A Loving Day wedding at River Valley Oasis
Occasionally as a Seattle Wedding photographer, I moonlight for other photographer friends as a second shooter. Last June, I assisted my good friend Lessie of Lessie Blue Photography for a beautiful summer wedding in Granite Falls! This Loving day wedding was especially important to me as Black woman and interracial wedding photographer. On their one year anniversary and Loving Day 2022, I want to highlight their beautiful Loving Day wedding!
What is Loving Day?
As an interracial couple, Chris and Crystal were very intentional in wedding planning. June 12th was highly significant to the both of them because it is Loving Day in the United States. Loving Day is the anniversary of a monumental Supreme Court Decision to no longer ban interracial marriage. Yep – marrying a person of color was literally illegal in most American states up until June 12th, 1967. It’s as absurd as it sounds. But unfortunately a very true reality for many Americans. Because of this victory, many interracial couples choose Loving Day weddings!
The History of Loving Day
The day was in part named to celebrate love, but is ironically named after the two who inspired it! Mildred and Richard Loving are an interracial couple who married in 1958 in Washington D.C. After they returned to Virginia, they were arrested for violating anti-miscegenation laws. They plead guilty, left Virginia, and relocated to Washington D.C. where interracial marriage was not banned. From D.C., the couple fought back and worked with the ACLU to combat miscegenation eventually leading to the Loving vs. Virginia Supreme court decision of 1967.
Chris & Chrystal’s Loving Day Wedding
With a such a deep history, you can see why this date is significant to Chrystal and Chris. I love the intention behind their wedding as well as their relationship. The two sprinkled of representation of Loving day throughout their wedding decor and their vows left everyone in the room emotional. Check out the details of their Loving Day wedding, celebrating their boundless love and honoring history! Watch for specials moment when Crystal’s brother reads a speech and his partner sings during the ceremony!