As expected, following the recent decision by the Supreme Court to legalize gay marriage nationwide, the same sex wedding market has exploded. A report from the Williams Institute, a national think tank at the UCLA School of Law, estimates that 24,248 same-sex couples will marry in Florida during the first three years it is legal. Those weddings, according to the report, would generate $182.2 million to the state and local economy and create between 875 and 2,626 jobs in the tourism and recreation sector.
The above mentioned facts along with a thorough dialogue on “LGBT Hospitality & Gay Weddings Market in Miami” will be discussed at the next MDGLCC’s luncheon to be held on August 26 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Businesses and the community at large are invited to participate of this educational networking event presented by the MDGLCC in partnership with the Greater Miami & Beaches Hotel Association and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Putting together a wedding celebration is not an easy task. It is an arduous process for couples to select and decide on all the elements that will make their ceremony and celebration memorable. One thing to consider is the art of choosing a wedding photographer. Here are a few pointers on the subject matter provided by esteem Chamber member Marta Neira of Marta Neira Photography Martaneira.com
After the cake is cut, the flowers are wilted, and the stories have been shared about your special day, only your photos will remain. That’s why finding the right photographer to capture your special day is so important. So many couples are left upset and disappointed because they chose an unexperienced photographer who failed to capture the emotion of the day and missed all the important moments.
What should you look for? When selecting a wedding photographer, there are several important elements you should keep in mind: personality, true support in the LGBTQ community, photographer’s style, and cost.
Personality & LGTB Community Member or Ally. First and most importantly is the character and personality of the individual who you will hire to capture your day, and invite as a guest to your wedding.
Do you both like and feel comfortable with this person? Do you trust them to handle such an important day in your life? Will your friends and family like them?
Your photographer will probably spend more time by your side on your wedding day than your own parents or BFF. No matter how much you love someone's work, make sure your personalities click before you invite him or her along for one of the most important days of your life.
Is this person an LGBTQ member or a true ally, not just a photo house adding to their overall sales potential?
It’s important that they don’t have an insincere bias and understand all we have gone through to finally get to have these equal rights to marry.
Style!
The second element and almost as equally important as personality is the photographer’s eye. That is, the way he or she sees and captures the wedding day. Make sure to spend time talking about what’s important to you. A wonderful photographer will capture the essence of the day and not miss the important moments or people.
Cost?
What do you do when it comes to budgeting? According to a survey run buy the largest online wedding website, the number one regret couples had is that they wished they would have spent more money on their wedding photography. A professional photographer will have invested in the best photography equipment and top of the line editing software. They will put in the time and effort to make sure your wedding photos are incredible, including hours of post-processing to really make them shine What separates the good from the bad is in the eye of the beholder; after all, art is subjective. Just make sure you feel great about the person you hire and see a distinction in the work. In the end, you can't afford to be disappointed when the curtains close on your wedding day.
For more information on the “LGBT Hospitality & Gay Weddings Market in Miami” or to become a member of the MDGLCC please contact us at 305-673-4440, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.GayBizMiami.com.
Jorge Richa is Marketing & Programming Director, Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
