I Believe...

Edit: This post was originally written in 2017, but now, at the start of 2021, it bears repeating.

Beliefs from a Chicago wedding photographer:

I believe the fastest way to bring about change in the world is by the way you spend your money. I believe you should research the companies you support and make sure the way they utilize your patronage is something you are okay with. Below are a few insights in what Rebecca Marie Photography stands for whether your having a wedding in Chicago or halfway around the world…

In light of the ever escalating current events, and after all that has happened in Charlottesville, I felt the need to pause the wedding talk and address these very real issues. We'll be back to our "regularly scheduled programming" soon because I do honestly believe that love and the coming together of our communities are ultimately what will change the world, but first, I need to be more direct on a few things…

I believe your story deserves to be told. No matter what country you were born in. No matter the color of your skin, your age, or who you choose to love.

(or the myriad of other ways we must identify ourselves  in a census)

I believe tradition, no matter the religion, is beautiful.

I believe diversity makes our communities better.

I believe that you can define "family" however you like. Chosen, biological, blended, furry, or otherwise. For me, family is a group of people who love you no matter what and who you love just as fiercely back.

I believe in learning from people who are not like me.

I believe in learning the man's name who sits outside and asks for money. Because I'm just as human as he is.

Most of all, I believe love is love. it is, and always will be, the answer.

(The hard part: I believe that while I sit here angry and shocked and saddened by the recent events, those that marched the streets of Charlottesville with hate pouring from their mouths are still humans, just like you and I. While I want to demonize them for their actions, they are still men and women, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and cousins. This in NO way condones their actions or the beliefs that brought them to Charlottesville. But I mention it simply to help remind myself that more hatred in the world will not and cannot be the answer. Remembering that equal humanity will be the hardest part of all as we try to move forward in making this world a more loving, compassionate, respectful and understanding place.)