At Make It Mariko, we believe that love knows no boundaries, and the celebration of love should reflect the uniqueness and diversity of every couple.  LGBTQ+ weddings are a beautiful expression of love and they provide an opportunity to reimagine wedding traditions and create magical, meaningful moments.  Today we are going to explore some of the fun and unique ways LGBTQ+ couples are turning tradition upside down and showcasing their own love stories.

*Photos by Khariza Rae Photography

Adding That Personal Touch!

It’s all about the personal touches. LGBTQ+ couples are flipping the script and opting for weddings that capture their personality, reflect their own love story and represent their personal values.  From personalized vows to new rituals, couples are crafting ceremonies that are authentic and one-of-a-kind. A great example of this is Nicole & Eva’s wedding at the Barns at Cooper Molera, where they ensured their beloved dog was an integral part of the wedding design, adding an adorable touch that reflected their personal style.

*Photo by Gladys Gem Photography

Say Hello to the Wedding Squad

Goodbye to bridesmaids and groomsmen, Hello Wedding Squad.  LGBTQ+ couples are surrounding themselves with more inclusive wedding parties that break free from gender norms. It’s all about assembling a wedding squad where friends and family can be their true, fabulous selves.  

*Photo by Gladys Gem Photography

Fashion First: Be You, Be Bold

Wear whatever you want, this is all about you!  Don a dapper suit or elegant dress,or maybe a more gender neutral look, it doesn’t matter, it’s all about rocking their individual style.  Both parties want to wear a dress? Do it, when it comes to wedding attire it’s fashion first! LGBTQ+ couples look good in it all, the focus is on expressing individuality and feeling fierce in whatever  ensemble you choose. Take a look at Amber & Emma, who both looked stunning in their gorgeous white wedding dresses, defying expectations and exuding beauty. We love Janene’s Bridal, a Bay area based LGBTQ+ friendly bridal boutique, for all your flyest wedding looks.

*Photo by Alice Che Photography

Love, Meet the Perfect Backdrop!

Church weddings? Nah, let’s think outside the box! LGBTQ+ couples are searching high and low for venues that truly tell their love story. From art galleries that scream creativity to captivating cabarets that add a touch of drama, these couples are creating a wedding experience that celebrates their journey and the communities that shaped them. Check out  Paul and Cameron who opted for the retro inspired hotel, The Phoenix, in San Francisco as the perfect backdrop to exchange their vows, adding a unique touch to their special day.

*Photo by Alice Che Photography

Let Your Love Shine

LGBTQ+ weddings are all about crafting inclusive rituals that honor the couple’s identities and love story. Whether it’s a unity ceremony that blends different elements or cultural traditions, or personalized rituals that reflect shared interests, the sky’s the limit when it comes to creating magical moments that break free from tradition. Alice Che Photography captured this beautiful moment when Tim and Jake were embraced by a loving circle of “energy circle,” celebrating their unique expression of wedding traditions

In the end, it’s important to recognize the powerful ways LGBTQ+ couples are creating a space in the wedding world where they once were not welcome. It’s a new world where personalization reigns supreme, wedding squads get the party started, fashion is an open canvas, venues become storytelling gems, and creative rituals pave the way for new traditions. Love is love, and LGBTQ+ couples are redefining what it means to say “I do” in the most extraordinary and heartfelt ways.