Beautiful ‘Love For All’ LGBTQ+ Wedding Photography Workshop

When Steph (from Love For All) curated this LGBTQ+ wedding photography styled shoot workshop I was very excited. No only because it was an opportunity to feel creative again (COVID-19 has sucked a lot of business away from wedding professionals) but also it would be a chance to further my education as an LGBTQ friendly photographer.  Having grown up and raised by two mothers, I have always understood the importance of love and acceptance. I have written about the importance of being an LGBTQ+ ally in the wedding industry before.  But from my parents I grew up with the knowledge that love between two people is exactly that. Love.

That no matter who you love, it is the same love.  

Although I have been raised by lesbian parents and the lessons they taught me about inclusion, it is still important to keep learning. Which is why what Steph and Tania produced – an LGBTQ+ wedding photography workshop with a course before hand – is so wonderful. Usually with a wedding workshop, you arrive, say hello and then jostle for the best perspective of the couple in styled situations.  With this workshop, the learning was an amazing addition. It is what drew me to the workshop.  Being an active LGBTQ+ supporter, it is always good practise to learn and utilise new information.

Being an LGBTQ+ friendly wedding photographer is about showing up

Actively learning new things and then implementing them. For example, during the course at the beginning of the workshop there was a module on pronouns. These words are so important to make people feel inclusive. Having your pronouns visible for other people to see is an importance that I had naively over looked. The use of our language is so paramount. These pronouns on your Instagram biographies, email signatures and website are such an asset to let others feel included and supported.  I thought that by having an open dialogue about my upbringing and practises that it was obvious. However, having my pronouns displayed is an invitation for someone to feel embraced and safe. Which is why as soon as the course was over you bet I changed my Instagram biography to include my pronouns. They are She/Her.

Apart from housing the workshop in brilliant Brighton and letting the photographers roam free on an East Sussex wedding photography spree. The course talked about inclusion within the wedding industry. About how important it was to use real same-sex, queer, trans couples for styled shoots, rather than ‘actors’. This is hurtful and not representative. We had on the shoot two AMAZINGLY gorgeous real life couples who were fantastic models. Steph and Tania talked about the way that supporting charities are so vital. How to educate others in an respectful manner. Over all the course was very insightful and the biggest take away I learned was that of my pronoun language. For which I am grateful.

So for now, feast your eyes on these gorgeous set ups and wonderful models, announce your pronouns and keep doing the work. I hope that there will come to a place where there is no longer such a thing as a ‘gay wedding’ or LGBTQ+ wedding photography – but just a wedding between two people in love. But until then I am here, as a supporter, as an ally and I am determined to keep showing up for as long as it takes.

Thank you to all the suppliers involved

Workshop: Love For All

Mid Century Modern Styled Set Up

Florist: The Bloominati Florist

Real Couple: Greg and Wes

Suits: Gresham Blake

Stationary: Paper Swan Stationery

Wedding Cake: Kasserina Cakes

Venue: Harbour Hotel

Vases: Retro Green

Alternative Rock Styled Set Up

Styling and Props: To Have and To Hire Weddings

Florist: The Vase

Real Couple: Tash and Marthe

Dresses: Dandelions and Pearls

Veil: Rebecca Anne Designs

Stationary: Amy Verse

Wedding Cake: Cake Gallery London

Hair: Occasion Hair By Megan

Jackets: Be WIlderly 

Venue: Harbour Hotel

thank you for looking through this gorgeous LGBTQ+ wedding photography shoot

If you would like to further your commitment to being an LGBTQ+ friendly photographer, I do believe that there will be more workshops happening. I would very much advise you to take part! If you are getting married and are looking for East Sussex wedding photography then please do get in contact. 

If you would like to feast your eyes on more gorgeousness take a look at Amy and Ruth’s colourful festival themed wedding at Inkersall Grange Farm. Or perhaps Anoushka and Laurie’s South Farm wedding. Fancy reading more about postponed Covid weddings and tips for planning a small wedding? Head on over to the blog where real life couple Jay and Sam give advice on planning a micro wedding in a pandemic.