Welcome! Today’s broad is Bernadette Smith, a pioneer in the LGBT community. She found a niche in the marketplace and created a business that has become the country’s first boutique event firm specializing in legal LGBT weddings. Her company, 14 Stories, launched in 2004 as same-sex marriage first became legal in MA. Her Gay Wedding Institute trains other wedding professionals from all over the world. From her position as America’s #1 Gay Wedding Planner, Bernadette focuses on the advocacy element of her company, providing a great, supportive experience for couples.
Bernadette shares the following about her company, currently based in Chicago:
Prior to 2004, she planned events for nonprofits. When she first launched 14 Stories, people either thought she was crazy or brilliant. She launched initially without a business plan, but built a website, used Google ad words, and received a ton of media attention. Bernadette has seen a recent surge in training wedding pros since the Supreme Court ruling. She knows many LGBT weddings are just around the corner! One of the major issues in an LGBT wedding is finding a venue and service providers who are supportive. One aspect of an LGBT wedding is that traditional gender roles and rules don’t apply, giving total freedom for ANY style of a wedding celebration. 14 Stories offers licenses for establishing branch offices in other locations and training licenses for wedding professionals. Bernadette has written books, developed apps and even created her own line of LGBT wedding attire to fill the need for missing elements in this industry. The name, 14 Stories, came from the significance of 14 in US civil rights.Bernadette also discusses her motivation and inspiration, the greatest being her 4-1/2-year-old son, Patrick. She also uses a vision board, affirmations, books, and apps to keep her focused and organized for balance in her life. Listen in as she discusses her vision for the future of 14 Stories!
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