Not Just in June
I wasn’t sure whether to write this. I never want to come across as performative or like I’m hopping on a trend. But staying silent doesn’t sit right with me either because this matters deeply. It’s not a marketing angle. It’s in the bones of my business.
Pride is a protest. It’s visibility. It’s safety. And for me, allyship is not something to dust off once a year when the rainbow logos appear. It’s an everyday commitment to making sure couples know they are safe, seen, and celebrated.
What LGBTQIA+ Allyship Looks Like in My Work
Being an inclusive wedding photographer means it runs through everything I do. It’s not just about showing up for Pride month, it’s about showing up for people, always.
Here’s how that looks in practice:
Inclusive language as standard. You’ll never see a “bride + groom” checkbox on my forms. I use partner 1 / partner 2, because not all weddings include a bride, and even if two people wear dresses, that doesn’t automatically mean “two brides” is the right way to describe them. Language matters.
Representation in every gallery + blog. I feature every couple who gives permission on my website and socials, not just the ones that fit a curated “aesthetic.” Different ages, body sizes, orientations, and wedding styles are all celebrated. Couples often tell me on Zoom calls that this was the thing that made them feel instantly comfortable.
Year-round visibility. LGBTQIA+ couples aren’t only spotlighted in June. Their weddings, love, and joy are central to the stories I tell all year long.
Continuous learning. I actively do the work — following brilliant resources like Love For All, supporting LGBT Youth Scotland through donations, and educating myself to be a better ally every single day.
Speaking up. If I hear outdated or exclusionary language in the wedding industry, I challenge it. It’s not enough to quietly “not say anything wrong” - active allyship means making sure spaces are safe and respectful.
Why It Matters in the Wedding Industry
The truth is, the wedding industry still leans heavily on heteronormative traditions. Businesses call themselves “bridal studios.” Forms only give “bride” and “groom” boxes. And suppliers still make assumptions about who’s wearing what or how people identify.
Those things might look small, but they send a loud message: this space wasn’t designed for you.
That’s why I believe inclusivity matters so much in wedding photography. Weddings should be joyful, safe, and authentic celebrations for everyone and it starts with representation, language, and allyship that actually means something.
What My Couples Say
The thing I hear most often in reviews? That couples felt instantly at ease. That they felt seen. That they loved how my website showed real weddings of all kinds of people and not just one type of couple, one size, one look.
One of my favourite reviews said:
“We knew straight away Lou was the right photographer for us because her website showed so many different couples. We instantly felt like we’d be celebrated exactly as we are.”
That’s the heart of it. That’s why this work matters.
A Safe Space, Always
With trans rights under constant attack, we need to be louder than ever. My promise is simple: if you’re LGBTQIA+, you are not just welcome here, you are celebrated here.
Not just in June. Always. 🏳️⚧️💛🏳️🌈
