Wedding programs. A newly-wed couple almost had their wedding ruined thanks to the printing company that was in charge of creating their wedding programs. Rather than the programs they were expecting, the couple received hateful and anti-gay pamphlets.
Pamphlets. According to the Chicago Tribune, Stephen Heasley and Andrew Borg were shocked when they opened up the box of what was supposed to be their programs—only to find the pamphlets. However, the couple didn’t let this snag get in the way of their wedding and they proceeded to get married anyways.
Lawsuit. The couple are now filing a lawsuit against Vistaprint, who say the incident was not done on purpose and that it was simply a mistake. However, the couple are continuing with the lawsuit so that they can be an example for people who have been in similar situations.
Statement. "Our goal is to hold Vistaprint accountable for the harm they have caused, to give a voice to others who may have been similarly victimized, to help prevent this from happening to someone else and to send a message that there will be consequences for acts of hate perpetrated against others,” said the couple in a statement, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Apology. The company responsible for the incident has since issued a public apology to the couple saying they were “saddened” by the mishap and were working to get to the bottom of things. They believe the mistake happened somewhere during delivery, where packages may have gotten mixed up and delivered to the wrong people.
Outrage. "We share in this couple's outrage. Vistaprint in no way condones — and does not tolerate — discrimination against any of our customers based on their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation,” said CEO Trynka Shineman and Founder Robert Keane, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Unwelcome surprise. Regardless of whether or not this was actually a mistake, it’s safe to say it was still an unwelcome surprise to the couple, who were set to get married the next day. As a result, they were forced to make their own wedding programs.
Mix up. "We, and our partner, are committed to understanding how and why this happened. If we determine that any individual played a deliberate role in this mix up, we will take strong action,” continued the letter from Vistaprint.
Statements. The pamphlets, called “Understanding Temptation”, included horrific statements like "fight against Satan's temptation and pursue what is good” and "do not set on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers,” which the lawsuit against Vistaprint states was meant to intimidate the couple.
Threats. “The pamphlets — plainly sent to threaten and attack Mr. Heasley and Mr. Borg because they are gay — warn, that ‘Satan entices your flesh with evil desires,’ ” said the lawsuit. “This took a great deal of joy out of what should have been the greatest day of our clients’ lives,” said attorneys Michael Willemin and David Gottlieb, as reported by AZ Central.
Programs. Perhaps what is more upsetting is how long the couple spent working on the wedding programs, which included a special song from the day they were engaged. Sadly, they were never able to see the finished product.
Disappointed. "Imagine a customer who took the time to create something personal to mark this special day and instead, the day before their wedding, goes to open their wedding programs and finds these judgmental messages. We have never been more disappointed to let a customer down,” said the letter by Vistaprint.
Investigation. The investigation into how the mix up happened is still underway. It is unclear whether or not they have gotten to the bottom of things, however.
Celebration. The couple has since returned to their home in Australia. They decided to have their wedding in Pennsylvania, in order to celebrate with their friends.
You. What do you think of this incident? Do you think this was a mistake? Let us know what you think!
A Pennsylvania couple nearly had their wedding day ruined thanks to a printing company that sent them the wrong wedding programs. But this wasn’t any ordinary mix up— instead of getting what they’d ordered, the couple, who happen to be gay, received religious and anti-gay pamphlets instead. As a result, the couple are now filing a suit against Vistaprint, the company responsible for the incident.
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