There are some weddings that remind me exactly why I do this work, and Liz & Katie’s day was one of them. Their celebration was romantic, intentional, and unapologetically theirs. As a North Carolina LGBTQ wedding photographer, I know how meaningful it is when couples feel both seen and celebrated on their wedding day. Liz & Katie deserved nothing less than joy, ease, and the freedom to show up as their full selves.
Liz and Katie’s Love Story
Liz and Katie’s journey to the altar is the kind of story that makes you believe in second chances. They met online, bonding over sports, books, and their dogs. Their first date: morning yoga followed by mimosas — confirmed their connection was just as strong in person as it was over text.
But in early 2020, just before lockdown, they made the difficult decision to take a break. Fourteen months passed without contact. During that time, Liz realized what she truly wanted: a serious, lasting relationship with Katie. One simple message — “Hey girl, I’ve been thinking about you” — reopened the door. From that moment on, Liz knew she’d do whatever it took to make sure Katie stayed in her life forever.
Since then, they’ve built a life full of love, laughter, and growth. Together they’ve moved across the state, started new jobs, made new friends, and created a home that reflects who they are. Liz says her favorite thing is making Katie laugh, and luckily, Katie laughs at everything. That joy and devotion was at the heart of their wedding day.
Their Wedding Day
When it came time to plan their wedding, Liz & Katie heard the familiar warnings: “wedding planning is the most stressful thing you’ll ever do.” But they refused to let it be that way. Instead, they approached the process as a team, sharing the same vision from the very beginning.
Their day reflected the essence of who they are. They incorporated Irish vows into their ceremony, surrounded their reception tables with books as centerpieces, and created handmade ornaments for each guest, doubling as a seating chart and a gift. Every detail carried intention, connection, and personality.
Photographing them was effortless. Their portraits radiated elegance, but what mattered most was their connection. Their laughter was constant, their joy contagious. Editorial wedding photography, at its best, doesn’t just capture beauty, it tells a story. And Liz & Katie’s story is one of resilience, growth, and undeniable love.
Finding a Safe and Affirming Vendor Team
Here’s the reality: it’s absolutely ridiculous that anyone’s safety or the validity of their relationship is ever in question when planning a wedding. Yet for LGBTQ+ couples, choosing vendors can sometimes feel like a leap of faith. That’s why I always encourage couples to look for signs of inclusivity and affirmation when building their wedding team.
A few tips to keep in mind:
- Check their website and socials. Do you see queer couples represented? Is there visible diversity in their portfolio?
- Look at their language. Are they using inclusive terms like “couples” instead of only “bride and groom”?
- Scroll to the footer. Many affirming businesses include an inclusivity statement or ethical stance right on their website.
- Ask directly. If you feel safe with one vendor, ask them for recommendations — affirming vendors often connect with one another.
And finally, don’t forget that you can ask me. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and as a North Carolina LGBTQ Wedding Photographer, I’ve built a network of trusted, affirming vendors across North Carolina and beyond. I’m always happy to share recommendations with my clients to make sure you feel safe, celebrated, and cared for every step of the way.
Why Representation Matters
Representation is more than just a rainbow during Pride month — it’s the lived experience of being seen, respected, and celebrated. For Liz & Katie, their wedding was a powerful reminder of how love thrives in authenticity. The imagery we created together wasn’t just about beautiful portraits (though we have plenty of those). It was about creating a visual legacy of their love, one that affirms their story in every frame.
Planning Your Own LGBTQ Wedding in North Carolina?
If you’re planning your own LGBTQ wedding in North Carolina — or anywhere else — my approach is about more than just photography. It’s about creating a safe, affirming experience from our first email to your final gallery. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury editorial celebration, an intimate elopement, or something entirely your own, I’d love to be part of telling your story.
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