I’ve been wanting to write something about this for more than a year now, but it always felt like it was too soon.

The genocide happening in Gaza, marriage rights at risk, ICE terrorizing our communities - I always felt this compulsion that once the initial shock of whatever was happening at that moment blew over, then it would be ok to talk about it.

But if anything this past year - hell, even the past couple months - has shown, none of us has the luxury to wait anymore.

And if I’m feeling this way just talking about it, I can only imagine what it feels like for couples even thinking about planning a wedding. The constant push and pull of scrolling through the news while simultaneously seeing beautiful floral arrangements feels like a never-ending whiplash that can make anyone’s head spin.

It somehow feels less than okay then, to be planning a wedding even though it feels like the whole world is on fire.

Still, the fact that you're here, reading this blog, means so much. It means you feel it, too. The heaviness that seems to be everywhere lately, trying its best to bring us all down.

Humans everywhere are facing unimaginable pain and loss, so how can you even think about things like choosing a venue or picking out flowers?

The best answer I've come up with is this:
Because you must.

Your joy is a form of resistance.

Let me start by saying that I know how lucky I am. My job is literally all about LOVE and JOY, and do we ever need that right now.

But in the same way, I sometimes feel disconnected from all that heaviness because I'm surrounded by so much joy. Is it still okay for me to do what I do? Is it still okay for people to want to celebrate getting married? Or should we all just take a pause and let the world heal?

It's an incredibly human reaction to delay happiness when it feels selfish, but the very act of being joyful is a rebellion. Everyone deserves to live their lives and be happy, and it doesn't mean you are making a choice to ignore what's happening around you. The fact that you are celebrating despite the chaos is what matters.

Joy binds us together and builds communities.

The ability to find joy in times of hardship is what keeps us alive. As humans living in the world today, I feel like we have developed a necessary ability to hold both grief and happiness at the same time. Being thoughtful about how we experience our joy is a way to nurture the communities that sustain us.

In the same way you make conscious choices about where to buy everyday things like groceries and toilet paper, you have the chance when planning your wedding to support those vendors who share your values. And with the resources you provide, those individuals and businesses can then further uplift the causes that are meaningful to you as a community—paying it forward in the best way possible.

Queer couples: You will ALWAYS be safe with me.

Being an ally is deeply important to me—not just as an individual, but also as a business owner. As allies, we have a responsibility to positively impact queer lives and to highlight queer love and joy every chance we get.

I know the queer community is under attack right now, and that even something as joyful as planning a wedding can feel stressful and scary. MoHo Photo will always be a safe space for LGBTQ+ couples planning their wedding.

On a personal note, I am a fierce advocate for marriage equality rights and have aligned myself with other groups to make sure those rights are upheld. And while I don't have a crystal ball to tell me what's going to happen to those rights tomorrow or a year from now, I can tell you that I will do everything I can to enable queer couples to marry the people they love.

Let's celebrate joy together.

Whatever your intention, and however you want to celebrate your wedding or elopement, my goal is to help bring about the experience you want to have.

Having been a Vermont wedding photographer for over a decade, I know all the best photo spots and have worked with so many wonderful local vendors that together, I know we can make your wedding day a celebration filled with love and laughter. And when it's all over, you'll have an album of photos to remember every joy-filled moment.

If you need to talk, vent, celebrate, I’m here for you.

All My Love,
<3 Mo