Love shouldn’t come with a higher price tag. When Jeremy Alexander and Ryan Sheepwash set out to plan their dream destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, they expected romance, sunshine, and celebration—not discrimination. But after discovering they were quoted a much higher price for their wedding than a heterosexual couple booking the same dates and services at the Sheraton Buganvilias Resort, their joy turned into disbelief.

Discrimination against LGBTQ+ couples in the wedding industry isn’t new, but this situation struck a chord worldwide. Screenshots surfaced showing the same resort representative referencing a so-called “company policy” that prohibited same-sex weddings on the property. What followed was a wave of outrage, media coverage, and online support for the couple—particularly as the resort remained silent and its parent company, Marriott International, failed to resolve the issue.

That’s when Hilton stepped in. Recognizing both the injustice and the opportunity to make things right, the global hotel brand reached out to the couple and offered to cover the full cost of their wedding. It wasn’t a publicity stunt; it was a heartfelt act of allyship that turned heartbreak into hope. Their upcoming celebration will now be held at a Hilton property, symbolizing the very inclusivity that had been denied to them before.

When Corporate Promises Fall Short

Marriott International, the parent company of the Sheraton Buganvilias, has publicly emphasized its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. CEO Anthony Capuano has stated that the company “welcomes all to our hotels and creates opportunities for all.” Yet in this case, those words didn’t seem to reach the front line.

Despite acknowledging the couple’s concerns in a recorded call, Marriott has not confirmed any corrective actions or policy changes. This silence stands in contrast to the company’s public image as a supporter of LGBTQ+ travelers and employees. For Jeremy and Ryan, that lack of accountability raised questions about how deeply DEI values are truly integrated into franchised operations.

As one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, Marriott has long marketed itself as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, sponsoring Pride events and promoting inclusive travel. But for many watching this story unfold, the real test of inclusion isn’t in marketing—it’s in action.

Hilton’s Swift Response Restores Faith

Hilton’s quick and compassionate response didn’t just save a wedding; it sent a powerful message. Within days of hearing about the discrimination, Hilton executives reached out directly to Jeremy and Ryan to ensure their love story could continue without interruption. The company covered the entire wedding cost and offered the couple a venue where they could be celebrated, not judged.

In a public statement, the couple expressed gratitude for Hilton’s leadership and support, calling it “a model of genuine allyship and corporate responsibility in action.” Their excitement and relief were palpable in a follow-up TikTok video, where they announced their new wedding plans and thanked Hilton for turning a painful moment into a powerful example of corporate kindness.

This act wasn’t just about hospitality—it was about humanity. Hilton demonstrated what it means to walk the talk, transforming its brand promise of inclusivity into something real and deeply personal.

The Broader Conversation on LGBTQ+ Equality in Hospitality

This incident reignited discussions about equality within the global travel industry. While many hotel chains proudly display rainbow logos during Pride Month, true inclusion requires consistent policies, staff training, and oversight. The Puerto Vallarta case exposed the risks of inconsistent franchise management and the need for stronger accountability systems.

For same-sex couples planning destination weddings, transparency and trust are non-negotiable. They need to know that the brand they book with will protect them—not just during Pride season, but all year long. The hospitality industry is built on service, empathy, and connection. That means every couple, regardless of gender or sexuality, deserves equal treatment and respect.

The public’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive of Jeremy and Ryan, with thousands sharing their story across social media. Their courage in speaking out has already sparked meaningful dialogue about how hotels worldwide can strengthen their DEI commitments beyond corporate statements and into everyday practice.

Why This Story Matters

The story of Jeremy and Ryan is more than a headline about discrimination—it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how far we still need to go. It shows that corporate allyship isn’t just about policy, but about people who care enough to act when others fail to.

Hilton’s intervention turned a story of inequality into one of empowerment. It highlighted that authentic allyship isn’t a press release—it’s a promise kept. For countless LGBTQ+ travelers watching from afar, this story offers hope that love, compassion, and integrity can still triumph over prejudice.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever faced discrimination while traveling or booking with a major hotel brand? Do you believe hospitality companies are doing enough to support LGBTQ+ guests? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below—your voice helps keep the conversation moving forward.