In this episode of Curves and Vows, Christine Wright and therapist Samantha Ter Heege discuss the pervasive issues of fat phobia and weight stigma, particularly in the context of the wedding industry. They explore how societal norms and media representation affect body image, self-acceptance, and the emotional experiences of individuals in larger bodies.

Samantha shares her insights on therapy, self-affirmation techniques, and the importance of supportive environments for couples planning their weddings. The conversation emphasizes the need for greater visibility and representation of diverse body types in media and the wedding industry, while also addressing personal experiences with body image and societal expectations.

You can find Samantha at: https://slttherapy.com/

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Takeaways

• Fat phobia is a widespread issue affecting self-esteem.
• Social media amplifies body image issues and fat phobia.
• Cultural perceptions of body size are deeply ingrained.
• Representation in media impacts how individuals view themselves.
• Family dynamics can perpetuate negative body image.
• Self-acceptance is a journey that many struggle with.
• Couples in larger bodies face unique challenges in wedding planning.
• Positive self-affirmations can help rewire negative thoughts.
• Supportive environments are crucial for body positivity.
• Therapy can provide tools for navigating body image issues.

00:00 Introduction to Fat Phobia and Weight Stigma

02:43 Understanding Fat Phobia

05:31 The Impact of Social Media on Body Image

08:23 Personal Experiences with Body Image

11:21 Cultural Perceptions of Body Size

14:21 Representation in Media and Weddings

17:04 Generational Body Image Issues

20:13 The Emotional Impact of Body Image

23:11 Reprogramming Self-Perception

26:15 The Importance of Representation in Weddings

28:46 Reflecting on Childhood Experiences

30:31 Body Image and Projection

33:46 Navigating Body Positivity in Weddings

37:40 Support Systems and Body Acceptance

42:29 The Impact of Weight Loss on Self-Perception

47:06 Embracing Change and Self-Acceptance

50:59 Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations

In this episode of Curves and Vows, Christine shares her personal experience with the lack of plus-size inclusion with a local publication. She discusses the importance of finding photographers who understand and celebrate diverse body types, recounting a disheartening experience with a wedding publication that failed to include a plus-size bride in their print issue. The conversation emphasizes the need for better representation and sensitivity in the wedding industry.

Instagram account of Wed Society incident: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBH42dKppEe/

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Takeaways

• Plus-size brides should ensure their photographer is plus-size friendly.
• Photographers need to understand how to pose plus-size bodies.
• Many photographers lack experience with plus-size clients.
• It's crucial to see a photographer's portfolio featuring diverse body types.
• Wedding publications often overlook plus-size representation.
• Personal experiences can highlight industry biases.
• Communication with photographers is key to getting flattering photos.
• The wedding industry needs to improve inclusivity.
• Disappointment can arise from unfulfilled expectations in publications.
• Advocacy for plus-size representation is essential in the wedding industry.

00:00 Introduction to Curves and Vows

00:27 Personal Story on Plus-Size Inclusion

01:54 The Importance of Plus-Size Friendly Photographers

05:55 A Disheartening Experience with a Wedding Publication

10:46 The Aftermath and Reflection on Inclusion

This conversation explores the challenges and experiences of plus-size couples in the wedding industry, focusing on the lack of visibility and representation in wedding media. Christine Wright shares her personal journey and insights into how the industry can better include and celebrate plus-size individuals, emphasizing the economic potential of this demographic. The discussion highlights the need for empathy, understanding, and change within the wedding space to create a more inclusive environment for all couples.

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Takeaways

• The wedding industry often excludes plus-size individuals from representation.
• Visibility in media is crucial for body positivity and acceptance.
• Many plus-size couples feel invisible in wedding planning resources.
• The majority of women in the US are size 14 and above.
• Plus-size individuals are eager to spend money on beautiful attire.
• Social media algorithms often favor thinner bodies in wedding content.
• Radical acceptance of one's body is a journey for many.
• The economic impact of including plus-size representation is significant.
• There is a growing movement for inclusivity in the wedding industry.
• Creating a positive space for discussion is essential for change.

00:59 Understanding Visibility in the Wedding

02:01 Navigating Body Image as a Plus-Size Couple

04:33 The Struggles of Wedding Planning and Body Acceptance

07:13 Visibility and Representation in the Wedding Industry

07:27 The Impact of Attractiveness in Media

15:50 Visibility and Representation in the Wedding Industry