Maggie Sottero Partners with Hetler Photography and Hopelynd to Champion Disability Inclusion in the Wedding Industry

DressesOur Heart | June 16, 2026
Three side-by-side bridal portraits featuring Maggie Sottero gowns. From left to right: Laila by Maggie Sottero—a strapless floral appliqué gown with a sheer veil framing the face; Meredith by Maggie Sottero—a romantic A-line gown with lace detailing, shown seated outdoors with a long veil; Avery by Rebecca Ingram—a soft, off-the-shoulder tulle gown with a flowing wrap and textured bodice, photographed by the water.

Maggie Sottero is proud to announce an official partnership with celebrated wedding photographer and educator Kellie Hetler of Hetler Photography and Hopelynd, a non-profit co-founded by Kellie and Kara Hanes dedicated to creating authentic representation for individuals with disabilities through art and photography. Together, the organizations are working to advance a more inclusive wedding industry by increasing visibility for brides with disabilities, supporting accessibility education, and helping more individuals see themselves represented in bridal fashion and wedding media.

This collaboration reflects Maggie Sottero’s deepest values and mission statement: that every bride deserves to feel exceptional on their big day, whatever their style, identity, budget, size, timeline, or wedding vision.

Explore Our Heart

What Is Hopelynd?

Person seated in a wheelchair outdoors in front of a brick building and greenery, wearing the Verina wedding dress by Maggie Sottero—a lace ballgown with a long sheer veil—holding a bouquet beside a wheelchair with purple wheels and an extended train cascading onto the ground.
Person seated in a vintage convertible with a bouquet while wearing the Verina wedding dress by Maggie Sottero, an off-the-shoulder lace gown, with a soft pink exterior and classic white interior surrounding the scene.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, Chasity Anderson, The Pink Figgy, The Joyful Florist

Hopelynd is a non-profit organization on a mission to serve the disability community through art and photography. Co-founders Kellie Hetler and Kara Hanes built Hopelynd around a simple but radical idea: people with disabilities deserve genuine, meaningful visual representation — not as an afterthought, but as a centerpiece.

The bridal industry has long overlooked this community in its marketing, editorial content, and professional education. Hopelynd directly challenges that by creating imagery and opportunities that help individuals with disabilities see themselves represented and celebrated.

“At Hopelynd, we serve the disability community through art and photography by creating authentic representation and opportunities to be seen. We are excited to partner with Maggie Sottero to bring greater visibility to individuals with disabilities in the wedding industry and help ensure every person can see themselves represented and celebrated.”

Kellie Hetler and Kara Hanes, Co-Founders of Hopelynd

What is the Art of Accessibility?

Person seated in a wheelchair on a shaded porch embracing another individual, wearing the Ethelinda gown by Rebecca Ingram—a strapless, softly draped wedding dress—with palm trees and sunlit greenery in the background.
Person seated in a wheelchair on a garden pathway lined with palm trees, holding hands with another individual while wearing the Ethelinda gown by Rebecca Ingram—a strapless, flowing tulle wedding dress with a long train and veil—set against lush greenery and a white gazebo.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, The Bahia Resort Hotel, Sherylynn Styles

Kellie Hetler created the Art of Accessibility course to give wedding professionals the practical education they need to confidently serve clients with disabilities. Most vendors want to create an inclusive experience — but many have never received training on how to do it well.

The course delivers real-world tools, language, and techniques that any wedding professional can apply immediately, whether they work as a photographer, planner, florist, or venue. Maggie Sottero proudly supports the Art of Accessibility for the betterment of the wedding industry as a whole — and the partnership doesn’t stop there. A bridal boutique-specific course, developed in collaboration with Kellie, is coming soon.

“Accessibility isn’t about lowering expectations — it’s about removing barriers so every couple, guest, and family member can fully participate in one of life’s most meaningful celebrations.”

Kellie Hetler, Creator of “The Art of Accessability” Course

Why Does This Partnership Matter?

For too long, brides with disabilities have struggled to find themselves reflected in bridal imagery, marketing, and the vendors who serve them. Through this collaboration, Maggie Sottero, Hopelynd, and Kellie Hetler are working to create more authentic representation, advocate for greater accessibility across the wedding industry, and equip wedding professionals with the tools and confidence to better serve clients of all abilities.

Maggie Sottero brings significant momentum to this work. As a family-run brand led by CEO and Creative Director Kelly Midgley, Maggie Sottero has earned back-to-back Bridal Buyer Inclusion & Diversity Awards in 2024 and 2025, and has long prioritized representation across its three labels:

Loving These Looks?

The gowns featured in the Maggie Sottero x Hetler Photography x Hopelynd styled shoots span all three labels — because every bride, whatever their style or story, deserves to find their dream dress.

Verina by Maggie Sottero

Verina wedding dress by Maggie Sottero in a lifestyle setting, featuring an off-the-shoulder lace bodice with floral appliqués and a softly structured silhouette. The look is styled with bridal accessories while seated in a vintage convertible, holding a bouquet against an elegant outdoor backdrop.
Verina wedding dress by Maggie Sottero in a close-up detail shot, featuring a sheer veil cascading over delicate lace straps and bodice with soft floral appliqués. The airy tulle layers partially obscure the gown while revealing its romantic texture and intricate detailing.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, Chasity Anderson, The Pink Figgy, The Joyful Florist

Verina is a fairytale A-line wedding dress that balances romance with effortless wearability. Beaded corded lace over soft tulle creates a beautifully textured silhouette, while the off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline and cap sleeves — designed with inner elastic for ease of movement — add a graceful, feminine touch. Romantic from every angle, and made to be worn all day.

Akari by Sottero and Midgley

Akari wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline with dimensional floral appliqués over a structured corset bodice. The gown flows into a voluminous tulle skirt with soft floral detailing, styled seated in a wheelchair against a neutral studio backdrop.
Akari wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley in a seated studio portrait, highlighting the strapless floral-appliqué bodice with sheer corsetry, and a full airy tulle skirt with scattered three-dimensional floral accents.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, WPPI Events, DisabiliBaddies, Denisha Davis

Akari is a whimsical fit-and-flare wedding dress that brings couture-level artistry to a modern silhouette. Dimensional 3-D flower accents bloom across Chantilly lace, Mikado, and satin, creating a rich mix of textures that feels bold, romantic, and entirely unique. The strapless sweetheart neckline completes the look with clean, classic lines.

Ethelinda by Rebecca Ingram

Ethelinda wedding dress by Rebecca Ingram featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline with softly draped bodice and a full ballgown skirt in smooth satin. The look is styled with a long veil in a lush outdoor garden setting.
Ethelinda wedding dress by Rebecca Ingram in a lifestyle moment, highlighting the strapless draped bodice and voluminous satin skirt. The gown is styled with a veil while seated in a wheelchair, framed by greenery as a partner’s hand reaches in.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, The Bahia Resort Hotel

Ethelinda is a playful, short wedding dress with a detachable overskirt that brings personality and practicality together in equal measure. An asymmetrical ruched bodice and a strapless sweetheart neckline create a charming silhouette, while hidden pockets and a detachable overskirt offer versatility, taking the look effortlessly from ceremony to reception.

Blossom by Rebecca Ingram

Blossom wedding dress by Rebecca Ingram featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline with delicate pastel floral appliqués across the bodice. The gown flows into a soft tulle skirt with scattered embroidered florals, styled with a sheer embroidered veil, with the model holding a cane in a neutral studio setting.
Blossom wedding dress by Rebecca Ingram in a close-up back view, highlighting the strapless floral-appliqué bodice, soft tulle layers, and coordinating embroidered details. The look is styled with a veil, with the model holding a cane, showcasing the gown’s romantic, garden-inspired design.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, WPPI Events, DisabiliBaddies, Fanisee B.

Blossom is a floral dream brought to life in bridal form. Soft 3-D flowers and unembellished lace motifs float across layers of tulle in a strapless A-line silhouette, with a soft-scoop neckline and Rosario satin lining that grounds the romantic, garden-inspired design with a signature Maggie elegance.

Meredith by Maggie Sottero

Meredith wedding dress by Maggie Sottero featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline with delicate lace appliqués over a fitted bodice. The gown flows into a soft A-line skirt, styled with a long veil and bouquet, with the model seated in a wheelchair outside a pastel blue doorway framed by greenery.
Meredith wedding dress by Maggie Sottero in a close-up view, highlighting the strapless lace bodice and softly textured skirt. The look is styled with a sheer veil as the model sits in a wheelchair, posed against a sunlit exterior wall.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, Chasity Anderson, The Joyful Florist

Meredith is a sultry mermaid wedding dress designed to captivate. A striking cat-eye illusion neckline sits above an exposed boning bodice detail, while sequined lace motifs shimmer across glitter tulle with a depth and richness that feels undeniably romantic. Sculptural and dramatic — in the most beautiful way.

Narissa by Sottero and Midgley

Narissa wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley featuring a lace spaghetti-strap bodice with a soft sweetheart neckline and sheer corset structure. The gown flows into a full lace skirt, styled in a romantic moment with a partner while seated on the steps of a vintage train car.
Narissa wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley in a bridal portrait, highlighting the lace spaghetti-strap bodice and voluminous lace skirt. The look is styled with a long trailing veil and bouquet, with the model seated in a wheelchair along a train platform beside a vintage railcar.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, The Reset Conference, Sycamore Designer Studio, The Hotel Chalet, Scarlett Hunter, Cpaws Music

Narissa is an enchanting Chantilly lace A-line wedding dress with a quiet, princess-like elegance. Sheer lace over glitter tulle creates a luminous, layered effect, while the deep V-neckline, scalloped hem, and detachable beaded straps allow for a look that feels both timeless and personalized.

Athlone by Sottero and Midgley

Athlone wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline with dimensional floral appliqués and a sheer corset bodice. The gown flows into a full, softly textured skirt, styled with a colorful bouquet, with the model seated in a wheelchair in a bright indoor setting.
Athlone wedding dress by Sottero and Midgley in a close-up view, highlighting the strapless floral-appliqué bodice with sheer corsetry and delicate beading. The gown is styled in a romantic moment with a partner, emphasizing the intricate detailing and soft tulle skirt.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, Sydney Bear, Embassy Suites, Monica Quimby, Dan Preisig

Athlone is a showstopping fit-and-flare wedding dress with the drama and craftsmanship of old Hollywood couture. Intricate beaded 3-D lace motifs shimmer over dotted tulle and glitter tulle, while a plunging illusion sweetheart neckline and beaded boning detail create a sculpted silhouette that is impossible to overlook.

Avery by Rebecca Ingram

A bride wearing the Avery gown by Rebecca Ingram stands on a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean, laughing joyfully. Her strapless lace-bodice gown features a flowing skirt with a lace-trimmed cathedral train, paired with a long sheer veil that catches the breeze. Her blonde hair falls in soft waves over one shoulder.
A close-up portrait of a bride wearing the Avery gown by Rebecca Ingram, smiling warmly at the camera with her arms crossed. The spaghetti-strap, square-neck bodice features delicate floral lace and subtle sequin detailing. She accessorizes with dangling pearl and gold earrings, a small floral hair pin, and a round-cut solitaire engagement ring, with a sheer veil draped over her shoulder.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, Sydney Bear, Embassy Suites, Morgan Lynch,

Avery is an ethereal chiffon A-line wedding dress that moves beautifully and photographs even better. A beaded sequin lace illusion bodice brings delicate sparkle to the soft, flowing silhouette, while a square neckline and double beaded strap detail add a refined, modern touch. The open V-back creates a subtle, romantic reveal.

Laila by Maggie Sottero

A bride wearing the Laila gown by Maggie Sottero stands beside a vintage blue "Little Blue Flower" truck beneath palm trees, gazing elegantly to the side. The strapless A-line gown showcases an allover 3D floral appliqué design from the structured bodice through the sweeping layered tulle skirt and train. A cascading floral arrangement of pink peonies and eucalyptus decorates the truck door beside her.
A bride wearing the Laila gown by Maggie Sottero leans against a vintage blue flower truck adorned with a lush arrangement of pink roses and eucalyptus. The strapless A-line gown features an allover 3D floral appliqué bodice and a voluminous layered tulle skirt. She accessorizes with gold hoop earrings and a bracelet, and her dark wavy hair is swept to one side.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, Mercedes Ramirez, Heather Sandison, Little Cottage Blooms

Laila is a garden-inspired A-line wedding dress that feels like nature and bridal elegance in perfect balance. Asymmetrical 3-D lace motifs drift organically across organza and tulle, creating a sense of movement and romance throughout.

Taylor by Rebecca Ingram

A bride wearing the Taylor gown by Rebecca Ingram smiles warmly while seated in a power wheelchair against a soft neutral background. The strapless mini-length gown features allover pearl and sequin beading. She accessorizes with clear cat-eye glasses, dangling pearl earrings, a diamond tennis bracelet, and a sparkling ring, with long black curly hair framing her face.
A bride wearing the Taylor gown by Rebecca Ingram poses dramatically on the floor, arms raised overhead holding a lush cascading bouquet of white orchids, roses, and flowering branches alongside a sheer veil. The strapless ballgown silhouette is covered in allover glittering sequin and beading that sparkles from the fitted bodice through the full sweeping train, pooling across a patterned carpet.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, WPPI Events, DisabiliBaddies, Jasmine T.

Taylor is a classic short wedding dress elevated by thoughtful, refined detail. Delicate beaded pearl accents bring a soft luminosity to the lace bodice, while a detachable overskirt offers a versatile second look that transitions beautifully from ceremony to reception.

Berkeley by Rebecca Ingram

A bride wearing the Berkley gown by Rebecca Ingram laughs joyfully among sea oats on a white sand beach dune at sunset, a pastel pink and lavender sky behind her. The strapless sweetheart lace fit-and-flare gown is paired with a flowing floral-appliqué veil that catches the breeze. She carries an oversized bouquet of white roses, ranunculus, and dried botanicals, and accessorizes with drop earrings and a delicate necklace.
A close-up back view of a bride wearing the Berkley gown by Rebecca Ingram on a sandy beach at golden hour. The fitted lace mermaid gown features intricate geometric and floral lace patterning, off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves with a delicate bow detail, and a sweeping lace train. She holds a flowing lace-trimmed veil as ocean waves wash the shore behind her.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, The Wedding Shop, Loren Jackson

Berkeley is a timeless lace sheath wedding dress defined by understated confidence and quiet beauty. Allover unembellished lace creates a clean, refined texture across the fitted silhouette, while a strapless sweetheart neckline, illusion lace back, and scalloped hem bring delicate romantic detail without a single unnecessary flourish.

Serafina Lane by Maggie Sottero

Image 2 (Tammy_0021.JPG): A bride wearing the Serafina Lane gown by Maggie Sottero poses confidently in a manual wheelchair against a soft neutral background. The dramatic black strapless sweetheart gown features a corset-style lace bodice, a lace choker collar, scattered floral lace appliqués on the full satin skirt, and a sweeping train. She has voluminous silver-white hair, wears a prosthetic arm, and smiles directly at the camera with hands resting on the wheelchair wheels.
A close-up profile portrait of a bride wearing the Serafina Lane gown by Maggie Sottero, gazing upward with a serene expression. The black strapless sweetheart gown features ornate lace appliqué detailing along the bodice and a delicate lace choker neckline. She has elegant silver-white wavy hair and wears a large pear-shaped diamond ring.

Image Vendor Credits: Hetler Photography, WPPI Events, DisabiliBaddies, Tammy Stay

Serafina Lane is a sophisticated black fit-and-flare wedding dress with a sculpted silhouette and architectural precision. A basque waist corset bodice adorned with delicate unembellished lace motifs flows into a skirt crafted from luxurious Cartago satin, creating a look that is polished, powerful, and unmistakably bridal. The detachable choker adds a romantic, bold, and personalized finishing touch.

Explore Maggie Sottero’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

This partnership is one piece of a much larger story. Maggie Sottero has long believed that every bride deserves to feel seen, celebrated, and beautifully represented.

Learn More

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