| If you've got mobility challenges, then you're used to | | | | - Partners should be at the same level as they make |
| the craziness of trying to get access. But if you're | | | | their wedding vows. Both partners could sit on |
| planning a wedding and have guests with mobility | | | | decorated thrones. Or a chair can be decorated in the |
| challenges, you may never have encountered the | | | | same style as the wheel chair. (I was married at a |
| problems you'll have to solve. More and more buildings | | | | Masonic Temple, so we used fabulous chairs to sit on |
| have dealt with access issues, but you want to be | | | | during parts of our very long service since my |
| sure that you and your guests can move about easily | | | | SweetPea doesn't stand well). The thrones give a |
| and that all of your guests' needs can be | | | | relaxed but majestic feel to the wedding. |
| accommodated. (It's not a bad idea to do a dry run -- I | | | | - If you're going to be seated your wedding vows, |
| have a girlfriend I hang with and it took us 35 minutes | | | | have the community stand. Keep changing the levels |
| to get a stuck door opened so that we could get her | | | | to signify that something special is happening. |
| wheelchair in. Luckily, Barb is nothing if not stubborn. But | | | | - Have a platform with a ramp that elevates you so |
| that's not the atmosphere you want to invite people | | | | that all can see. |
| into!) | | | | - Make sure that mics and places to read are |
| Here are some ways to think about your wedding | | | | accessible to everyone and easily adjustable. Have |
| ceremony and your reception that acknowledge and | | | | someone in charge of adjustments! |
| accommodate the realities of a life with a disability and | | | | - If you're seated, you may need more amplification. |
| that keeps the focus on the marriage you are creating | | | | Think ahead. |
| from your extraordinary love. Tradition must be | | | | - Consider whether you want your wedding celebrant |
| constantly remade to include everyone. Honoring who | | | | to be on the same level as you are. |
| you are in thoughtful and beautiful ways allows your | | | | - Talk about the challenges and the rewards of your |
| community to begin to see and react differently to | | | | life and your love. Get your community on board as |
| difference. Now your wedding is not just a celebration | | | | your advocates! |
| of your union, but an invitation to participate fully in your | | | | Reception: |
| lives! And you get to lay on the drama... and that's fun! | | | | - Make sure your food presentation is accessible. If it's |
| Mix it up and have the wedding of your dreams! | | | | a buffet, there should be people to assist those with |
| The Processional and Recessional - Do it so it makes | | | | difficulty reaching the shrimp in the back. Your |
| sense for you! | | | | thoughtfulness will be appreciated. |
| - If you don't walk well, consider being seated in place | | | | - Mix up the levels of display so that some things are |
| and having your guests enter to stately music. You'd | | | | visible to people at chair height and others for those |
| have to allow time, but it would be beautiful. And you'd | | | | who are standing. It will be more interesting anyway. |
| get to see their faces as they encountered you! At | | | | - Don't give up the dance, unless you don't want it. |
| the recessional, have your attendants enclose you | | | | There's astonishing stuff on the Internet these days. |
| behind decorated screen that they place (where you | | | | What about a carefully choreographed wheelchair |
| can have a few moments of privacy!) and then let | | | | minuet to some very hot song? |
| them recess and lead the community out. | | | | As far as things have come, there are still those who |
| - If you're in a chair, your florist can turn your chair into | | | | don't understand that living with disabilities present |
| a throne, as long as it doesn't interfere with your | | | | challenges to life, but no deterrents. Love still triumphs |
| mobility. (and if you're the bride in a chair, make sure | | | | and obstacles are meant to be overcome. And you |
| you've got a dress that isn't going to get caught up in | | | | are meant to live together in love forever. Get married |
| the wheels! So many details!) | | | | in the style in which you will live your full and wonderful |
| The Ceremony - Partners in Life | | | | life and blow your friends' minds along the way! |