Celebrating Inclusive Love as a Columbus Wedding Photographer
Every time I photograph a couple or family, I’m reminded why I do this work: to create art and celebrate all identities and love stories. I’ve always believed the best photos come from a space where people fully feel seen, valued, and safe. But there’s just something that’s not talked about enough… In an industry whose sole purpose is to magnify love, it’s heartbreaking how often that love comes with conditions.
“If love is truly the heartbeat of this work, which I believe it is, then every kind of love deserves to be seen and embraced with joy, enthusiasm, and without limitations. Period.”
Patrick & Anthony’s Engagement Session at the Columbus Museum of Art
To My Fellow Wedding Vendors & Photography Friends,
Pride Month isn’t a marketing moment. It’s a lived reality for so many couples navigating a world that still makes love feel complicated or conditional.
If you’re a business owner in the wedding space, I’m talking to you with care. Not to shame you, but rather to invite you in to see that Pride is more than just a rainbow post in June. It’s a time to reflect and ask ourselves, “Does my business actually welcome all love, or does it only look like it does from the outside?”
Because the truth is, the LGBTQIA+ community notices. They notice when they’re left out of your website galleries and social media posts. They notice when every sample timeline or blog post only mentions a “bride and groom.” And they notice when the only inclusive language that shows up is when it’s “trending”.
True allyship doesn't show up once a year, it shows up in language, in imagery, with intention and action. 24/7, 365.
How Can You Add More Inclusivity to Your Business?
Language: Do you use gendered terms like “bridal party,” “groom suite,” or “her dress” by default? Shift to inclusive terms like “wedding party,” “attire,” or “partner” (unless you know the couple’s preferences)!
Images: What love stories do you see when scrolling your own Instagram feed? When on your website, what images are on your home page? Would a queer couple see themselves reflected there, would they feel welcomed? If not, it might be time to recurate your imagery.
Storytelling: Think about the examples you share in your captions, blog posts, or calls. Are you highlighting diverse types of love or just one version of it? When sharing about who you are (#fridayintroductions) are you sharing how you feel about love? Are you hesitant to be vulnerable about your beliefs? Don’t hide worried about what others may think. In the end, that pause creates more hurt than joy.
“Real inclusivity doesn’t live in a one-time statement. It shows up in the details, the stories we choose to tell, and the people we choose to put front and center.”
To LGBTQIA+ Couples & Families,
You are radiant. You shouldn't have to wonder if you’re safe. You should just get to be in love, live your life, grow your family, and feel cherished no matter what season you’re in. Your love is bold, beautiful, and worthy. It deserves to be documented with the same tenderness and enthusiasm as anyone else's. It should be seen in every month, not just during Pride Month.
This space was built on these beliefs. That love, in all its forms, is sacred and powerful. It is a true gift to witness the joy you bring to the world; all the ways you make it a better place.
And I just want you to know I’ll always be in your corner.
Hesitant to Ask or Know How to Vet a Vendor?
If you’re in the process of building your wedding vendor list, here are a few gentle but impactful questions you can ask:
“Have you worked with LGBTQ+ couples before?”
“We are looking for vendors who are genuinely excited about celebrating all love. Would you say that’s a part of your approach?”
“How do you create a space where all couples feel seen and supported?”
The way someone responds will tell you everything. You deserve to be surrounded by people who are excited to celebrate you and your partner.
So, that brings us here. To celebrate one of my favorite months, I am sharing a few of my favorite images of LGBTQIA+ couples from over the years. These sessions are filled with laughter and a level of genuine connection that is unexplainable. A reminder that love, in all forms, will always win.
Love is Love. And It Deserves to Be Welcomed Like It.
Weddings, engagements, families… they are for everyone to experience. As an inclusive Columbus, Ohio photographer, I truly get excited for the chance to celebrate love with unwavering intention and joyful authenticity.