Image by Carmel Teresa Photography
It was an absolute joy to be able to work alongside some incredible queer folk to bring together a workshop and styled shoot session, hosted by Love for All (Stephanie Large's self proclaimed passion project, and what a project it is!). The wedding industry is mostly geared towards cis-het couples - enquiry form fields labeled "bride's name, groom's name", venues with Bridal Suites (er, everyone needs a space to get ready?!) just to name a couple of examples - and it leaves us queer folk feeling somewhat disheartened and unheard when it comes to planning our own day, and not fitting into those boxes.
We've finally got to a point where queer couples can marry within the UK, but the industry isn't up to scratch. This workshop has been curated by Steph, a photographer by trade, to bring in wedding suppliers and people from the LGBTQ+ community to educate those within the wedding industry through sessions that give open and honest advice and support to become more inclusive. There is also the opportunity to work with a couple within the LGBTQ+ community through a styled shoot too. It's a great CPD day for people within the industry to ask those questions and be confident in offering their services to everyone, and embarking on a path that is more inclusive. Granted, this workshop is geared towards photographers and videographers, but the education sessions in the morning are entirely appropriate for everyone.
I arrived at the incredible Giraffe Shed, mid Wales, and had the morning to set up. Amelia from AMW Events was the stylist for the design brief I was working to (there were two very different set ups and two different couples), and she is just as bright and colourful as her work! We climbed scaffolding towers, faffed with flowers and candles and eventually managed to achieve the look. After lunch, those attending the workshop arrived, and the models went to their stations. The models are real, genuine LGBTQ+ couples - another REALLY important thing for those working on editorial shoots trying to show diversity in the models they use - and our couple just smashed it! The attendees got to photography both set ups and work with both couples, and I was blown away by how different the images were when they were kindly sent through. Such talented folk!
As someone who has had to lessen their queer identity at times for many reasons, it was so bloody wonderful to be in a space surrounded by only wonderful humans, doing their wedding-based thing throughout the day. As someone who is in a cis-het presenting relationship, I often feel like I don't belong in such spaces, but to be welcomed so warmly by everyone just filled me with so much joy. I could waffle on until the cows come home, but I'm going to let the images do the talking.
All images are credited to the photographer, go check them out on IG. All the suppliers who took part in this half of the day have also been credited, so give them a little love too. Finally, go and check out Love for All on IG, and follow Stephanie Dreams Photography, the curator of this project and overall wonderful human. Thank you big lots for filling my queer little heart with such joy <3
Image by Sally Rose Photography
Suppliers:
Venue - The Giraffe Shed, Wales
Stylist - AMW Events
Florist - The Blossom Parlour
Steamers - Streamdelica
Stationery - With Belles On
MUA - Agata K
Celebrant - Sophie Colligan Ceremonies
Tableware - The Luxe Collection UK
Napkins - The Knotted Napkin Co
Couple: Danie & Lil
The following images are by Carmel Teresa Photography
The following images are by Wild Soul Photography
The following images are by Julie Clarke Photography
The following photographs are by Rebel Love Club
The following images are by Sally Rose Photography
