Pink Flamingo Styled Wedding Shoot

When I first started trying to conceptualize my first styled shoot, the only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted it to support same-sex marriage.

Tags like “LGBT” and “same-sex” should be flourishing in this industry, and yet, so many blogs just aren’t providing inspiration to an increasingly ignored audience. Maybe it’s sponsors or politics getting in the way. Or maybe it’s just fear. Whatever the case, I was taken aback when a simple “same-sex, styled shoot” search came up with few results.

I knew I wanted to organize something that would (hopefully) make a small impact in the community. The inspiration behind the shoot ended up being right in front of me when I least expected it. After wrapping up an engagement session in Philadelphia, I drove past a lovely yellow house with pink flamingos scattered across the lawn. I immediately pulled in reverse to take a quick snapshot of the house. It reminded me of John Waters (you know, a much less vulgar version) and made me smile.

I posted the photo to Instagram, thinking nothing of it. A few hours later, a friend of mine responded saying that one of her best friends grew up in the house. Then, the best friend commented, saying her parents still live there and she’d let them know I liked it. I reached out to her, asking if her parents might be open to the idea of a photo shoot at their house. The homeowners were incredibly gracious, and although they ended up being out of town the day of the shoot, they allowed us to use their gorgeous home as our backdrop.

As a subtle nod to John Waters, I wanted to advocate LGBT rights by having a same-sex couple as the models. I reached out to another local wedding photographer, Tara Beth Robertson, to see if she and her girlfriend Charlotte would be interested in modeling. Once they were in, I pulled together the rest of the amazing team and we got to work.

I cannot thank these talented individuals enough for their hard work and creativity. I feel so honored that they put their trust in my hands, especially since this was my first time organizing a styled shoot.

I’d also like to express my gratitude to Kat at Rock ‘n Roll Bride for publishing our styled shoot. To borrow a quote from Kat, at the end of the day, “a wedding is a wedding and love is love.”

venue: Private residence, Philadelphia, PA // floral design + event styling: Love n’ Fresh Flowers // fashion stylist: Confetti & Co // skirt, blazer, and fleur-de-lys glasses: Anthropologie // v-neck: Target // cords: Gap // shoes: Converse // sweater, oxfords, guestbook, and brass tags: BHLDN // rings: Bario-Neal // makeup + hair: Aleksandra + Jackie for Aleksandra Ambrozy // videography: Tree of Life Films // invitation suite: Nicola Black Design // cakes + desserts: Flying Monkey Bakery // vintage furniture, china, and glassware: Maggpie Vintage Rentals // models: Tara Beth Robertson and Charlotte Ellis // assistant: Ryan Beacher

Also, how amazing is this video by Tree of Life Films? So. Darn. Talented.