I'm thrilled to start this year's Pride Month blog series with a truly inspiring couple, Samantha and Jacqueline. Their gorgeous, same-sex destination wedding at Hacienda Siesta Alegre in Puerto Rico was magical.

A Love Story: From Surprise Proposal to Wedding Day

From the moment I connected with Jackie for Sam's surprise proposal in 2022, I knew our journey together would be extraordinary. They got engaged just 10 days after my engagement, and theirs was also the first wedding I shot upon my return after my wedding break.

Despite the challenging April heat, Samantha and Jacqueline's same-sex wedding at Hacienda Siesta Alegre overflowed with joy and excitement. Friends, family, and even their adorable pups celebrated this beautiful couple. Every moment was filled with the best vibes, making it a true inspiration for everyone present.

Vibrant and Hyper-Personalized Wedding Celebration

A standout element of Sam and Jackie's wedding at Hacienda Siesta Alegre was how visually striking it was. Every detail, from the decor to the ceremony, was thoughtfully curated to reflect their unique love story. The vibrant colors throughout the venue added an extra layer of warmth and happiness to the celebration.

They had custom shirts made for their enormous entourage. Colorful spring florals beautifully complemented the gorgeous chinoiserie, pottery, and tile accents. Personalized napkins honored the feline babies that couldn't be physically present. And the blue and white pottery perfectly matched the patterned bridesmaid dresses.

Speaking of dresses, the two bridal gowns were to die for. Each bride's look perfectly complemented the other's cut and color of the dresses.

Capturing Joy and Excitement at Hacienda Siesta Alegre, Puerto Rico

Although their wedding was aesthetically gorgeous, as a photographer, it didn't even make the top 10 list of my favorite things from their wedding day. Sam and Jackie, your love for each other is incredibly telling. You make each other better, and it's evident in every glance, every touch, and every laugh shared. I'm also so happy for the people you've brought together and proud of the wonderful families that embrace and uplift you.

As a queer couple, many elements of their wedding day were references to Pride and the ongoing victories left to win for queer people. It is not lost on us that many do not have that support circle, which makes their wedding day even sweeter and a goal we must set for everybody. Their story is a powerful reminder that every love story deserves to be celebrated.

LGBTQ Inclusivity and Visibility in the Wedding Industry

When it comes to marriage, same-sex, gender non-conforming, and queer couples encounter incompatible traditions all over their wedding planning process.

To excel in customer service, wedding industry members must evolve beyond the bride-and-groom mindset. From our contact forms to how we pose couples, representation and visibility matter. Even if we still need to build a more diverse portfolio, we can at least use inclusive language that doesn't repel clients who otherwise would feel happy to work with us.

Some wedding vendors see inclusivity as an excellent business opportunity, and they're not wrong: opening up your prospects makes financial sense. But we must remember weddings are not just a transaction for couples; they're a spiritual, emotional, and psychological experience.

Serving couples on their wedding day goes beyond taking their money and providing a service. It means advocating, speaking up, and knowing when to listen and learn. We must embrace and love each client individually, making space to grow with each experience.

To Sam and Jackie, thank you for letting me capture your special day. Your wedding was a beautiful start to this year's Pride Month series, and I can't wait to share more inspiring stories throughout June.

Always a friend and ally,

Cami