called judgmental and rude and unprofessional I really began to think..Oh No..What have I done? Did I really discriminate against this couple by being honest! Again, my thought on this whole thing is that "Every Has A Choice"!

So after a long day of ongoing conversation with Wedding Pros and Non-Wedding Pros, I felt horrible and just had to email this young lady back and apologize for offending her. Which went like this:

Hi (...),

I just wanted to write to you and say sorry if I offended you and your Fiance (...) in any way. That truly was not my intentions. I was speaking with a group of wedding pros and it made me think of you. So again, I am truly sorry if my response was offensive in any way. I hope your planning process has been fulfilling and stress-free!

Sincerely,
(...)

She replied back..

Hello (...),

Thank you very much for reaching out, but your comments were not offensive at all...just honest (which we can appreciate).  Planning has been great and we have found a planner that suits our needs.  Thanks again for your concern and sincerity.

 

  (...) and(...)

After getting her repsonse, I felt absolutely relieved..it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders!!

So I say all this to say that "Everyone Has A Choice" In my opinon. I have to live by what I belive and if the law doesn't agree unfortunately I have to take that chance because the truth is I live for God and God is who I have to answer to at the end of the day. I truly do hope that I never experience a lawsuit or anything similar due to my religious beliefs. 

Everyone has A Choice..You have A choice...your not a bad person for saying no, just make sure you refer that indivudal to someone who can help. That is what I feel was my biggest mistake, not providing a referral. I have definitely learned a lot about myself going through this. I am happy that I can stand firm in my belief and be able to live with the consequences..whatever they may be. 

For I am a child of God and I live by his rules! 

Feel free to post how you feel on this topic. Again, Everyone has A Choice and even more Everyone will not agree with your choice. You have to make the decision to decide if you will follow your belief or follow the law.

This was not written to offend anyone or to put anyone on trial, etc. It was just a personal experience that I felt I should share with others who may have gone through something similar.

:::Wedding Dress Shopping:::

Shopping for wedding dresses is a fun experience that many brides look forward too!! Here's a few tips to make your shopping experience a little smoother.

Wedding Dress Shopping Tips:

*If you know you want a new dress order it at least 6 months in advance. This allows for it to be made, gives time for any delays, and leaves time for needed alterations.

*When looking for your perfect dress, be sure to tell the consultant your max budget and stick to it as you will still have to pay for alterations & accessories. 

*Clipping a few of your favorite pictures may help your dress shopping experience to go a little smoother. 

*Limit the amount of friends you bring to the fitting as a lot of opinons tends to wear the bride out rather than help her make the best decision!

*Make actual appointments, so you get the quality time you deserve with the consultant and the party you brought along.

*Make a fun day out of it by scheduling 2 or 3 appointments and be sure to due a lunch break in between.

*Wear the appropriate garments: (half bra and full panties), and be sure to lotion up as you will be half naked in the room with another person. ;-)

*The most important tip is to "Have Fun"! Try not to become stressed or overwhelmed, this is an important step in the process and a big purchase; but remember to enjoy it no matter the outcome!!

:::Convertible Wedding Dresses:::

The wedding industry is always changing and one of the newest trends that has captured the hearts of many are Convertible or 2-in-1 Wedding Dresses!! A Convertiable wedding dress is a dress that starts out long (typically worn for the ceremony) and becomes shorter (to be worn during the reception). 

The fashion of wearing two dresses has been around for some time now. The choice of buying one dress and wearing it two ways is a fashion that has gained attention and a love from many brides to be. Convertible Wedding Dresses come in many different styles as well: Ball gown, Sheath, A-line and more; to fit the many different styles of Brides. 

Below are a few Convertible dresses that I love!

The first Martina Liana:

The second David's Bridal:

::Passion:::Inspiration::

Today starts the beginning of the new blog of Beautiful Beyond Dreams, LLC! I will start off by telling you about one of my greatest passions, (as I have several). I get Jet Magazine and one of the March additions of featured the Founder of Carol's Daughters Natural Hair & Skin Products, Lisa Price. She wrote about her passion for her business. 

This struck me because I too am very passionate about Wedding & Event Planning. Towards the end of Lisa's article she gave an inspirational piece of advice that I felt I needed to share with you all!! 

"Let your passion fuel your plans"..."Money will come and go, but if you keep the passion for your work alive within you then that will enhance the likelihood of success."-Lisa Price Founder of Carol's Daughters Natural Hair & Skin Products

So think about your life and what your passionate about and "Let Your Passion Fuel Your Plans!"

The Blogging Mission!!

Hello my fellow bloggers, I am on a mission to become a semi-daily blogger! Which means, I will blog (to start) three days out of the week! Due to my new business office hours, I will blog on Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday! 

The blog posts will consist of business related information, wedding & event related information, and just-because related information!  I am excited about this new tasks and have even put in place several ways I will successfully accomplish this task! I would love for your support in reading my blog and as you comment, leave your blog link so I can be sure to read yours too!!

This is the mission so I hope you enjoy!! 

Check back tomorrow for the first of many blogs!!