We are more powerful when we stand together
to support racial equality and justice.
“A dear family friend once left us with this advice: “May you make the world a better place”.
Were it not for the pandemic we would be taking to the streets marching for equality with and for our black brothers and sisters. However, we vigorously and enthusiastically support the righteous cause of equality in other ways in an effort to make the world a better place.
This June, among all the vitriol and public discord, we celebrated the 53rd anniversary of the Loving v. Virginia decision by the US Supreme Court, without which our marriage would not be legal. Love in any form is stronger than hate in all forms, and it is love – between family, lovers, friends, and community – that will make us #BeeBetterTogether.”
“Nick and I were supposed to get married last June, but obviously had to cancel due to COVID. We got a lot of sympathy from friends and family, but we were fine with it! We knew we weren’t the only couple this was happening to, and far more were less lucky than we were since we didn’t spend much money yet (yay, procrastination?). We realized any money that we lost or stress that we experienced while downsizing and re-planning the wedding would be worth the contribution we were making to the health of our community.”
“It’s so cool to have talented and artistic friends doing things! Social justice has always been a driving force in my life. It is so great to participate in something greater than ourselves. This photo project combines a fundraiser for racial justice initiatives and this edgy yet ethereal portraiture. We were so lucky to participate but we also acknowledge the privilege we hold in participating. We have economic capital to make a donation and the cultural capital to be connected to this dream team of photographers. We’re also cis gendered white people living in America, so our lives maybe have had difficulties here and there, but pale in comparison to the institutionalized racism and hardship BIPOC face. Acknowledgment of privilege is the first step. After that, we have to champion social and economic justice for everyone who needs it. Because, we’re all in this life, together.” —Katie, Thomas, Juniper, & Gideon
“Don't count the days. Make the days count.” —Valerie & Chris
As we welcome our daughter into the world, we hope to raise her in a world where people strive to be supportive, accepting, understanding of each other. Imagine all the positivity if everyone could embrace each other’s differences and treat each other as equals. — Gaby & Roland
“Things have been very emotional this year and the last few weeks have been especially hard. The social injustice and inequality the BIPOC community faces is utterly overwhelming. We've been marching, donating, and are trying to be better supporters of minority owned business. Adding COVID, the death, the sickness, the sadness of losing family members, our wedding seems like it really should be the last thing we're thinking of.
All along I've had the best partner I could ask for. He listens, he's patient, and he's my biggest fan. It's hard to field the "are you cancelling your wedding" questions (I mean, does a wedding really get cancelled and what does that mean?) and the dread of writing emails to my vendors, who I so desperately want to give money to in order to have an epic party, to ask what their reschedule policy is.
So thank you for this opportunity to have a little fun and celebrate what's most important. We don't know if we're getting married this year, or what the future may bring, but we're in it together. With love, understanding, and monetary support of those who are disadvantaged, we are hoping we can make some change happen. I'm just glad I have someone in my life who wants those things too!”
— Lindsay & Mark
“My only hope is that we all love each other as much as every dog loves every one of us.
And Bandit wants us to defund the police.” — Patrick & Bandit
“There is a comfort, safety, and security in the love that we have for each other. Our blackness is elegance, grace, beauty, strength and resilience.
Yves is my constant. When everything is moving quickly around me, I reach for his hand and he holds me steady. When I am with him, nothing is impossible.
Jaimie is my joy. Her smile lights up my heart, and in her eyes I find peace. When I look at her I see my legacy. We are not revolutionaries, and our love probably won’t change the world; but we know that the world is a little better with each of us in it.
We want to show you our love. Our black love. Our unconditional and unfettered love. So when you see us, see love. Our love matters, our lives matter.“ —Jaimie & Yves
