Episode 8: Kellie Hetler

In this episode of Nested, White Wren Publisher Brent Deitrich sits down with West Michigan wedding and portrait photographer Kellie Hetler to discuss creating a more inclusive wedding experience for individuals with disabilities. Drawing from both her professional experience and personal journey as the mother of a child with disabilities, Kellie shares how advocacy became a central part of her work and why accessibility deserves a larger place in conversations about weddings and events. Together, Brent and Kellie explore the evolving expectations of today's couples, the importance of communication and accommodation, and how wedding professionals can create experiences that allow every guest, family member, and couple to feel fully seen, valued, and included. This thoughtful conversation challenges traditional assumptions about weddings and offers practical insight into building a more welcoming industry for everyone. Topics discussed include: • Creating inclusive wedding experiences • Disability advocacy in the wedding industry • Communication tools and accessibility accommodations • Working with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals • The role of empathy in client relationships • Personalization and evolving wedding trends • Family, caregiving, and entrepreneurship • How vendors can better serve diverse communities • The future of accessibility in weddings Whether you're a wedding professional, a couple planning your celebration, or simply someone interested in creating more inclusive spaces, this episode offers valuable perspective and actionable insights. Visit The White Wren at https://whitewren.com