I was honored to photograph Elaine and Rae’s lesbian wedding. Their celebration was truly unique and special! When they contacted me about their big day, I was excited to be a part of it. The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, CA provided the perfect setting for their wedding, and every moment was filled with love, joy, and magic. It was a pleasure to capture all of the special memories of their celebration.

A Love Story of Passion and Loyalty

Elaine and Rae’s love story is a beautiful tale of passion, intelligence, and loyalty. In September 2020, Rae proposed to Elaine on a small hiking trail above the beautiful Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz during a trip to the Central Coast. According to Elaine, Rae is gorgeous, passionate, intelligent, and above all, loving and loyal. Rae says that Elaine is witty, goofy, and generous. Together, they love spending time together and enjoy activities such as cooking, hanging out with their cat, visiting zoos, working on family genealogy projects, and visiting the theater. Their favorite place is the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

Wedding Day Style Inspiration: From Head to Toe

On their wedding day, Elaine and Rae were the epitome of style and elegance. Elaine looked beautiful in a gown by Chotronette and shoes by Lulus. Rae stunned their guests wearing a sharp suit by Hockerty men and shoes by Julia Bo. The couple’s wedding party also looked their best. Elaine’s jewelry was designed by Jalnar Dhanani-Wade, Aide-memoire Jewelry, and Staghead Designs for Rae. From head to toe, Elaine and Rae were dressed to impress on their special day.

Madonna Inn: A Timeless and Whimsical Wedding Venue for LGBT Couples

Elaine and Rae selected the Madonna Inn as the venue for their intimate affair, and it was a truly special place to exchange vows. The Madonna Inn is renowned for its elegant and playful atmosphere and is suitable for grand and intimate weddings alike. It features themed guest rooms, breathtaking settings, and charming indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces. Additionally, the Madonna Inn actively supports LGBT wedding couples.

This lesbian wedding was a true celebration of Old Hollywood glamour. The couple chose dramatic, theatrical, and eclectic aesthetics to capture the essence of classic Hollywood style. With the help of Wendy Henderson (Rae’s mom) and Avery Floto (her sister), the couple planned and executed a DIY wedding that was a true reflection of their personalities and style. All in all, it was a truly memorable and glamourous day.

Celebrating Cultural Traditions at this Memorable Lesbian Wedding

Elaine and Rae’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of cultural traditions. During the ceremony, the couple stood under a chuppah, a traditional Jewish altar that signifies the start of their new life together. They also signed a ketubah, a symbolic marriage contract that outlines the responsibilities of each partner. The ceremony also included a glass-breaking ceremony, in which a glass wrapped in a cloth is placed at the feet of one partner and shattered to symbolize the permanence of the marriage.

After the ceremony, Elaine and Rae followed the Yichud tradition of spending at least eight minutes in seclusion, enjoying a few precious moments alone to bond and celebrate their love. The reception that followed was a joyful celebration with friends and family, complete with a first dance and heartfelt speeches.

Overall, it was a memorable, non-traditional wedding that was a pleasure to be a part of. I wish Elaine and Rae endless love and laughter in the years ahead.

Looking for a photographer who understands and celebrates your individual style? Get in touch and let’s capture your dream celebration!

Check out my galleries to see other LGBT weddings:

KJ + Alise

Bryan + Nick