When her boyfriend proposed, writer Carrie-Ann Fleming was ecstatic. But a headache loomed: as someone who requires a wheelchair, Fleming knew the wedding planning process would be exhausting. “Everything from the hen night and the dress, to the venue and the honeymoon, needs some serious creative thinking,” wrote Fleming in an article for The Guardian. “As a wheelchair user, I didn’t know where to start with all the preparations.” Fleming, who seeks to improve government standards of vacation destinations through her work with Tourism For All UK, knew the task would be daunting.
Since disabled brides and grooms are a growing minority often underrepresented in bridal magazines, Fleming found herself searching blogs and online forums for advice on planning her ceremony. She found solace in the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign Trailblazers, where brides-to-be vented their frustration with wedding planning. It’s becoming increasingly popular for brides to share their experience online; Disability and I Do is a blog created by Melissa, a newlywed with cerebral palsy. Melissa documented the entire process leading to the altar, and her blog now exists as an educational resource for accessible wedding planners.
Even if you do not require a wheelchair for the trip down the aisle, a vast majority of wedding planners must consider and accommodate a guest with impaired mobility. “There is so much to think about when planning a wedding, without considering access requirements,” says Fleming. “But so many suppliers and venues are open to suggestions about how they can help you, particularly small, independent companies.” Carrie-Ann Fleming is one of many brides who offer advice on creating an accessible wedding. What follows are the most common tips offered from accessible wedding planners. Above all, don’t let a physical impairment impede your wedding plans; there are plenty of approaches to creating an accessible ceremony for all.
Consider a venue where the ceremony and reception can be held in the same place.
Typically, wedding ceremonies are held in one location and the reception in another. But shuffling the bridal party from a church to an event hall can be incredibly taxing on the impaired. Fleming relates the experience of one bride-to-be when the wedding planners suggested how to accommodate her disabled grandmother: “They had planned the wedding breakfast to be upstairs, and said that four strong men would carry her and the wheelchair. The wedding coordinator could not understand my shock at this suggestion! When I asked that the wedding breakfast and reception take place in the marquee outside, they simply refused.”
Even if a venue promises to supply ramps and elevators, it’s always best to tour the facility ahead of time. Many venues create separate entrances for wheelchairs, which can be a problem if the bride’s grand entrance would be compromised. “I think that the hospitality industry are now realising that disabled guests are a loyal, growing market and that investing in accessibility makes business sense,” remarks Fleming. When checking out venues for the ceremony, ensure that all of your wedding guests and participants, even those with wheelchairs, will receive top priority. Fleming advises, “Any bride that has wedding guests with access requirements should take that person to the venue with her if possible. Just like no two brides want the same wedding, everyone’s access requirements are different.”
Consider customizing your wedding dress.
If you are a bride-to-be who will be using a wheelchair on your wedding day, trying on dresses can be difficult. Fleming recommends finding a bridal store that will allow you to take the dresses home to try, avoiding the nightmare of getting caught in a zipper while an impatient salesperson waits outside the dressing room.
Even so, finding a dream dress that won’t get caught in your wheels might seem impossible. In fact, you may be told by dress vendors that you can only wear a knee-length bridesmaids dress. Don’t listen to them! Search locally or online for a dressmaker who can create something for your needs. If you already have a dress in mind, work with a tailor to alter the dress for a more tapered fit that will keep it out of the way. Tailors are often more affordable than you think and are usually eager to take on challenges.
At the ceremony, request that everyone remains seated.
For many wheelchair users, it becomes tiring to be the only seated person in a packed room — no one wants their view to be disrupted by a row of derrières. If you want to make sure that the wheelchair users at your wedding will be comfortable and have a great view of the ceremony, tell your wedding officiant to instruct guests to remain seated, even when the bride comes down the aisle.
Just because it’s a wheelchair doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it.
For blogger Melissa of Disability and I Do, decorating her wheelchair was a must. “After paying so much… I didn’t want the black chair taking away from the dress,” she wrote. Melissa and her mother worked with a local florist to cover the chair, using the same types of flowers she chose for her ceremony. The result was beautiful and playful; Melissa proved that a wheelchair shouldn’t be hidden.
Remember, the Internet is your friend.
Whether you are concerned about your own disability or that of a guest, you are not alone. Every day, hundreds of brides write about their experiences, many of which involve wheelchairs, walking sticks, or other assisting devices. Offbeat Bride, for example, showcases plenty of alternative weddings, including Andy and Jeff, a couple who had no problem creating a beautiful wedding that just so happened to include a wheelchair. Have fun and be creative — a wheelchair doesn’t have to slow down any aspect of your life.
To read more about Carrie-Ann Fleming’s life and travels, visit her blog. Also follow Melissa’s newlywed adventures in her blog, Disability and I Do.
3 Featured Comments
Theresa Kimball from BluJeanBeads said 8 years ago Featured
Powerful story and a great testimony to love and a "can do" spirit. As an abled bodied adult it is up to me to make sure all venues are accessible to all of us....everywhere. As a disabled friend said, "Disability is a equal opportunity club." We can all be in it....at anytime.
Kelley H from TheresACharm4That said 8 years ago Featured
What a fabulous article! So nice to see these type of issues brought to the forefront and not simply dismissed. ALL brides deserve a beautiful wedding - a disability should not even be a part of the equation. I am disabled with MD, but I do not let that define me. Thanks for a well thought out and presented article! <3
Laura and Blakeley Harbor from RestorationHarbor said 8 years ago Featured
What a beautiful article! As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I have worked with inspiring people with disabilities who are determined to make their special days everything they dreamed of. Whether it's saying "I love you" to that special person, or safely swallowing a piece of cake, they (more often than not) meet their goal or exceed it. In my experience, love is the best motivator :) Laura "Disability is not a brave struggle or ‘courage in the face of adversity.’ Disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live." - Neil Marcus
147 comments
Heather Butler from MikiandHeather said 8 years ago
Wonderfull!
Kathleen from myvintagecrush said 8 years ago
Nothing can outshine a bride on her wedding day :) Beautifully written, informative post..
Emily Jones from VintageChinchilla said 8 years ago
Beautiful brides, they look lovely!
Michelle from MishaGirl said 8 years ago
Where there's a will there's a way! Very inspirational and VERY beautiful ensembles ladies!!!! Congratulations on wedding bliss :-)
Christina said 8 years ago
Beautiful!!!!
Janelle and Jason Ethridge from NomadCraftsEtc said 8 years ago
What a beautiful bride! This is a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing!
Cindy from cindylouwho2 said 8 years ago
Etsy needs more fabulous articles like this!
Sandra Kircher from LiLinspirations said 8 years ago
♥ ♥ LOVE IT ♥ ♥
Ever So Lovely from EverSoLovely said 8 years ago
This is a beautiful story and I totally agree with Kathleen..Nothing can outshine a bride! Thanks for sharing!
Kristina from KristinaOBrienDesign said 8 years ago
Fantastic!! Thank you so much for this!
Erika Iozsa from JasminBlancBoutique said 8 years ago
Amazing, I love it all!
Rebecca Sarah from PaperHeartGreetings said 8 years ago
Wow, Melissa's chair seriously did look amazing! And, from what I can tell, matched the theme of her wedding perfectly. I really enjoyed this blog post, it brought a big smile to my face :)
Gracie from TheBeautyofBoredom said 8 years ago
Great to have a minority like people in wheelchairs recognized. A weddings is one of the most important days in a person's life, and a bride or groom should not have to feel inhibited by a wheelchair. Thank you for providing helpful tips to the people who are not normally addressed when it comes to wedding planning help.
Jo Beth Wilkerson said 8 years ago
Wow...this is amazing! Beautiful, beautiful brides!
Megan Morris from MadebyMegShop said 8 years ago
Great post, inspiring and beautiful. Everyone deserves to look great and be happy on their big day!
Rosy from DreamsByRosy said 8 years ago
Beautiful story. Cheers!!
SewnNatural from SewnNatural said 8 years ago
great piece, full of lots of fabulous tips ... thank you
Dotty Walker from SewThoughtfulBlanket said 8 years ago
Great photos. Love the story!
Hillary De Moineaux from VoleedeMoineaux said 8 years ago
Interesting.
Andreea Lofgren from CTbyCoutureTime said 8 years ago
Beautiful...
Beauty Jewelry Gifts from BeautyJewelryGifts said 8 years ago
Thank you so much for this!...
Sonya Rasi from sonyarasi said 8 years ago
Wonderful article!
TheEverlastingPosy from TheEverlastingPosy said 8 years ago
Great ideas! The bouquet and material on the back of the wheelchair look so nice.
Stephanie Morris from GeezeesCustomCanvas said 8 years ago
What a beautiful story!
mazedasastoat from mazedasastoat said 8 years ago
A really worthwhile wedding article, & with so many fab pics of beautiful brides (and grooms!)
Natalia Snemis from expressyourself said 8 years ago
Amazing story!
Mel from Cuteling said 8 years ago
so touching and inspirational, and beautiful solutions!
Kimberlee from GracefullyGirly said 8 years ago
Your comment, "a wheelchair doesn’t have to slow down any aspect of your life" is oh, so true! I used to take people with disabilities backpacking. There's no reason having a disability has to keep you from experiencing whatever you love. We all had so much fun. Accommodations can be made and creative thinking sure helps. How awesome that Melissa is helping others who may not have the ideas yet to make someone's dreams come true, whatever their abilities. Not everyone understands the needs or limitations that can be worked around to make something work or feel better. It's so helpful that she can offer suggestions to help brides, grooms and wedding planners deliver the best day possible for everyone involved in such a special occasion as a wedding!
celestetoutai said 8 years ago
i love this article! my husband is quadriplegic and we planned our wedding ourselves. we did what we felt comfortable with and no one complained :) my brothers even wanted to hold my husband up during our first dance but i told them we were fine just as we were :)
jammerjewelry from jammerjewelry said 8 years ago
Wonderful article thanks for sharing.
Liv Gabel from MansionHouseRoad said 8 years ago
Wow. What an amazing story and perspective. Thank you for this.
Marcia Lacher from TheMillineryShop said 8 years ago
I don't have time now to say what I think, this is one of the best blogs ever.I have to get back to this.
Peshka from Peshka said 8 years ago
Fabulous !!!
Natalie from HansHolzkopf said 8 years ago
WOOOOOW!! Great story!!
susi from PaintedHorse said 8 years ago
What a lovely, thoughtful, post. These brides (and grooms) are just wonderful!
Lisa Steiner from ElainaLouiseStudios said 8 years ago
Awesome!
GoddessOfJewelry from GoddessOfJewelry said 8 years ago
So sweet! Everyone deserves their dream wedding!
Bijoux d'Odalisque from BijouxOdalisque said 8 years ago
One of the most touching articles I have ever read on Etsy. Thank you so much for this!
Victoria Baker from LittleWrenPottery said 8 years ago
Great post, its nice to see special days being for everyone : )
barby303 from barby303 said 8 years ago
Gorgeous brides (and grooms!) in lovely settings. The photos really make me smile. Thank you for this wonderful story and post.
baconsquarefarm from baconsquarefarm said 8 years ago
Beautiful day, congrats to both of you.
Laura King from LoralynDesigns said 8 years ago
What a great article. Thank you!
Debra Gilstrap from gilstrapdesigns said 8 years ago
Congratulations you made a beautiful bride and you both did it your way.
VaLon Frandsen from thevicagirl said 8 years ago
This is great, I've never thought that much about it. I have a good friend dating a friend of mine in a wheelchair, and I think they may get married someday. This makes me want to start planning her wedding now.
Zareena from zzzareena said 8 years ago
Thank you so much for a post like this. Being a person with a disability as well, it's awesome to see brides in wheelchairs. Just to show that not everybody who get's married all looks the same. Thank You!
Anna Kikute from fantasygarden said 8 years ago
Very good article it relay sweet ....and gives a good thought
ACupOfSparkle from ACupOfSparkle said 8 years ago
This is really a great article. Beautiful brides!
Nicole Risinger from SoSewOrganized said 8 years ago
What a sweet story and touching post! It is important that a disability or handicap not take away from such a special day. Well written and thought out!
Theresa Kimball from BluJeanBeads said 8 years ago Featured
Powerful story and a great testimony to love and a "can do" spirit. As an abled bodied adult it is up to me to make sure all venues are accessible to all of us....everywhere. As a disabled friend said, "Disability is a equal opportunity club." We can all be in it....at anytime.
Jenna Callahan from WeThreeTrees said 8 years ago
What a sweet sweet article and pictures, I love this! :)
Christina from ChristinaRomeo said 8 years ago
So amazing!!!! L O V E
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 8 years ago
Beautiful!!! Love :)
iammie from iammie said 8 years ago
Lovely!
AmyJo from AJBcreations said 8 years ago
Fantastic!
Angela Cotton from CottonBirdDesigns said 8 years ago
Great article!
Enterprise Americana from EnterpriseAmericana said 8 years ago
Nicely done. Challenges are meant to be overcome.
Shannon Schoon from PeaceofMind said 8 years ago
Love this article!
Lisset Verde-Sungur from tantancharms said 8 years ago
Great article! Love it!
Vanessa Perini from PeriniDesigns said 8 years ago
Love this article! Congratulations!
Monika Monroe from MomoRadRose said 8 years ago
beautiful !
Emma from TheRabbitHole said 8 years ago
I have a form of Muscular Dystrophy and use an electric wheelchair to get around. I'm not a big wedding person, but I love that this article takes a peek at some of the little things that walkers don't necessarily think about (even with events that are given as much thought as weddings are). I love that Melissa flowered her chair up - looks lovely!
rivahside said 8 years ago
I absolutely LOVE this article! My son has multiple handicaps and I am keenly aware of what's lacking in public places for those who are mentally or physically challenged. Just the other day, while washing my hands in a public restroom I noticed that the soap dispenser was placed too high on the wall for a person in a wheelchair to reach. I told the manager about it. I hope this blog post raises awareness. Bravo!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 8 years ago
beautiful brides ~ every one looks like they are having a great time !
Star Stanford from Gypsydazzle said 8 years ago
How sweet are those pictures?
Kathryn said 8 years ago
My son,who is still young,is in a wheelchair and he has the best personality & outlook of any person-young or old,disabled or not-that I know.It really is great to see an article that brings attention to a common but very special event that most of us encounter in our lives & hasn't quite kept up with all abilitities accesability-weddings!This article means something else too-some how in this cruel world,certain ways of thinking have bocome kinder,gentler,more understanding and accepting-more & more people with disabilities find loving relationships that lead to beautiful weddings that become wonderful marriages-and that is a great thing for a mom like me.
Krista from TheBeadtriss said 8 years ago
What a beautiful post! It was fun reading this.
Julie Huynh said 8 years ago
This was a beautiful article. Thank you. I am planning my wedding and completely understand the difficulties of finding wedding venues that are accessible to people who are physically disabled. I was sad by the amount of vendors that suggested they carry my wheelchair bound guest up and down stairs to reach their bathrooms. I felt my guest was entitled to the same dignity and the same right to move freely around the wedding as much as myself or any other of my guests. It took a while, but we found a venue that could accomodate this need. I am all for wedding vendors being able to cater for everyone including people who have disabilities. :)
trunkfullofmonkeys from trunkfullofmonkeys said 8 years ago
What a great article. =)
Aboli from FolkStroke said 8 years ago
Very true Kathleen, nothing can outshine a bride on her wedding day! Look at those beautiful smiles!!! :) Thank you for the post.
Rachelle from ShelleAnne said 8 years ago
This is a great article! Thanks for posting it.
Unique Fabric Gifts from uniquefabricgifts said 8 years ago
Very interesting, inspiring and beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing this Wonderful article!
Jaqualine Crabtree from ArtbyJaq said 8 years ago
Such a cute and inspiring article, very beautifully written : )
Esther L from shopfancyfree said 8 years ago
gorgeous!
goodbeads from goodbeads said 8 years ago
So cool,very perfect...
Audrey from HelloMountains said 8 years ago
beautiful!!!
Vickie Moore from WingedWorld said 8 years ago
Good advice in this article. Venues should always work to accommodate guests in wheelchairs. It makes good business sense, plus it makes it easier for other people to use the building as well. Moms with strollers, for example. The more customers a business can serve, the better.
Amanda Folga said 8 years ago
Amazing!
Emily E. from ZiggyAndZoop said 8 years ago
Inspiring!
Donna Thai from PetiteCuisine said 8 years ago
This is wonderful, thanks for sharing.
Eileen from EileenHeneghanStout said 8 years ago
What a beautiful story and lovely photos.
Chrisy McConnell from ARTDECADENCE said 8 years ago
Interesting story...so uplifting and positive...and beautiful images...ta...
Matejka Max from NattyMatty said 8 years ago
Great article!
georgine2 said 8 years ago
Dojemný, inspirativní,pozitivní článek.Díky .
Zeia Ledesma said 8 years ago
awesone, you also check http://www.onlinecheapshoppingcart.com/ the home of dresses collection.
Bizzie from BizzieLizzieHandmade said 8 years ago
What a fantastic story! One of the best yet, on Etsy! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
Frances Royal from franstradingpost said 8 years ago
Right On! My beloved daughter in law has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. I have learned so much from her, Her wedding (along with my son's) was in a lovely outdoor setting adjacent to a the reception room where all the persons with disabilities found easy access to everything! Wonderful memories!!!
JML said 8 years ago
What a great article! Would love to see more like this. Thanks for posting this!
FunFatale from FunFatale said 8 years ago
Fantastiiiccc
Connie Haskell from volcanogirlcreations said 8 years ago
Sweet! Great post....thank you!
Kirsti Joy from KaiceJoy said 8 years ago
Wonderful post....thanks for the insightful thoughts!!
Allegra Pelletier from VidaDoce said 8 years ago
So sweet. :)
Victoria Tkachuk-Owen from thebutterbeanshop said 8 years ago
Very good ideas for brides or guests in wheelchairs, but the photographer who suggested everyone BUT the bride jump up in the air needs a lesson in sensitivity!
Denise Vining from kadydesigns said 8 years ago
Great article! So informing and creative.Every Bride deserves to feel Beautiful on her wedding day! Thanks for posting.
racheli varulker from purplefeatherdesign said 8 years ago
beautiful!!
Resa Wilkinson from ResaWilkinson said 8 years ago
Wonderful and considerate post!
Alisa from AlisaDesign said 8 years ago
Amazing!
kathy johnson from ShoeClipsOnly said 8 years ago
What an informative article, thank-you for sharing this, very beautiful brides!
Akima Morgan from AkimaBotanicals said 8 years ago
My last position was working for a non-profit for people with disabilities (I helped people get the equipment/accessible modifications they needed through state & federal waiver funds). I saw my disabled coworker "wheel" down the aisle, then stand with forearm crutches for her first dance with her new husband. It was a lovely moment! Thanks so much for posting this article and bringing awareness to accessibility in all aspects of life. :D
Dawanna Young from peacesofindigo said 8 years ago
What a beautiful article~
Alea Cook said 8 years ago
WOW!
hoolehua said 8 years ago
Thank you for posting this article! As a disabled person who does her best in the (often very un-accessible) 'mainstream', I often find that I am an ambassador of disability, as many people I come across have never met someone like me before (a married grad student who lives independently ... i. e. without carers and not in an institution). These brides are beautiful women and beautiful examples to us all. Everyone deserves a special day. :)
Kirsten Hadley from PomLove said 8 years ago
what a great article!
amusebeads from amusebeads said 8 years ago
A cousin had her wedding on the beach, even though her dad was in a wheelchair. The town had special "sand" wheelchairs with large, inflated tires that made them easier to use on the sand, available for a small rental fee. She was able to have her dream wedding, and her dad was there to "walk" her down the aisle.
liddy sopretty from liddysopretty said 8 years ago
Love, love, love!!
Judy from ArtsyClay said 8 years ago
Wonderful article! I have a friend who is in a wheelchair and has taught me how important it is to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
StudioCybele from StudioCybele said 8 years ago
beautiful !
Ari Mason from TinySheep said 8 years ago
Beautiful ladies! Thanks so much!
Janne Perry from ClosetGothic said 8 years ago
Good reading, great topic - thank you.
Judy from NimblesNook said 8 years ago
Sweet!!!!! My heart has melted....
Kelley H from TheresACharm4That said 8 years ago Featured
What a fabulous article! So nice to see these type of issues brought to the forefront and not simply dismissed. ALL brides deserve a beautiful wedding - a disability should not even be a part of the equation. I am disabled with MD, but I do not let that define me. Thanks for a well thought out and presented article! <3
Amber from BambuEarth said 8 years ago
So inspiring, thanks for shedding some light on a dim area.. ♥♥♥
Amy from needleandfelt said 8 years ago
Great article and beautiful brides!
Christine Soto said 8 years ago
This article gives me so much joy! And some comments share helpful infirmation as well!
Indira Villalobos from snugglyugly said 8 years ago
beautiful
Jena C from BedQuilts said 8 years ago
They are all individuals and that makes them precious. There's is nothing wrong with being in a wheelchair no matter what your disability is.
Ann Arnette from LittleLotusChildren said 8 years ago
Awesome article. Navigating special events and traveling with a wheelchair really takes a lot of creativity!
Michelle Maynard from SimonesRoseBoutique said 8 years ago
Love this article - every couple deserves to have the wedding day of their dreams.. no matter what!
sarah said 8 years ago
So beautiful.
Erin Zamrzla from erinzam said 8 years ago
This is really inspiring. I appreciate the creativity of these brides and wedding planners!
Melissa from lolaandcompany said 8 years ago
I have worked for a major comporation that provides mobility equipment for people with limited mobility...this story holds a special place in my heart, I am deeply inspired by it and I am passionate in making a difference in people's lives in every way. What a beautiful story, many blessings!
Sylvie Liv from SylvieLiv said 8 years ago
Wow. Amazing. Nothing like a big ol reminder to be thankful for what I have. But I am so impressed with these girls. They didn't let anything get in their way. That is so awesome!
HarleyDavidsonFan said 8 years ago
An article worth reading, finally!
bazketmakr from bazketmakr said 8 years ago
that wheelchair bouquet is gorgeous! great ideas.
tera from secretalice said 8 years ago
How wonderful to share such lovely ideas!
Som from SomsStudio said 8 years ago
Incredible article and some beautiful brides!!
Sarah from perebags said 8 years ago
This is a FANTASTIC article! Thanks so much for sharing it!
Laura and Blakeley Harbor from RestorationHarbor said 8 years ago Featured
What a beautiful article! As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I have worked with inspiring people with disabilities who are determined to make their special days everything they dreamed of. Whether it's saying "I love you" to that special person, or safely swallowing a piece of cake, they (more often than not) meet their goal or exceed it. In my experience, love is the best motivator :) Laura "Disability is not a brave struggle or ‘courage in the face of adversity.’ Disability is an art. It’s an ingenious way to live." - Neil Marcus
Philippa Leddra from pippa89 said 8 years ago
Hi I'm doing a masters in Disability Studies and would just like to point people in the direction of some very interesting disability theory, in which disability is a social creation rather than something physical (social model of disability). In other words people are 'disabled' because of the way our society is structured and the attitudes it holds. In this case the reason weddings for people who use wheelchairs are so hard to plan in because our society does not accommodate difference and often does not even think of it not because the bride or groom uses a wheelchair! You are a fantastic minority for not letting society and its limitations stop you having your perfect day!!! Congratulations.
AJ Marsden from OnlyOriginalsByAJ said 8 years ago
Everything about this post is beautiful! Congrats and thanks for sharing!
Adrienne LaVallee from MyMainePaintings said 8 years ago
Fantastic. This isn't an easy task but an important one. I took my father to a wedding, he in a wheel chair, and it was almost IMPOSSIBLE. Kudos to all who plan well whether it is for their needs or the needs of their guests. LOVE IT and thank you for sharing.
LC Cooper from LeMaisonBelle said 8 years ago
How inspirational! Thanks for sharing this story - and Congrats!!
MarieLauresFancies said 8 years ago
I came across this blog by chance and I wanted to congratulate all these beautiful brides for their courage. I am able bodied myself but having got married last July, I know how much work goes into it if you are so inclined or want to save money. Well done girls from the bottom of my heart!!!
Jiang XueLi from jiangxueli188 said 8 years ago
beautiful....
AdornmentsbyDebbie from AdornmentsbyDebbie said 8 years ago
Beautiful brides--I love weddings! The bouquet for your chair turned out gorgeous.
Abrefi from Abrefi said 8 years ago
Amazing.....
Megan Cutter said 8 years ago
My husband and I were married in 2005, and we were lucky that we were able to implement our style into our wedding. We made many adjustments to have a wedding that was truly our own. Our friends built a ramp from the altar to the aisle so that my husband could use his wheelchair, and also a walker- so he could walk me out of the church (also the first time he walked publicly)! But more than anything, we used our own unique style of putting rings on fingers, giving each other pieces of the cake, the garter belt had velcro on it, and more than anything, we included friends and family from the many different communities we were a part of. It was the most beautiful ceremony and such a blessing! Megan Cutter www.loverollson.com
Jody from MonkeyShineArtGlass said 8 years ago
What a fantastic article & very practical advise! I have some understanding of this, as my daughter's wedding is soon -- and she has severe autoimmune arthritis. She does not "appear" to have a disability, but her condition has dictated every choice. We have decided on a very small, but beautiful wedding and are keeping things simple to counteract pain/fatigue. This is NOT a compromise wedding, just one with smart planning! Right down to the lightweight bridal bouquet......the florist will alter the size of the handhold for comfort, and suggested that the bride carry the more lightweight flowers, and let the bridesmaids bouquets include the heavier weight foliage. Keep up the great articles, Etsy!
Jean Ramey from JeanRameyArt said 8 years ago
What a great article!
Norajuku from NORAJUKU said 8 years ago
What an awesome article! Thank you so much for sharing!
babybarista from babybarista said 8 years ago
<3
Susan from LiseVintageLighting said 8 years ago
As a long-time special educator before embarking on my creative business, this article brought joy to my heart! My job was not complete until my students were able to see themselves as "differently-abled" rather than disabled and could advocate for themselves and their needs without apology. As a person who recently spent nine, long months crutches- and wheelchair-dependent after a bad leg break, my eyes were opened still further by the countless, unexpected obstacles I faced each time I ventured out. During that time, quick rather than thoughtful planning became necessary for my mother-in-law's funeral and the large luncheon that followed. Not having had the chance to plan for the logistical challenges, it became an exhausting, logistical nightmare for which I was completely unprepared! Unapologetic trail-blazers like Carrie-Ann and Melissa leave such positive ripples for the benefit of so many people! Some of my nearly-grown students may soon be their beneficiaries. That they thoughtfully approach a logistical challenge rather than giving in to the pressure to avoid, and then go on to generously share what they have learned with others, is advocacy at its finest because it teaches others. Sorry to be so wordy, but sincere thanks Chappell! Hats off ot you, Carrie-Ann and Melissa!
Stephanie Maslow Blackman from metalicious said 8 years ago
Awesome post! Love it!
Melanie Torres from MixedMediaMuseum said 8 years ago
You do amazing work as a speech pathologist! Making a difference in other peoples lives is truly noble ; )! Thank you for sharing such a lovely article!
Barbara from ionesAttic said 8 years ago
thank you for sharing this inspiring story...
bvsg said 8 years ago
I really appreciate the remarks made by Restoration Harbor!
Lee Thomas from EastThomasLee said 8 years ago
great article!
Juicy Soulja from JuicySoulja said 8 years ago
Inspiring story! Almost made me cry because it is just such a very beautiful story!