There is no doubt the state of Florida is losing out on millions of dollars by refusing to legalize same sex marriage. So far, 13 states in the nation have seen economic gains by opening their doors to the LGBT community, and more are on the way.
But that hasn’t stopped Central Florida’s progressive wedding vendors from getting a head start. They have come together in support of marriage equality to form The Wedding Alliance, an organization to increase awareness of the economic and social benefits of gay marriage.
“Marriage is a civil right,” said Pastor Barton Buchanan, of Windermere Union Church of the United Church of Christ and a member of the Alliance. “It should be available to all people.”
The Alliance hosted its kickoff “Coming Out Party” on Friday, Sept. 6 at The Mezz and The Abbey in downtown Orlando. Two dozen vendors, both gay and straight, came out to share their support and show off their businesses. It was a benefit for the Human Rights Campaign and Equality Florida
“I love the fact that we have a group focusing on inclusion,” said Cliff Weir, of Winter Park, who owns YourWeddingMakeUp.com. “We’re not second class citizens anymore.”
The Wedding Alliance was born in the spring 2013 when Andrew Springer, executive director of Artful Events, and Jamie O’Donnell, owner of Phoenix Event Group, were talking with other wedding vendors about an LGBT-friendly bridal show. They decided the issue was too important to stop at just one event.
“For our group, it was less about a bridal show and more about creating a network of vendors who believe in the same things and are responsive to the community,” O’Donnell said. “It grew from there.”
In a community “Ally” campaign, both gay and straight local community members took photos with The Wedding Alliance logo to show their support for the organization including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan. Both supported the formation of the city’s Domestic Partner Registry.
“The Domestic Partner Registry was an important initiative to be implemented in Orlando because it ensures that committed same-sex couples have the same basic rights that other couples in committed relationships have,” Dyer said. “I hope the (Wedding Alliance) continues to help Central Florida take a leadership role in promoting inclusiveness for everybody.”
The Wedding Alliance plans to welcome other local businesses that help couples after the wedding including lawyers, accountants, real estate brokers and financial planning firms. They hope to have networking events and educational seminars with speakers. The board wants to ensure the LGBT and Ally communities have resources for progressive vendors and information.
Founders of The Wedding Alliance include: Springer of Artful Events representing The MEZZ and The Abbey, O’Donnell and Kristin Allgire of Phoenix Event Group and Michele Butler and Cathrina Dionisio of Michele Butler Events along with Gary Hughes and Julie Fioretti of Hughes Fioretti Photography, Lee Forrest of Lee Forrest Design, Michael Thomas of John Michael Weddings & Events and Sascha Voss of Holiday Inn at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Membership for wedding vendors and businesses is $250 a year. If you join before Dec. 6, the cost is $175 for membership that lasts through 2014. The organization also has an individual membership of $25 for allies who support the cause. Members must fill out an application for approval. The website is WeddingAlliance.org.
“Our long term vision is to roll this out nationwide,” O’Donnell said. “A wedding is about a celebration of love and whatever we can do to spread that good will and advance LGBT rights in our community is going to be our ultimate goal.”
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