Planning a wedding is emotional, exhilarating, and—let’s be honest—a little overwhelming. And if you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, there’s often an added layer: wanting to be fully seen and celebrated for who you are.
Choosing the right wedding photographer isn’t just about dreamy images. It’s about finding someone who honors your story, makes you feel safe in front of the lens, and captures your love with care. As an inclusive wedding photographer based in Los Angeles, I believe your story deserves to be told with intention—no matter what your love looks like.
Here are five common mistakes couples (especially LGBTQ+ couples) make when choosing a wedding photographer—and how to avoid them so your memories feel as real and magical as the day itself.
1. Prioritizing Price Over Connection
Budget is important—but connection is everything. You’ll spend more time with your wedding photographer than almost anyone else on your day. If the energy’s off, it’ll show in your photos. But when you feel safe and connected? That’s when the creativity flows. The nerves melt. The real moments unfold.
When couples trust me, they’re able to relax into the experience—and we create images that are not only beautiful, but truly them. Editorial, intimate, joy-filled.
💡 Tip: Don’t just search “affordable wedding photographer.” Schedule a call with the photographer, then ask yourself: do I feel seen, heard, and safe with this person?
2. Not Looking for Active Inclusivity
It’s not enough for someone to say they’re “okay with” LGBTQ+ weddings. An LGBTQ+ wedding photographer should actively affirm your love—not just with words, but in their portfolio, their language, and their values.
I show my support through inclusive copy, diverse representation across my website and social media, and ongoing advocacy for the queer community in my life and business. But more than that, I take time to learn each couple’s pronouns, comfort levels with affection, and any sensitivities they want me to be mindful of. No assumptions—just trust.
💡 Tip: Look for vendors who actively work with LGBTQ+ couples and display that proudly. If you have to wonder if they’re safe—you already have your answer.
3. Overlooking Style Compatibility
Your wedding photographer’s style will shape how your memories feel. Are their images soft and romantic? Dark and moody? Bold and editorial?
My own style is rooted in natural light wedding photography—true-to-life colors, a soft romantic glow, and storytelling that feels grounded and emotional. If a photographer’s portfolio doesn’t already feel like you, they might not be the right fit.
💡 Tip: Don’t hire someone hoping they’ll tweak their editing for you. Choose a photographer whose visual storytelling already matches the mood you’re dreaming of.
4. Assuming the Photographer Will Notice the Details
Not every photographer is trained to notice the small things—but those are what make a gallery sing.
After a decade working in bridal fashion, I’ve reviewed hundreds of galleries from real weddings. I’ve seen what gets missed: the scalloped lace sleeve, the uneven bowtie, the missed angle that would’ve shown the bride’s profile in better light. I notice the small gestures couples give each other when no one’s looking. The tear someone’s trying to hide. A blooming flower that perfectly captures the mood of the day.
💡 Tip: Ask how your wedding photographer handles styling and details. You deserve someone who sees not just the moment, but the meaning inside it.
5. Forgetting to Ask About the Experience
Your wedding photography experience starts long before the big day—and goes far beyond a gallery delivery. Especially for queer couples, it helps to know that your photographer will walk alongside you with encouragement and care.
From helping with styling choices to gently guiding posing so it never feels forced, I show up like a supportive, fun friend. For couples who feel nervous in front of the camera, I offer cues and prompts that ease tension and invite real emotion. One of my favorite touches? A hand-painted watercolor of one of your images, included in select collections.
💡 Tip: Ask your photographer how they support their couples beyond just taking photos. The right fit will care about your experience just as much as the final images.
Closing Thoughts
Your love deserves to be seen, honored, and remembered exactly as it is—without compromise. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or a quiet elopement in the mountains, the right inclusive wedding photographer will help you feel at home in your own story.
Years from now, I want my couples to look at their images and feel like themselves again. That’s the power of intentional, inclusive photography.
If that’s the kind of experience you’re dreaming of, I’d be honored to be part of it.
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” – Audrey Hepburn
