Disclaimer: This post will be divisive and I typically make a point of keeping topics like politics and religion off of the internet. I’m not trying to make this political, but rather about love. I’m not out to slam the other side, but to simply state our position. There are likely to be friends and family alike that strongly disagree with what will follow. That’s fine. It wouldn’t be worth writing otherwise. In fact, this is the first time I’ve ever stated these feelings in any public way but I feel strongly about my position and am always open to civil discourse. However, ad hominem attacks won’t be tolerated. With that being said…
There’s been a lot made lately about the anti-LGBT bill signed into law by North Carolina governor Pat McCrory. This law was written so broadly many think it will give NC businesses the right to turn away gay patrons under the guise of religious freedom. Similar situations are occurring in other states, like Mississippi. We want to make it very clear we are NOT one of those businesses.
Our wedding season kicks off next week on April 16 in the mountains of North Carolina. It’s going to be amazing. It’s nearly all we have talked about recently because we are so excited for it. The setting is gorgeous. The wedding couple are both creative and the day is going to be filled with their personal touches. They have family and friends traveling in from all over the country. I’m sure there will be plenty of tears. Most importantly, they are unapologetically, madly in love. They are Lex and Kate, a beautiful same-sex couple that absolutely adore each other and can’t wait to become a family.
See, we love love. That’s the only requirement a couple must meet in order for us to shoot their wedding. If a couple has a bond anything close to what Lacey and I share, I simply cannot imagine denying them the same chance at happiness we were given. If you’re like me and lucky enough to have found absolute true love, then you’d probably agree there is no greater feeling of pure joy. I use the word lucky because true love is rare. It’s hard to find and should be cherished. It should also be shared whenever possible. Just take a minute to think over everyone in your life you know that has been divorced. Now think of the loveless marriages or relationships you’ve seen. With unhappiness seemingly the norm why should the world be robbed of something so precious, so rare as true love? With the horrors of the world dominating all forms of media, love between two consenting adults should be a total non-issue.
When the day comes that Lacey and I have a child of our own we are going to teach him/her to live life appreciating every breath; to see the best in people, even if they only see the worst in you; to give without provocation; and most importantly, to LOVE without reservation.
I want to make it clear that I’m not saying everyone that opposes marriage equality and gay rights does it from a place of hatred. I know plenty of good people who oppose it and genuinely don’t hate people. If your faith states gay marriage is a no-no that means you can’t get gay married. It doesn’t mean outlaw it, or turn away people outside of your faith that believe differently. This is America and you have every right to believe whatever you want, but to deny someone something they legally have a right to because of your belief crosses the line.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you. We love you guys. And we love all of our clients. You enable us to do what we love. A few weeks from now when we start sharing images of this wedding, please just keep scrolling if you oppose it. Don’t comment, just move on. However, if it gets you so angry, so red in the face as you find yourself clinching your fists and firing off angry comments then please, please, PLEASE do us all a favor and click the little button shown in the picture.
We really hope that it doesn’t come to that, because the support of our followers keeps us going. Thank you all.
Love, above all else.
-Ryan & Lacey
