Today I went to my first bridal show in Crofton MD. It was a smaller show, but it was a good starting point for me. Of course as with every outing and adventure I embark there are always moments when I am reminded that even now in this day and age accessibility for people with wheelchairs is still not an automatic thought when it comes to planing and setting up a public event.
We pull into the parking lot of the country club, I am pleasantly surprised to find plenty of accessible parking spots available. However once we got out of the van we discovered that the organizers of the event had set up two tables at the main entrance, both of which blocked off access from the ramp to the door... (I guess some people still think people in wheelchairs don't get married) After I got the attention of the organizers and brought it to there attention they quickly moved one table and cleared the way! I recorded that as a teachable moment. Maybe next time it will be thought about before it is needed.
Once inside the show the show the first table we visit is the table of the country club. When I asked the lady how is your accessibility? She gave the usual reply of course we are fully accessible. However, I told her that I needed a place that could hold 200 guests and could accommodate not just one wheelchair, but 11...... the look on her face told me she was not sure... but said oh sure we can do that. After walking around the club it became clear that she does not realize how much space 11 people in wheelchairs require. Although the staff and the room were incredibly nice, there was no way there would be enough space.... I want all of my guests to be able to be comfortable and be able to move around and not have to worry about running over someone's toes!!!! Since that was the only venue represented it was clear that the search will continue..........
In addition to the venue, my other concern is finding a photographer that will be able to be creative and think out of the box when it comes to photographing a wedding where the bride and groom are in chairs. Have you ever notice that all the examples photographers bring you never see people in wheelchairs........ That had never occurred to even me prior to today......... so now when talking to photographers one of my questions will be tell me about your experience shooting weddings for people with disabilities. And much to my surprise one of the photographers I talked to actually had a good deal of experience so there are some people out there that realize people with disabilities DO get married!
As I said today was just a small sampling of the possibilities out there...... The hunt will continue ultimately the wedding will eventually be planned and Kevin and will achieve our dream "one way or another."
