A Guide for LGBTQ+ Couples Planning a First Look

Tips for an LGBTQ+-affirming first look and ways to personalize your moment.

Witnessing your partner at the ceremony amidst a crowd may not suit everyone. Opting for a private first look and sharing an intimate moment has become increasingly popular. Surprisingly, there's a lot of reasoning behind this choice! As wedding photographers, we appreciate it when couples choose to have a first look, as it allows us to capture all the photos before the ceremony. This ensures that couples can fully enjoy time with their guests rather than being caught up in post-ceremony photography sessions. Our guide for LGBTQ+ couples planning a first look can hopefully help direct you where to begin and what to consider!

Communicate your preferences.

Deciding what you and your partner want out of the big reveal starts with a conversation. You could have someone guide you to a spot for the both of you to turn around together, or one of you could walk up to the other. Discuss your expectations and preferences with your photographer and videographer before the wedding day. Be specific about your vision of how you’d like the first look to go. If you aren’t sure, ask your photographer/videographers for ideas and suggestions so you can walk through the details as much as possible to avoid any spoilers! Consider hiring LGBTQ+-affirming vendors who understand the significance of this moment for you.

Personalize it. 

A first look should be based on personal preferences that you and your partner decide on what feels best. Consider where it should be, and what kind of personal touches you can incorporate such as intimately sharing personal vows, or exchanging a gift that can be worn on your big day.

Focus on each other.

Remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment to each other. Amidst the excitement and nerves of the day, focus on each other during the first look. Even though it might be hard, try to block out distractions and savor this intimate moment together.

Take your time.

Don't rush the first look. Take your time to soak in the moment, exchange words of love and affirmation, and enjoy each other's company before the whirlwind of the wedding day begins.

Celebrate the moment.

After doing your first look and taking a moment just for the two of you, offer the wedding party or members of your day to see how amazing you both look. Once everyone is together, it's the perfect opportunity to move into your wedding party photos. Now that you both have seen each other the festivities can officially begin!

How to Have a Gender-Neutral Wedding

5 ways to have a gender-neutral wedding and be more inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community.

Creating an inclusive wedding that embraces, values, and honors the uniqueness of all individuals is crucial for a gender-neutral wedding. The way you decide to celebrate your special day is a personal choice, and even as a heterosexual couple, there are methods to enhance LGBTQ+ inclusivity in your wedding. When attending a gender-neutral wedding, it is essential to acknowledge and respect the couple's preferences for your involvement in their celebration.

Wedding Roles

There are a few ways wedding roles come into play on a wedding day, and it’s possible to make these roles neutral to everyone involved.

The Couple: When referring to the couple, use “spouses”, “partners”, and “newlyweds” as a way to create inclusivity for both people getting married. 

The Party: A mixed-gender wedding party can skip the gender-specific roles altogether. Bridesmaids and groomsmen can be titled as "wedding crew" or "attendants.” If you’re also having a wedding party walk down the aisle, you can have same-gender pairings walk down together. 

Rethinking Certain Conventions

Weddings are deeply rooted in tradition, specifically the ceremony. Queer couples are finding ways to put their spin on the ceremony by having both sets of parents go down the aisle or choosing to go down the aisle together as a couple. If you’re considering having someone throw flowers before going down the aisle, this person can be a “cheer spreader” or instead of having a “flower girl” have a “flower child”. 

When tying the knot, traditional phrases might not resonate with everyone, so we encourage couples to find what works best for them! Some of our favorites are “You may kiss”, "I now pronounce you life partners/lifemates”, or simply “I now pronounce you married.” You can skip the “marriage is between a man and a woman” line in your ceremony altogether. If you are having a religious ceremony, you can talk to your officiant about your beliefs and desire to consider alternatives.

Work With LGBTQ+ Vendors

Choosing vendors that align with your vision and neutrality is important. This ranges from photographers, videographers, florists, and even the venue. Checking with your venue to see if they have gender-neutral bathroom options and being upfront with your vendors about your needs can ensure that everyone is comfortable on the big day.

Bringing in queer vendors and people who understand the sensitivities around a gender-neutral wedding will make a big difference not only for the couple but guests alike. We have seen firsthand how important it is for couples to choose our LGBTQ+-friendly studio to document their day. It relieves any pressure and allows you to be your true selves in front of the camera. 

We are frequently chosen by allies who share our commitment to supporting inclusive wedding vendors. We often see clients prioritize collaborating with individuals who embrace all forms of love, and this alignment matters significantly to them.

Pronoun Pins

An easy way to allow your guests to share their pronouns with other guests is by offering pronoun pins that they can attach to their outfits. You could also ask for their pronouns ahead of time by including a spot on the RSVP that allows you to incorporate their pronouns on their name tag. 

Inclusive Language and Communication 

From the invitations to any programs or signs at the event, use inclusive language that embraces diversity and doesn't assume gender roles. Avoid assigning seats based on gender. Consider open seating or create arrangements based on relationships rather than traditional gender divisions.

Communicate with anyone delivering a speech to discuss the appropriate pronouns they should use for whom, emphasizing the importance of accuracy. This dialogue enables the speakers to personalize their addresses and rehearse them in a way that respects and honors your specific requests.

Minnesota Boat Club Wedding | Annie + Jen | Post by Mel Hesse

Annie and Jen celebrated their autumn wedding at the Minnesota Boat Club in St. Paul, MN, generously sharing their special day with us. Despite the misty afternoon, they reveled in the historic venue and the enchanting Downtown St. Paul scenery before transitioning to an indoor ceremony. Adapting your dream wedding plans isn't simple, yet these two had already changed venues once. They gracefully let their day unfold organically. Rather than having a traditional wedding party, they included dear friends and mutual acquaintances from their lesbian book club, individuals who had been present on the day they first met. It was an incredible day celebrating their love and seeing everyone come together to witness their marriage. Congrats to the newlyweds!

Backyard Wedding | Alex + John Wedding | Post by Tara Sloane

Every once in a while love emerges in a space of magnificent improbability. John and Alex met at a time when neither was particularly searching for nor expecting to meet their future husband - and especially not from across an ocean! A nudge online became an hours-long conversation, which became a series of long conversations, then overseas visits, and then the ceremony that gathered loved ones in Alex’s backyard on the Fall Equinox.

One of my favorite details at this wedding was the altar of family photographs & mementos honoring John’s father, Alex’s mother, and other loved ones who joined the celebration in spirit. John and Alex mentioned in our initial meeting that each of them were grieving beloved parents when they met, and that being able to really see one another and offer support around something so singularly difficult proved to be an indelible cornerstone in the foundation of their relationship. I was very moved by this, and by the palpable depth of love and regard I witnessed not only between the two of them, but between the friends and family who surround them - on both sides of the pond! A dear friend officiated the ceremony, and John’s nephew and Alex’s siblings delivered heartfelt words, including a letter from John’s family back in the UK, who joined via Zoom while eagerly awaiting some UK-based wedding festivities the following week! Alex’s late mother’s dog, Paco, wore a sparkly bowtie and also served as *the most* adorable ring bearer.

The rain held out through the ceremony until literally seconds after we finished family photos outside in the yard. Umbrellas, awnings, and the house’s breezeway were all merrily ducked beneath while everyone sipped bubbly and toasted before heading to dinner at Marna’s Eatery & Lounge, whose tropical plant- and map-filled lounge area and delicious Costa Rican cuisine provided the perfect backdrop for an intercontinental love story. 

Cheers and heartfelt gratitude to this truly special duo! 

Best Moments of 2023! | Team Post

IT WAS A GREAT YEAR!

Our 2023 wedding season was full of colorful bouquets, intimate ceremonies, and some larger celebrations in unique venue spaces. We are so proud of all the work our team has created and are excited to share our annual “Best of Moments” with you!

Madeline and Alex’s fun personalities gave many laughs and tender moments on their wedding day at Aster Cafe. These two take a moment during portraits to loosen things up while Madeline holds her colorful bouquet. Wedding by Rivets and Roses photographer Tara Sloane.

Nicole and Josh share a moment after their first look at Minnehaha Falls. The excitement of the day is bursting through this photo and Rivets and Roses photographer Jess Ekstrand documented such a great moment for these two!

Micah and Grace take a moment to exchange their vows to one another before at the Plymouth Community Center. Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Tara Sloane.

Annie and Jen shared a kiss as they stepped away from the wedding for a newlywed moment as the sun set in St. Paul, MN. Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Mel Hesse.

Betsey and Nick walk down the aisle as their guests congratulate them in the background at Lynnhurst Park in Minneapolis. Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Ben Lansky.

Alex and John stand in their backyard as they exchange vows in front of their loved ones for their USA wedding. Their second wedding was in London where John lives part-time. Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Tara Sloane.

Dan and Kate explore the woods on their wedding day during portraits with Rivets and Roses photographer Ben Lansky at Beaver Creek Nature Center .

The ring bearer and flower girl posing for a photo right before walking down the aisle at Aster Cafe. Wedding by Rivets and Roses photographer Tara Sloane.

Brant and Jestin bring some levity to the day and make each other laugh moments after having an intimate first look above Lumber Exchange Event Center. Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Mel Hesse.

Dan and Kate take a different approach to the traditional ceremony and surround their guests in a circle as they exchange vows in Beaver Creek Nature Center. Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Ben Lansky.

A special wedding attendant gets a kiss before the day begins. Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Tara Sloane.

Brant and Jestin bring the fun to the dance floor during their first dance together as a married couple at Lumber Exchange Event Center. Wedding by Rivets and Roses photographer Mel Hesse.

Nicole and Josh share the joy of their wedding during their ceremony at Minnehaha Falls. Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Jess Ekstrand.

Sarah and Danny make their way down the aisle as newlyweds at The Van Dusen Mansion! Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Tara Slaone.

Betsey and Nick take a newlywed bike ride through Minneapolis with a trail of guests on bikes behind them to highlight their love for riding. Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Ben Lansky.

Aster Cafe Wedding | Alex + Madeline | Post by Tara Sloane

Alex and Madeline’s first date almost stole Christmas. Let me explain: they hit it off so well - a delightful surprise to both of them - that Madeline made a promise to Alex that she’d answer his call the next day, even though she had plans to catch a flight to visit her family for the holidays. The hiccup arrived when Madeline realized, incredibly close to her flight departure time, that she’d left her phone in a cab. She made a promise to answer that call, and she fully intended to keep it, even if it meant missing that flight home. This story was shared during their wedding ceremony, and as you can imagine, it has become somewhat of a family legend. Your photographer admits that the details are a bit fuzzy now, so I can’t recall exactly how Christmas was saved, but the rest, of course, is history.

This Aster Cafe wedding was MERRY (& bright!) It was colorful. The cocktail hour snacks were what dreams are made of. The dance floor was absolutely poppin’. It was also one of the hottest days of the summer, which is why one should always have a rockstar planning team like Kimberly Lakenen with Buck & Rose to make sure everyone has plenty of water at all times & that an air-conditioned Uber is available to chauffeur us all the 5 blocks back to the venue after portraits to keep us all from melting.

Madeline wore hot pink shoes, the whimsy of which was paralleled by the multi-colored floral cloud floating above the ceremony site. The reception smelled softly of lavender (from the scented candles gifted to guests). But my favorite detail was Madeline’s ring, which holds… an Alexandrite stone. A completely unique, apropos choice from a very clever groom.

Cheers, Alex & Madeline! Sending you gratitude & a lifetime of (mis)adventures together!

Minnehaha Creek Wedding | Betsey + Nick | Post by Ben Lansky

When Betsey contacted me about photographing her and Nick’s wedding, it had been four years since I’d seen her. She worked at the birth center where my wife was being seen during her pregnancy with our first born. Her warm smile and reassuring presence was always a nice welcome when we would walk into our appointments leading up to the big day we met our baby. Needless to say, I was very excited to be asked to capture her and Nick’s big day of becoming a family.

I excitedly read through their booking request and paused, wide-eyed when I read “mid-wedding bike ride.” I immediately started planning how I would combine two of my favorite things: biking and photography, and what camera and lens would be best suited for taking photos while riding a bike. Then, rationality kicked in, and I decided it would be best to not tempt fate 😂. 

Their wedding was such a blast and went off without a hitch! The ceremony was in the heart of the neighborhood in which both the bride and groom grew up right by Minnehaha Creek. Their love for each other was apparent and palpable. More than 40 people rode from the ceremony to the reception at The Lynhall a few miles away on borrowed bikes (a testament to how much they are loved and supported by their community). There were stops in between for snacks and refreshments at a park and a family friend’s home. It was such a joyful, communal experience that felt so suited to Betsey and Nick. The night ended with heartfelt speeches, wild dancing, and a few arm wrestling matches! Congrats Betsey and Nick!

Lumber Exchange Event Center Wedding | Brant + Jestin | Post by Mel Hesse

Together, Brant and Jestin instantly light up a room. Their genuine warmth and care for one another is calming to be around and it was a big theme on their wedding day along with many, many laughs. The Lumber Exchange Event Center brought stunning views of downtown Minneapolis. We were lucky enough to have the clouds clear during their first look and sunset session for portraits on the rooftop which ended up being some of our favorite intimate moments of the day. After they exchanged vows, Brant and Jestin took a brief moment with their wedding party and shortly after joined everyone for the cocktail hour. It was so fun to see them greeted with rainbow flags and hugs to be congratulated. Their dancefloor was filled with pop songs and throwbacks by DJ Caiked Up and surrounded by their loved ones to dance the night away. Congrats to this amazing couple on their marriage!

Micah + Grace Married! | Millennium Gardens | Post by Tara Sloane

Micah and Grace were married on an on-and-off rainy Sunday afternoon at Millennium Gardens in Plymouth. Droplets pooled on rose petals and hydrangea bushes and the clouds hung wispy and low, setting a poetic and romantic scene. Micah and Grace shared a first look and private vows in a small grove by the pond, where all three of us were moved to tears. In a career path centered around documenting achingly beautiful and meaningful moments, I will truly never forget these vows and what it felt like to be in the presence of such resounding love and devotion.

Grace made all of the wedding details by hand - the bouquets and boutonnières, the table settings, her fairytale crown. The skies were gracious enough to give us intermittent slivers of time outside for portraits, and everyone remained in good spirits, crowded beneath umbrellas, even as we had to dart back into the venue for shelter on more than one occasion. Guests enjoyed a barbecue buffet, cornhole, and board games in a room with panoramic windows overlooking the gardens. The day was Micah and Grace’s, through and through, and I would not have had it any other way. 

Infinite cheers and gratitude to this incredible couple!

Beaver Creek Reserve Wedding | Dan + Kate Married! | Post by Ben Lansky

On August 5th, Kate and Dan celebrated their wedding at the beautiful Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. The day began with the couple meandering around the campsite getting things ready and saying hello to friends and family as they arrived. Once the couple was dressed and ready, a very chill cocktail hour began as the remaining guests showed up. After all the guests had arrived, the sound of a beautifully heartfelt guitar drew everyone to the ceremony. The couple was surrounded by friends and family in “the round” as they were married in an intimate ceremony. After the ceremony, the relaxed picnic vibes continued with laughter and delicious food. As the sun began to dip below the trees a close friend began playing dance music and their friends and family danced into the night. It was a memorable day, reminding me that love and nature create a magical combination. 

Cheers to Dan and Kate!

Danny + Sarah Wedding | Post by Tara Sloane

Danny & Sarah stole away from moving & shaking on Capitol Hill to be married at the oh-so-elegant Van Dusen Mansion. The day was quintessential Minneapolis in June - everything green, lush, & blooming; sunlight streaming through courtyard shade trees during the ceremony, & a convivial evening cocktail hour beneath a clear sky & honey-colored cafe lights. Sarah wore a strand of her grandmother’s pearls, & I didn’t once catch Danny without an ear-to-ear smile, or at least one that was certain to appear at any instant. The bond these two share is simply magnetic, only further evidenced by a jovial, exquisitely dressed group of beloved friends & family who traveled from all corners of the globe to join in the festivities. I could not have asked for a more special celebration to begin my 2023 wedding season.

Cheers, Danny & Sarah!

Nicole + Josh Wedding | Post by Jess Ekstrand

I’m not sure that I’ve photographed a more chill wedding day than this one. Rather than opting for a wedding party, 100+ guests, a DJ and large reception, Nicole and Josh planned a much more intimate event with their immediate families. The wedding day started with a beautiful brunch at Josh’s parents’ home. From there, the pair split to get ready for portraits and the ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Minnehaha Pergola Garden with one of Nicole’s sister’s officiating. The evening came to a close with dinner at Spoon and Stable, sans the paparazzi. 

I cannot write about this wedding and leave out the fact that I called Nicole “Lauren" not once, not twice, but perhaps 5-12 times. Maybe I didn’t sleep well, maybe I’m just getting older, but I do believe this all came about due to Nicole and Josh’s connection to previous clients of mine, Lauren and Josh. Lauren and Nicole are good friends, both are wildly kind and have dark hair. Both of the grooms, named Josh, are just as kind as their partners and both are insanely tall. Lauren was also present the morning of the wedding. And thus, Nicole became Lauren in my brain. Luckily, Nicole and Josh are lovely, understanding humans who mainly laughed at my cognitive glitching. 

Congrats again to this wonderful duo!

LGBTQ+ Wedding Photography

As an LGBTQ+ wedding photography studio, our mission is rooted in equality and love for all couples. By being inclusive, we empower our clients to celebrate their day, their way. As many couples begin their search for a wedding photographer, our goal is to guide couples to find the perfect photographer to honor their unique needs. Here are some of the ways LGBTQ+ couples and allies can expect us to give them an amazing experience.

The Rivets and Roses Experience

Our photographers provide equal access for people who might generally be marginalized. Quality is at the core of our work and offers a level of care that everyone deserves. It’s our highest standard to ensure every couple is cared for and acknowledged for who they are. We feel it is important that wedding photography is available to all who require it. 

It is important to know that your wedding photographer respects your wishes on your wedding day and truly honors your relationship. Gaining trust is a big part of getting to know a photographer, and ultimately booking them. After all, this person will be there for some of the most intimate moments of your day. There will always be a wedding consult to get to know a photographer before booking where you can ask as many questions as you need to make sure the vision of your day will be captured properly.

Our experience and knowledge can ensure a comfortable and supportive environment for couples throughout the wedding planning process. As not all weddings adhere to traditional gender roles or expectations, we avoid traditional definitions and outdated vocabulary throughout our process. It’s important that we share our pride and create a safe place for LGBTQ+ couples.

Why Choose an LGBTQ+ Wedding Studio?

We understand the needs, preferences, and concerns of LGBTQ+ individuals and want to make sure couples come to the right place. By choosing an LGBTQ+ wedding studio, couples contribute to the visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ relationships within the wedding industry. They support businesses that actively embrace diversity, and their choices can inspire others who may be seeking inclusive wedding options as well. 

An inclusive and affirming atmosphere where couples can express themselves freely can be identified when landing on a photographer’s page. It’s important that you have a photographer that can help navigate potential challenges or barriers that might arise on a wedding day so knowing their experience firsthand can allow you to be your true self and take away any stress you might have about being photographed.

The Future of LGBTQ+ Weddings

Weddings are ever changing and we recognize that. Creating something that is meaningful to you and embracing the ways you want to be celebrated can break down traditional themes of a wedding day. Our photographers help guide couples in choosing alternatives for some of the most conventional parts of the day. For example, setting up a mutual first look, choosing to get ready together, or walking down the aisle side by side. Having the support of an LGBTQ+ wedding team makes a big difference to honor your vision and story.

Our studio attracts LGBTQ+ allies that want to prioritize LGBTQ+ vendors based on their values and desires for their wedding day which is continuing to make a difference in the LGBTQ+ wedding industry. This is becoming a unique part of our business and we are excited for allies to find us in their search.

Already, weddings have changed so much in the past 10 years since MN legalized same-sex marriage. It has opened up a whole new market, yet is lacking to recognize other types of love and partnerships. There still are strides that we have to make as a community to ensure that everyone has a place to honor their love.

Mille Lacs Lake Wedding | Brianna + Trevor Married! | Post by Jess Ekstrand

Brianna and Trevor got married on Mille Lacs Lake on a very chilly day in October. 

Being a part of this wedding was truly special. Not only did they have the most elite guest list, just their closest friends and family, but the ceremony was also potentially the sweetest I’ve ever seen. The vows Brianna and Trevor shared with each other were heartfelt and personal. They even made vows to each other’s kids that tugged at the heartstrings so hard, even their photographer (that’s me) was tearing up.

Congrats again to this duo!

Silverwood Park Wedding | Ashley + Clare Married! | Post by Melissa Hesse

Ashley and Clare’s wedding day started with both sides of their family and wedding party getting ready at the Delta Hotels by Marriott. I just love when a couple decides to blend their sides in that way! The entire day felt like one big family and their energy around these two was full of excitement. With Ashley being a public defender and Clare a teacher, you can feel the amount of care that goes into their relationships. They are the type of people that will always have your back and support you in any way.

They hosted their wedding celebration at Silverwood Park on a beautiful Fall day in October. The space allowed for nature trails and views by the water that tied together perfectly with the rich colors of Ashley’s suit by Kings Brothers Clothiers. Clare’s wedding dress was handmade by her mom (!!) and incorporated a veil that Ashley’s mother wore on her wedding day. Every detail they put into their day seemed to have meaning behind it, so it was no surprise when they opened the stage to their younger cousin’s who played a set of late 90’s rock to top it all off. The Dap Squad led the dance floor the rest of the night and was truly the best way to end the 2022 wedding season.

Congrats to Ashley and Clare on their marriage and incredible wedding day!

The Lexington Wedding | Jill + Andrew Married! | Post by Jess Ekstrand

Jill and Andrew’s wedding had some, dare I say, anti-wedding elements. There was no wedding party, no bouquet and no dance floor. The ceremony featured an excerpt from “Don’t Shoot, It’s Only Me” by Bob Hope. Jill even fully avoided walking down the “aisle” at both the beginning and the end of the ceremony. Regardless, this was still a wedding. A really lovely wedding. Two humans making a formal commitment to join forces forever and forever, till death do they part. Weddings are full of traditions. And none of them are required. Except for the commitment part.

Jill and Andrew did keep with some classic wedding features. Jill wore a white dress and Andrew wore a suit. There were drinks and there was food. And there were speeches. There were many speeches. Speeches that maybe resembled roasts at times. Let’s be honest, wedding speeches are not always great. These speeches were on another level. I left this wedding with a sore jaw from laughing and smiling throughout all of the amazing stories shared by guests. 

Congrats again to Jill and Andrew!

Best Moments of 2022 | Team Post

Ben and Justin newly married with the excitement of loved ones around them at Minneapolis Event Centers. Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Melissa Hesse.

Natalie and Christian look out at their guests during the ceremony with pure happiness! Image by Rivets and Roses photographer Tara Sloane.

Jon and Mariah take their first steps as newlyweds at their family property on Cross Lake, MN. Image by Ben Lansky.

Ben and Mikey have their first dance at The Whim. Image by Ben Lansky.

Greta and Sarah are greeted by their guests and kick off their reception as newlyweds with a kiss! Image by Tara Sloane.

Angela and Noble take a moment together in the woods on the property of Hotel Washington. Image by Ben Lansky.

Carrie and Tommy stand under sun beams as they exchange vows on their family property. Image by Melissa Hesse.

Ali and Brendan exchange vows at Pier B Resort overlooking Lake Superior. Image by Melissa Hesse.

Erin and Nic being playful for photos after tying the knot Thomas Lowry Park. Image by Jess Ekstrand.

DeAndre and Whitney take a newlywed moment to cheer with champagne and look out on the St. Croix River on the Stillwater River Boat. Image by Melissa Hesse.

Ring shot in some gorgeous mood light reflecting in from the reception at The Annex. Wedding by Jess Ekstrand.

DeAndre and his mom share an emotional moment as they listen to their favorite song. Image by Melissa Hesse.

Rachel and J.P. dance on the rooftop of Day Blok Event Center with a view of Minneapolis behind them. Wedding by Melissa Hesse.

Sarah and Micky strolling by The Walker for portraits on their wedding day. Sometimes the best moments captured are unplanned. Wedding by Tara Sloane.

Lauren and Josh hold hands. Image by Tara Sloane.

Erin and Nic walk off the altar as their guests shower them with love and bubbles. Image by Jess Ekstrand.

Such a great moment from Lauren and Josh’s wedding day with their crew at The Trailhead. Image by Jess Ekstrand.

We don’t often see a bride play with the band but we love that Sarah got up and played bass on her wedding day at Glass House. Something about a wedding dress and a guitar is just so badass! Wedding by Tara Sloane.

Andrew and Jill embrace a moment together on the rooftop of The Lexington.

Ashley and Clare cheer on their cousins who played a short set and had everyone rocking out to Nirvana. What a great wedding gift! Image by Melissa Hesse.

Day Block Event Center Wedding | Rachel + J.P. Married! | Post by Melissa Hesse

Rachel and J.P. planned such an incredible day to celebrate their love with friends and family and spent almost two years putting the details together. The day truly began with the first look at Gold Medal Park. A mix of friends and family stood by their side as they tied the knot at Day Block Event Center. Following the ceremony they did a victory lap on a party bus which was much deserved for how long they’d been together. As the sun set, we took advantage of the rooftop for some city views and a moment to let the day sink in. It was so fun to watch these two get showered with love and document their day after knowing them as a couple for the past 10 years. Nothing makes me happier than to see a bride hit the dance floor, and Rachel brought out the moves to some of her favorite songs. It was a day to remember!

Congrats Rachel + J.P.!!

Thomas Lowry Park Wedding | Erin + Nic Married! | Post by Jess Ekstrand

Erin and Nic’s wedding felt a little different from other weddings. Not just because they had a parade through the park or because Erin wore a cape or because the DJ didn’t play “I Got a Feeling” or “Sweet Caroline." It was still a wedding, with a ceremony and a marriage license and vows and rings and many of the things you might imagine when you think of a wedding.

This wedding felt especially intimate and warm and inclusive. We took less formal photos so the couple could focus on being in the moment and celebrating with their people. For the ceremony at Thomas Lowry Park and dinner at The Annex, they invited only their closest friends and family. After dinner, the second wave of guests arrived. Erin and Nic greeted each new arrival as they came through the door. The dance floor filled up, the night wore on and they all lived happily ever after.

Congrats again to Erin and Nic!

Stillwater Riverboat Wedding | Whitney + DeAndre Married! | Post by Melissa Hesse

Whitney and DeAndre’s wedding day started with a first look at the Historic Stillwater Courthouse. Whitney’s son, Miles, ushered her up to DeAndre and proudly stayed by their side as the best man. Friends and family gathered on the Stillwater Riverboat to celebrate their love and witnessed the three of them officially become a family. Their ceremony was officiated by Whitney’s brother and followed by DeAndre announcing in his speech that he was becoming a husband, a father, a son, and a brother all in one day. What a lucky guy! After knowing Whitney for many years, there is no doubt in my mind that she has found her match. The two of them light up when they are around each other and the room is always full of fun and laughter. I feel so honored to have been able to document their special day and send them off with sparklers with all of their loved ones surrounding them as the night ended. Congrats to this incredible couple!