Wedding season normally “kicks off” in February based on Texas weather. My schedule this year is going to be fairly busier than last year as I’ve taken on working by appointment at BellTower Chapel and Gardens LBGT Friendly Minister Available By Appointment-Wendy Wortham.
I was contacted by BellTower several months ago when they were seeking not only a female clergy but also following the legalization of same sex marriage in Texas, a LBGT friendly Minister. Bridget Pouges had seen the Dallas Morning News interview with me regarding site crashes for Texas Twins Events and The Pawning Planners with reporter Jeff Mosier. Specifically seeking out someone affiliated with the LBGT community, I’m also a corporate sponsor for the TCGPWA Parade. My interview with Jeff Mosier Interview with Wendy Wortham Owner of Texas Twins Events/The Pawning Planners took place when Jeff called me regarding the anticipated workload of LBGT couples marrying following the statewide ruling.
I was contacted by Amber Darby of Corsicana, Texas a few months ago regarding a wedding on February 6, 2016. Booking this event, I also offered to bring my team on a road trip to take photos and help decorate the venue while loaning bouquets, bouteniers and corsages to ensure beauty.
Amber is a friend of Shereka Jordan, who I had married last summer and also loaned floral designs and gifted photos to document her event to.
The date for Amber had to be moved after she called me tearfully explaining that the venue owner had booked her date AFTER accepting her deposit. This has happened very few times but, it’s happened. I explained to Amber that we would simply move her date to Valentine’s Day and shifted my schedule around to accommodate the couple.
Last night, Wendy Collins called me regarding marrying her longtime partner that I had officiated a commitment ceremony for two years ago. Since Wendy is in Desoto, I’ve decided that my team will stop in Desoto en route to Corsicana which will make a fairly long day for our team but, make both families happy.
As I prepare to load up floral designs and meet with Laurie Melo who is struggling with bone cancer but committed to giving her only son a beautiful wedding at the Deer Cove Venue in Azle, Texas, I’ve agreed to loan my inventory in order to save Laurie money on buying items herself. This lovely lady works at Walmart and had met my twin sister, Cindy Daniel after seeing a banner on her SUV in the parking lot where Cindy works part time as a brand ambassador for Proctor & Gamble.
Since I’m regularly asked about the percentage of my businesses that cater to the LBGT community, it’s a fairly large percentage at 40% of our business with the ethnic diversity client base being equally diverse. I specifically cater to families who are on a limited budget by offering low cost services and ceremonies at Weddings, Photography, Floral Designs & Event Services- Texas Twins Events but, when families have no money, take trades that we refurbish and sell to recover expenses at events and sell these items at Texas Twins Treasures- Something New Everyday- One Of A Kind Unique Treasures.
Another question that continues to pop up is the percentage of clients who “borrow” bouquets, pillars, Garland and other Texas Twins Inventory, 80%. A very large portion of my client base enjoys the “fringe benefit” of my floral designs.I’m hoping that the usual “February Freeze” in Texas misses us this Valentine’s Day to keep the wedding date and prevent further issues for Amber and her family as we look forward to meeting them and giving them a day they will always remember with my Texas Twins Events Team!
Wendy M Wortham
Comments by Wendy Wortham