Disability-Inclusive Wedding Inspiration on the Florida Coast

Disability-Inclusive Wedding Inspiration on the Florida Coast

July 24, 2025
Words by Kristi Blane
Photos courtesy of Kellie Hetler Photography

In a media landscape where weddings are often depicted through a narrow lens of perfection, one creative team set out to widen that frame—to include joy, elegance, and visibility for all. We believe this styled shoot, hosted poolside (and then indoors due to strong Florida winds) at Embassy Suites Resort in Panama City Beach, achieves just that.

When Kellie of Kellie Hetler Photography first envisioned this styled wedding shoot, she had a clear mission: to celebrate beauty without erasure—to make sure disability wasn’t something to be hidden or overlooked, but instead, centered.

“I wanted to push the typical look of a styled shoot and bring this community to the forefront because they deserved a place in the wedding industry,” says Kellie. “Giving others inspiration for their own weddings and dreaming about their future while looking at images of people that look like them… I knew that photographs like that could hold so much power.”

The shoot brought together a powerhouse vendor team comprised of local and national talent—from florals and planning by The Wedding Shop to bridal fashion by Maggie Sottero Designs and cinematography by TruVision Studios. But it was the models—Monica Quimby (a member of the US Women’s Sled Hockey team) and her fiancé Dan, along with single bride model Morgan—who brought the heart.

The setting for the shoot was originally intended to be poolside, under the Florida sun. However, true to the unpredictability of a real wedding day, the weather forced improvisation.

“We chose a location outdoors that had a flat, even ground for easy navigation for wheelchair use,” Kellie explains. “But we had to make a last-minute change and shoot on a covered outdoor patio space that partially kept us safe from the wind.”

The resulting ceremony scene was refreshingly warm and simplistic, with wood textures and vibrant florals framing the couple in an inclusive and thoughtfully designed space. The reception tablescape leaned into playful hues.

Bringing together vendors from multiple time zones required dedication and flexibility. “Most of our communication was made through emails, Zoom meetings and creating mood boards to keep our ideas cohesive and consistent. Through so many obstacles and time zones, I think we pulled everything together quite well.”

Personalized touches like wheelchair-themed ornament escort cards by Wheel Life Connections and accessible layout planning helped ensure that the brides’ lived experiences were not just accommodated—but highlighted with intention.

Despite the wind’s interference with the original plan, it became one of Kellie’s favorite elements. “My personal favorite part of the shoot are the veils and portraits of the brides next to the pool,” she says.

“The way the veil moved with and because of the wind felt so lively and even a little romantic.” And the joy of the models was palpable. “Seeing the joy on Monica’s face, knowing that she felt beautiful in her gown, was icing on the cake,” Kellie says. “It fit her like it was made for her, which was such a perfect blessing.”