I had a completely different message crafted, but after the events of this weekend it became clear that WIPA couldn’t, and wouldn’t, stay silent. 2020 has been challenging to say the least, but it pales in comparison to the struggles that our African American colleagues have endured for their entire lives. I understand that I will never understand what that feels like, but I, and WIPA, will stand up for what is right. There is no room for hatred, bigotry, and racism of any kind in the wedding industry, and I implore the Members of WIPA, as the voice of the wedding industry, to be reminded of the membership pledge in our statement of ethics: “Respect all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, or age.” 

As we face yet another challenging time in our industry we will continue to promote and focus on our message of Love Always Wins. I hope you choose to spread that message among your family, friends, clients, and colleagues, because the power of love is infectious.

And so, I will leave you with the words of Martin Luther King Jr. that ring as true now as they did in 1957 – “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” There is a lot of work to be done, but I hope that you will tackle it all with love in your heart.