Celebrating Love: The Importance of Diversity and Inclusivity in Wedding and Elopement Photography + Videography

As a Queer/LGBTQ+ wedding and elopement photographer + Videographer, I’ve had the incredible honor of capturing love stories from all walks of life. Each couple I photograph + Document brings their own unique narrative, woven together with dreams, laughter, and sometimes a few happy tears. But beneath the surface of every beautiful moment lies a crucial truth: showcasing diversity and inclusivity is not just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential part of my craft. Here’s why.

Love Knows No Bounds

First and foremost, love is a universal language. It doesn’t discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or cultural background. When I celebrate diverse couples, I strive to remind the world that love comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Every couple has a unique story, and every story deserves to be told. By actively seeking out and showcasing diversity in my portfolio, I affirm that every love story is worthy of recognition.

Breaking Stereotypes

Wedding photography + Videography has often been dominated by traditional narratives and imagery. By embracing diversity, I challenge these stereotypes and create a more accurate representation of modern love. When I photograph a Queer couple or a couple from different cultural backgrounds, I’m not just capturing their day—I’m contributing to a broader narrative that reshapes societal norms and encourages others to celebrate their authentic selves. I’m here to accurately represent you and your partner’s love, with zero shame and zero fear.

Representation Matters

Think back to the last time you browsed through wedding magazines or websites. Did you see yourself in those images? For many, the answer is no. Representation matters immensely, especially for marginalized communities who have historically been underrepresented in the wedding industry. When you see diverse couples in a photographer’s/Videographer’s portfolio, it sends a powerful message: “You belong here. Your love is valid.” It fosters a sense of belonging and encourages couples to embrace their identity fully, which is something every photographer + Videographer should strive for (but is often missing in the wedding space- that’s why I’m here and why I do what I do.)

Creating Safe Spaces

As a photographer + Videographer, I have the power to create safe spaces where couples feel free to express themselves. This goes beyond just taking pictures and videos; it’s about building trust and understanding. By actively promoting diversity and inclusion, I communicate to my clients that their love will be celebrated, not just tolerated. It’s a promise that I’ll honor their unique backgrounds and experiences, capturing their day authentically and beautifully.

Building Community

In our increasingly interconnected world, fostering a diverse community enriches our lives. It allows us to learn from one another, understand different perspectives, and grow as artists and humans. When I embrace diverse couples, I also open myself up to collaborating with vendors, planners, and creatives from various backgrounds that ALSO deserve to be celebrated. This not only elevates my work and creative mind, but also strengthens the wedding industry as a whole.

The Emotional Impact

Let’s be honest: weddings are filled with emotion that has me sobbing like a freakin’ baby. From the tear-jerking vows to the silly + groovy dance floor shenanigans, each moment is steeped in love and joy. When I look through my lens, I want to capture not just the beauty of the day, but the raw emotions that make each love story special. The couples I work with often bring rich cultural traditions and personal stories that add depth and vibrancy to their celebrations. These elements deserve to be showcased and celebrated without folks fearing being judged. I’m always here to remind you and your partner that this is a safe space to show up authentically.

Moving Forward

As we move into a (hopefully) more inclusive future, it’s essential for me, as a wedding and elopement photographer and Videographer, to reflect this change in my work. It’s not merely about checking boxes; it’s about embodying a philosophy that values every love story. It’s about listening to my clients, learning from them, and showcasing their unique narratives with genuine love and care.

In conclusion, diversity and inclusivity in the wedding industry are not just trends; they’re fundamental aspects of what makes my job and the industry vibrant and reflective of the world we live in. By embracing all forms of love, I can create stunning imagery that speaks to the heart and soul of every couple, ensuring that their story is told beautifully and honestly- as well as harboring a space that feels safe af for folks to show up how they want.

So, let’s celebrate love in all its forms—Genuinely, authentically, and truly.