12 Bonus Lesbian Couple Wedding tips from Renphotos!

“Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.”

– William Shakespeare

 

Photographing Lisa and Susan’s Lesbian couple wedding was a learning experience for me, having never photographed a lesbian couple wedding before.

Luckily for me the couple was very laid back and relaxed. I absolutely loved Lisa’s sense of humour and go with the flow attitude. Susan’s quiet calm nature kept all at peace which is a great help at any wedding!

The couple’s characters really shone through on the day, and it was one of the most fun and genuine wedding days I have had the honour of capturing in a long time.

Some of the moments that became more meaningful for me on this day were those surrounded by family and friends that have accepted Lisa and Susan as a lesbian couple.

Their guests were all people that know and love them well. So, shots being showered with confetti or the group shot of everyone who attended (all in white at the couple’s request) were so special to capture as the love and support for this couple who have had the courage to come out is beautiful to see.

 

Other important shots for me were of course exchanging rings and vows in front of the altar – something that any lesbian couple will appreciate and see the significance of as they had to fight for the right to be able to do so openly. And walking down the aisle with family or friend that also showed acceptance and support for them.

A same sex wedding is by no means conventional though.

Luckily, we did do the venue viewing and meeting beforehand as I do with all my wedding couples if they agree to it. This allowed us to iron out any issues beforehand that the couple may not have thought of. As this is unconventional there are a few things you need to think about. I have outlined a few of the items below which you may not have thought of as a same sex wedding couple or photographer.

For the same sex wedding couple, planning a wedding is a remarkable time, but in many ways, it can be different from a conventional wedding. Here are some of the things you may need to think about and discuss with your photographer before the big day so everyone has their ducks in a row.

1. What will you both be wearing? Will both be wearing dresses like Lisa and Susan? Or will your outfits be different? This is an opportunity to express your individuality.

Your outfit choice can be quite a statement.

Let the photographer know so they know what to plan for in terms of capturing details and what shots they can do with the couple photos.

Because Lisa and Susan were both wearing dresses it was important for me to capture the detail with each dress, the moments putting them on, as well as during the couple photos to capture them together and show off the two women celebrating their love and individuality!

2. Plan more time for the getting ready photos. Especially if you will be two women getting ready, women are notorious for taking much longer getting ready, you may need to plan a little extra time for this before the actual ceremony.

This way there is enough time to get all the shots in for your photographer and all those special details like both of you getting hair and makeup done, and all the details of your outfits.

To make sure I did not miss a moment here, I staggered the time slightly with each of the brides so that they were getting ready at slightly different times. So that I could capture the details on each side. Starting with details at Lisa, then details at Susan, then back to Lisa for getting ready and putting on the dress etc, and finishing with Susan as she would walk down the aisle last.

3.Get ready at the same venue and make life a bit easier.

Of course, this would not be possible if they weren’t getting ready at the same venue so this became a deciding factor as well, that they should both get ready at the venue which allowed us the opportunity to capture both brides getting ready.

I then ran between the two brides when things were not going according to schedule 100%, which happens. Often. At any wedding. But it always helps to have a plan of action.

4. Discuss how you will be walking down the aisle – Will you both walk down or will one of you wait at the altar? Or will neither of you walk down? Or will you walk down together?

How you decide to do this may have some special significance and this is completely up to you, but again is an important moment for the photographer to know so they can plan how to photograph it and make sure they capture the moment perfectly.

Lisa and Susan both wanted the special moment walking down the aisle, so Lisa came first with her dad, and waited at the Altar for Susan who came down the aisle with a close friend.

5. One of my favourite things from Lisa and Susan’s wedding was their first dance as it was such a unique moment for them and just showed their different characters so well. Will you be doing the first dance?

And How about father-daughter dance or Mother-son dance? This also speaks to the relationship between you and family or friends and this moment may be special to capture so also discuss how you will be handling this with your photographer.

6. Discuss if you will both be doing a bouquet and garter toss? Or not at all? Or will one of you throw a bouquet and the other a garter?

Again this is completely up to you but let your photographer know what to expect so they aren’t surprised as this can be quite a quick moment and easily missed. Lisa and Susan decided to do both garter and bouquet for each of them. Also, remember you may need to allow more time if you are doubling up on the traditions.

7. Will you be going ahead with all of the traditions of a wedding? Or will there be some more unconventional ones? What about little details that celebrate your love as a same-sex wedding couple?

Discuss all of these with your photographer so they can prepare for the different photo opportunities that will come from it. Need some inspiration to celebrate your special day? Check out the below LGBTQ wedding ideas to celebrate your same-sex wedding day!

 

If you want to incorporate some gay pride celebrations into your wedding day then here are some great gay or lesbian couple wedding ideas to get you started. Remember this is about you and your individuality – what makes this wedding day yours? Below are some more same sex wedding ideas…

 

1. Use rainbow colours in your theme somewhere. The soles of your shoes, or rainbow coloured flower arrangements are a great way to go. Or even a rainbow cake!
2. Speaking of cake – The cake topper can be a great way to use his and his or hers and hers, in writing or with figurines
3. Lesbian poetry or other small boards with sayings on them can be a great reminder of who this wedding is about.
4. Wedding favours are another great way to celebrate – love in colour candy is a great way to go
5. Mrs and Mrs or Mr and Mr Signs for the reception chairs are also a great touch.

Still need some inspiration why not check out these great gay and lesbian couple wedding ideas ≫

We hope you love all the ideas and have a blast planning your wedding day!