A celebration of love rooted in visibility, Chloe and Madisyn’s queer wedding in the PNW was a blend of Persian and Western wedding traditions, with a few personalized takes on celebrating their marriage in a way that honored who they are as a couple while incorporating blessings, culture, and the people they hold dearest.
Getting Ready that Morning
On the morning of their wedding day, Chloe and Madisyn chose to get ready in separate suites at an Airbnb that was local to their venue. Their respective suites were packed with friends who were present during those final wedding day preparations. During those early morning hours, the atmosphere was relaxed, but so full of energy and a natural flow of emotions.
The plan was, that once dressed for the day, they would exchange a first look and private vows ahead of their ceremony.
But in those final ‘just before’ moments, with Madisyn and Chloe in long button-down shirts and slouchy socks, we took a moment to pause. A moment to enjoy the pace of their day, equally full of love and anticipation.
The natural light in their Airbnb was soft and glowing, and I couldn’t resist photographing the joy in those moments. Chloe and Madisyn in the midst of it all, this space on the timeline of their day was so pure and unhurried.
The Privacy of a First Look with Emotional Personal Vows
Two things have always been true for me as a black, female wedding photographer who is local to the PNW. First, visibility matters when it comes to celebrating love on a wedding day, and second is that I strive to form a connection with my couples on their journey to be wed.
The connection I form with them is the basis for the entire wedding photography experience. Getting to know the details of each of my couples’ stories, hearing their excited plans, and allowing them to feel seen and cared for from the time of inquiry onward is what allows us to capture the genuine emotion and unscripted moments. It’s what allows them to be present on their wedding day, soaking up the beauty of their memories in the making.
A first look embodies so much of that organic emotion. It’s the breaking point for anticipation, and a moment where sheer joy is boundless.
Chloe and Madisyn’s first look took place in the privacy and warmth of the backyard at their getting-ready location. With leaves on the ground and enchanting gardens around them, they held each other’s hands tightly with their backs to one another. What followed was an emotional first look and exchange of private vows that allowed space for a natural flow of feelings and a progression to their day that was shaped by sentiment.
Queer PNW Wedding – Downtown Tacoma
Following the slow, intentional rhythm of the day, on the way to Chloe and Madisyn’s wedding venue, we explored downtown Tacoma for wedding portraits. The exterior of the Museum of Glass, the Bridge of Glass, and McMenamins were all dramatic, architectural backdrops for the exploration of portraits in a way true to Chloe and Madisyn’s story.
The PNW, forever the landscape of rain and wind, surprised us a few times in downtown Tacoma. The rain fell when we least expected and the wind danced through Madisyn’s veil, lifting it into the air and attaching it to a nearby railing.
But Chloe and Madisyn took it all in stride. Clear umbrellas in their hands, laughter when it was most called for, stolen kisses and eager embraces of two people, deeply in love, on their way to the beginning of their forever.
Multicultural Celebration Honoring Persian & Western Wedding Traditions
One of the things that mattered most to Chloe and Madisyn when planning their wedding was the ability to blend cultures, honoring Chloe’s Persian heritage while adding in a mix of Western wedding customs.
Their intimate wedding venue allowed for two ceremony setups, with a planned flow that allowed them to incorporate both cultures, with friends and family officiating and taking on significant roles.
Chloe and Madisyn’s vow exchange was officiated by their friend Colton, under an arbor adorned with greenery, framing their space. Opposite the arbor was the Sofreh Aghd, a Persian wedding table intentionally set with items meant to bless their marriage.
These sacred items include a mirror to symbolize reflection and clarity in their marriage, candles for enlightenment, sweets for pleasure, nuts for fertility and growth, seasonal fruits for a joyous future, and a sacred book symbolizing knowledge.
Throughout their Persian wedding ceremony, Chloe’s sister, Alicia, guided the brides and their guests through the profound meaning of each item and the sacred rituals as they took place, offering a brief history and allowing everyone in attendance to appreciate the blessings bestowed upon Chloe and Madisyn.
Chloe and Madisyn licked honey from their fingers, symbolizing a sweet beginning. Following this ritual, a portion of their Persian wedding ceremony was dedicated to being joined under the unity cloth, held above them by women they hold in the highest esteem. Sugar was then rubbed over their heads (onto the fabric), which is meant to symbolize a lifetime of sweetness laced with joy.
The depth of beauty in each of these sacred ceremonies was an honor to witness, and the Sofreh added a layer of spiritual blessings to their joyous union.
An Informal Dinner Experience Followed by a Dance Floor Celebration
True to the celebration they planned with intention, Chloe and Madisyn skipped a formal dining experience. Their wedding ceremony transitioned into a relaxed-paced cocktail hour. When dinner followed, it was easygoing: no place cards, no plated courses, just a social experience centered on food and celebration, which later gave way to an energetic party.
Lighting, props, dancing, and a DJ booth framed their epic reception. Chloe and Madisyn changed into their party reception attire and hopped behind the DJ booth, throwing out fans, sunglasses, and glowing props to their friends and family. With drinks in hand, the energy was high, and the dance floor was packed all through the night.
As the pace of the evening began to draw to a close, we continued to lean into the natural flow of their day, with a final portrait experience outside their venue. The joy they shared that morning evolved into something new, and witnessing it in real time was a result of the trust we built throughout their wedding photography experience.
Photographing Your Queer Wedding in the PNW and Beyond
If you’re planning a queer wedding celebration in the PNW and you’re searching for a locally based photographer grounded in visibility, I would love to connect with you.
Captured by Candace wedding photography offers an inclusive wedding photography experience focused on joy, centered on photos that embody the most deeply felt emotions of your day.
Our approach is tailed ot your individual needs, ensuring your wedding is captured in a way that is true to your story, preserving the unforgettable moments of your union. You can find more details on our experience, process, and pricing at this link.
