Last summer I had a long conversation with one of my oldest friends about how important it is to represent diverse couples in the wedding industry. Heather and I grew up together in Michigan. There she now owns a hand-lettering business and her summers are filled creating signage and custom decor for weddings and events.

Heather also married her wife Christy two years ago. This topic of inclusion came up as she planned her own wedding in the midwest. The images wedding vendors had on their websites were indicators of if they'd be welcome. She wanted to see herself in their photos, and know they were open and supportive of her relationship. She knew so many relationships like hers were out there, but not shown as often on wedding websites and blogs.

Seeing diverse couples depicted on these websites was a visual welcome mat. It said, “Come in! You’re welcome here.”

As a business owner in the Bay Area, I don’t think twice. I love and adore the breadth of clients who visit my studio. But our conversation left me thinking: Am I doing enough to let folks know just how welcome they are?

It’s a good reminder that there are still pockets of the country that need to see it more. As two women-owned businesses in the wedding industry, Heather and I agreed it was our duty to display as many welcome mats as we can. We sealed our commitment with a time-honored pinky swear.

This is a long-winded explanation to say: When asked to contribute to this styled shoot with two gorgeous women (a real-life couple, no less!) you better believe I signed up on the spot. For these two women who deserved the spotlight. For Heather. And for the clients I haven't met yet.

Our photographer Cari Courtright invited vendors that embraced our ethos of love and inclusion. And to our excitement, it was also featured on 100 Layer Cake before the New Year.

Can I challenge you to lay out the welcome mat at your own place of work? In your life? In your home? I believe we’ll all be a little better for it.