Maddi (she/her) and Allison (they/them) are an LGBTQ+ wedding couple that had their Midcoast Maine celebration on a sunny fall day. The couple had already eloped a few years ago, so it was important to them that they had a celebration to reflect their ongoing love story. They incorporated special moments with their loved ones, as well as quiet time with each other, for a day that felt truly authentic to them.
LGBTQ+ Wedding Tips
Tip # 1 - Ensure your vendors are queer friendly.
Having vendors that align with your values is SO important. Not only will it assure that you're respected, it will also make things smoother in ways you might not have even thought about. Maddi and Allison shared that the fact I would CC both of them on email communication really stood out to them. This is a practice I have in place for all of my couples, regardless of their sexuality, because the day is for BOTH of them!
When you're researching vendors, check out their about page and reviews to get insight into their values. If you hire a queer friendly vendor you really vibe with, you can also ask them if they have referrals for the vendors you're still looking for.
Tip #2 - You don't "have" to do anything on your wedding day.
A common hangup for a lot of couples is feeling pressured by wedding traditions and expectations from others about what they "should" do. I spend a lot of time with my couples talking about what is important to them, what they like to do, and what they're most excited about for their wedding day. From there, we brainstorm how we can create pockets of joy that are just for them throughout their day.
Maddi and Allison were really excited about the barn that they were transforming into their dance floor, so I made sure they got some quiet moments together throughout the day to soak it in. It also felt the most natural for them to walk down the aisle together. Other couples choose to get ready together. It's all about what feels good to you!
Tip #3 - Book an engagement session.
I highly suggest booking an engagement session before your wedding. So many people (myself included) feel uncomfortable in front of a camera. My processes is designed to create ease and comfort to bring out natural moments between you and your partner. A lot of my couples share that they feel much less nervous about having a photographer at their wedding day after we do our engagement session. It's also a great way to have photos at a different location that is meaningful to you and your partner (or with a pet!!!). Maddi and Allison chose to have their photos done at a family lake house and we highlighted the boat that they love to spend quality time together on. I also got to meet their cat, Iris, which was the BEST.
Having a photographer that has your back and will go to bat for you is important on your wedding day, especially if you’re creating a day that breaks from traditions and expectations. I worked with Maddi and Allison to support their vision throughout the planning process to capture a truly memorable celebration. Scroll to see more of my favorite moments from this LGBTQ+ wedding!
The vendors that made this day possible:
Lead Photographer: me! (Sunset Ridge Photography)
Second Photographer: Koa and Kai Photography
Planner: Magical Memory Events
Rentals: Wallace Events
Florals: Midcoast Blooms
Catering: Stone Cove Catering
Dessert: Wild Oats Bakery
Meet your queer Maine
wedding photographer!
Hi, I'm Marena and I adore creating meaningful connections with people. With a focus on documentary photography, I strive to highlight connection in my work. I'm always looking to capture the small glances, a brush of hands, and the little moments that paint the big picture.
During your wedding day, you can expect me to be hyping you up, capturing natural, intimate moments, and most importantly, making sure you feel comfortable!