SOME THINGS TO ASK WHEN CREATING CONTENT:
We are all at different levels of learning when it comes to inclusion in the wedding industry. I honor and acknowledge that this process will look different for everyone. Maybe you're brand-new to the industry or maybe you've been doing this for over a decade.
Wherever you are at, it is always a good time to continue or start DOING THE WORK of being inclusive. Help give BIPOC and the queer communities a much-needed voice. The stories and voices of BIPOC & queer folx deserve to be heard and shared.
This checklist offers a few questions that you as a wedding vendor can ask yourself as you are planning content — Whether that content is marketing materials, styled shoots, or blog posts on your website. This checklist will help guide you in making decisions that allow you to intentionally bring in diverse vendors and more as you share your work with the world.
- Am I doing this work OUTSIDE of social media? More than just reposting a photo/story, although it is still a form of support if you are highlighting BIPOC & LGBTQ+ vendors.
- Am I actively engaging in conversations of racial justice, diversity, and inclusion with my wedding vendors, friends, & family?
- NOW...if we've answered yes to those above questions, we can move on to the next thoughts
- How can I invite others into changing the wedding industry with this content?
- Does this content or post inspire others to WANT to take action?
- WHY is this important to me in my business? Is it a marketing strategy or is it a genuine desire to do what's right and open up a seat at the table to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ vendors?
- Am I tokenizing a minority and how can I change this if I am?
ARTICLES AND RESOURCES FOR FURTHER EDUCATION & READING:
- People Are Not Props // How to Avoid Tokenism in Your Portfolio: Catalyst Wedding Co. is an online resource offering Wedding advice & inspiration, with an intersectional feminist lens.
- To Be an Inclusive Wedding Professional You Must First Diversify Your Life: When You Look Around at Your World, What Do You See?
- MunaLuchi Bride: A source for Multicultural weddings, styles and vendors.
- Altared PDX: Learn and talk about how together we can be more inclusive, sustainable, mindful, and, ultimately, happy with what we do and how we do it. This is a Portland based community focused on finding a supportive community where you can ask questions, offer advice, and find solutions.
- BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Pacific Northwest Vendor Directory: A directory made for clients & wedding vendors
I would love to keep adding to this checklist and any articles/resources you may have. If you're a BIPOC and/or queer vendor, I want to share YOUR voices. Email me your thoughts.
Jamie Peterson Images
A Seat at the Table
I have learned the hard way that a seat at the table becomes a lot harder to obtain when you're not part of the dominant culture (read: White and White passing folx).
Flip through a popular wedding magazine, browse a wedding website...you'll find that BIPOC & LBGTQ+ couples are shockingly under-represented.
Yes, there are some blogs and some companies who are doing the work on their platform to be more inclusive, but that is NOT ENOUGH. Representation across all industries, especially in Hollywood, is STILL something we are advocating for change and action in.
I urge and invite you to be part of that change with me.
#changetheweddingindustry
Jamie Peterson Images
Vendor Team
Coordinator & Event Styling: @jaime.ta
Photographers: @jamiepetersonimages @planned_runaway
Models: Rabia: @biahaq, LaToya: @sundaycurls, Julie: @itz_julieee
Make Up Artists: @beauty._by._brianna @jovanacombsbeauty
Jewelry: @emmabrookejewelry
Videographer: @love_bug_pictures
Florals: @whiskeywillowweddings
Calligraphy: @courtingcalligraphy
Donuts: @chewyy.pdx
Jamie Peterson Images
