LGBTQ

Living in the south and planning an LGBTQ wedding can be challenging. Ten years ago, their local bakery denied a same-sex Colorado couple a wedding cake. That wasn’t even in the south!! Americans have progressed a bit since 2012; however, most gay couple proceeds with caution when planning their wedding. They are challenged when finding a place to feel free, comfortable, and themselves. This is a joyous time to celebrate. There is absolutely no room for judgment and criticism during a wedding. If you are on the hunt for an LGBTQ photographer, venue, bakery, invitations, DJ, and wedding planner cheering you and your partner on, try these few ideas below to help as you plan.

How To Find A Safe Space With A Photographer

Congratulations! You said, “YES!”. Now it’s time to start planning. A few things to consider when trying to find a safe space as you plan your wedding. First, your wedding planning and the day itself is a joyous time. You will want to make sure your vendors are your allies and celebrate your love with you.

Photographer Referrals From Your Friends

Whenever I look for a new service or product, I always go to my friends first. It would help if you did the same when finding an inclusive wedding vendor. Talk with the people in your squad, get ideas and see if they recommend anyone!

Using Facebook Groups To Find Your Photographer and Vendors

Another idea is you can also check out Facebook to get referrals. If you have a local LGBTQ community group on Facebook, ask if there are any recommendations.

Facebook community groups have been instrumental to my business when discovering newly engaged couples. I’m always a little extra excited when they are an LGBTQ couple, so once you have a few vendors that friends and Facebook have recommended, head on to check out their website!

Explore The Vendors Website

A simple option to find a safe space is to look online. For example, did your friend at work have a great wedding photographer? If so, take a look at their website.

• Do they use inclusive language, or is it only “bride and groom” on the website? Inclusive language can be tricky at first, but if it is a priority for the vendor, they will make an effort to use it.

• What are the images promoting? Do you see any same-sex couples? If you post photos of LGBTQ couples on your website as a photographer in the south, you are putting yourself out there. In my area of North Carolina, people have varying beliefs about gay couples. I could potentially lose customers for photographing an LGBTQ wedding. But, I feel the risk is worth it. If that turns someone off, then I don’t think they were the right customer for me.

If you don’t read inclusive language and see portraits of gay couples, you might want to continue your search, but if they have been referred and have a great website, then it’s time to visit!

Visit Your Vendors

Anyone can make their business look great online. So, after your online research, you will want to visit the vendor! Since you will be spending time with your vendors on your wedding day, you want to make sure they jive with you and your partner.

Your wedding day is hands down one of the most important days of your life. You must ensure you and your partner can be 100% focused on each other and not self-conscious about how the vendors act or treat you.

If you are searching for an LGBTQ photographer, check out our LGBTQ wedding gallery.