If you’ve been in the Kentucky wedding scene lately, you know Stone House at Silver Creek isn’t just another venue – it’s a revolution wrapped in barn wood and string lights. As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, I’ve watched owners Megan and Braidyn transform this space into something extraordinary over the past few years. But honestly? “Extraordinary” doesn’t cut it.

These two have built more than a venue; they’ve created a fortress of celebration where every love story gets its spotlight. And let me tell you, they’ve done it while weathering storms that would make lesser folks pack up their fairy lights and call it quits. (Pro tip: when you’re leading the charge for inclusive weddings in Kentucky, your inbox isn’t always filled with congratulations.)

But here’s where it gets good.

When the 2024 election results rolled in and our community felt the ground shake a bit, Megan (she/her) and Braidyn (they/them) didn’t just send thoughts and prayers. Nope. They threw open their barn doors and said, “Let’s get 27 couples married. For free. In one day.”

Not just married – legally, beautifully, and joyfully married. With photographers (hi!), planners, officiants, volunteers, content creators and even a notary on deck. Because when the world gets darker, you don’t whisper about hope – you throw a party for it.

And that’s exactly what we did.

Finding Hope Behind the Camera

I’ll be honest – the days after the election left me feeling like I was drowning in helplessness. As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, I’ve built my career on celebrating love in all its forms. But suddenly, that celebration felt shadowed by uncertainty.

Then Stone House announced this event.

Here’s the thing about being behind a camera – you’re not just taking pretty pictures. You’re preserving proof. Proof that love exists, joy persists, and communities stand together when it matters most. Each click of my shutter that day not only captured a moment – it documented resistance wrapped in romance.

Twenty-seven couples. Eight of them were in front of my lens. Each one a middle finger to fear, dressed in their wedding best.

And let me tell you something – these weren’t just weddings. They were battle cries disguised as “I do’s.” When you’re an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer in times like these, every portrait becomes a political statement, whether you meant it to or not. But instead of feeling heavy, it felt like finally being able to breathe again.

Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just show up with your camera and say, “I see you. I celebrate you. And I’m determined to ensure the world sees how beautiful this is.”

Behind the Scenes: How We Pulled Off 27 Weddings in 6 Hours

Picture this: A historic barn transformed into a wedding assembly line of the most memorable kind. As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer who’s seen hundreds of wedding setups, even I was impressed by the efficiency-meets-elegance vibe Stone House at Silver Creek pulled off.

Three ceremony spaces ran simultaneously inside the barn (because baby, it was cold outside). Each space had its own personality – think different backdrops, varied floral arrangements, and distinct styling options. It was like a “choose your own adventure” wedding story, but every ending was guaranteed to be amazing.

Couples could pick from a selection of bouquets and boutonnieres, mixing and matching to fit their style. But the real MVP of all the options? The ceremony scripts. Let me gush about Liz Renea for a second – this officiant wrote ceremony words so meaningful, they had even the vendors tearing up between setups. (And trust me, that’s not easy when you’re 12 weddings deep into the day.)

When some vendors backed out last minute (it happens), Megan and Braidyn didn’t miss a beat. They dipped into their own pockets to ensure everyone had food. That’s the kind of venue owners they are – solving problems before most people even notice there is one.

The volunteer crew moved with the precision of a wedding SWAT team – directing traffic, guiding couples, managing timelines. Every 15 minutes, like clockwork, new couples stepped up to say “I do” while others moved to portrait locations or celebration spaces. It was like watching a perfectly choreographed dance, if the dancers were all wearing various shades of wedding attire and happy tears.

For real though – watching everyone come together to make this happen? That’s the kind of magic we need more of in the wedding industry. It wasn’t just about getting people married (though we did that 27 times over!) – it was about showing up for our community when it matters most.

The Art of Speed-Dating (But Make it Wedding Photography)

Here’s the thing about photographing eight weddings in one day – you’ve got to be quick, but you can’t make it feel quick. Each couple deserves their moment as the main characters, even if it’s just for seven minutes.

As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, I’ve learned that authentic moments don’t actually need much time to unfold. They just need genuine connection. The secret sauce? I actually care about the people in front of my camera. (Wild concept, I know.)

My approach was simple:

• Quick read of the couple’s energy
• Three to four solid poses 
• Let their natural interactions fill in the gaps
• Snag those candid moments between the posed ones

The cold weather actually worked in our favor – nothing brings out authentic cuddles like trying to stay warm! With just 5-7 minutes for portraits, I developed a routine: start with the safe shots (you know, the ones every couple needs), then use whatever time was left to capture what makes each pair unique.

But here’s what made it work: I didn’t just shooting weddings on repeat. I met 16 incredible humans who were brave enough to celebrate their love in the face of uncertainty. That’s the kind of energy you can’t fake, and it shows up in every frame.

And here’s a little photographer secret that felt particularly meaningful for this day – I intentionally used natural sun flare to create rainbow light in many of the portraits. Sometimes the universe just hands you perfect symbolism through your lens. Those natural rainbow flares weren’t just technically beautiful – they were a perfect representation of the day’s spirit.

Want to know the real trick to capturing authentic moments on a timeline? Stop thinking about the timeline. Be fully present for those seven minutes. Because when you genuinely care about the people in front of your lens, efficiency and authenticity aren’t opposites – they’re partners in crime.

Love Stories from a Day of Joy

As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, each couple I photographed that day brought their own spark to the celebration. While I had just minutes with each pair, these moments left a permanent imprint. Here are their stories, each atestament to love’s persistence.

Levi & Emrys: A Dance of Natural Love

Sometimes as an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, you don’t need to give many prompts – the love just flows naturally. Levi (he/him) and Emrys (he/him) were exactly that kind of couple. My first pair of the day, they set the bar impossibly high with their effortless affection.

What struck me most wasn’t just their clear adoration for each other, but how their shared transition journey deepened their connection. While I offered a few positioning suggestions, my favorite shots were the ones they naturally fell into – gentle touches, knowing looks, and those quiet moments of understanding that speak volumes through a lens.

The way they moved together, you’d think they’d been practicing for this moment their whole lives. In a way, maybe they had. Their comfort with each other was contagious, spreading warmth through the chilly barn that lasted long after their ceremony. When you’re photographing two people who are so authentically themselves together, magic happens – and these two had magic in spades.

Sarah & Camryn: Joy Personified

You know those couples whose happiness is so infectious it changes the energy of an entire room? That was Sarah (she/they) and Camryn (any pronouns). As their LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, I barely had to direct them – their joy did all the work.

Camryn practically skipped through their entire session. Their face lit up with a smile that could power a small city. The way they looked at Sarah – like she hung the moon and stars – made my job almost too easy. Every laugh was genuine, every embrace was full of life, and watching them together felt like witnessing pure, unfiltered happiness.

These two rank among the most joyful couples I’ve ever photographed, in any context. Camryn couldn’t stop snuggling up to Sarah, and Sarah’s face softened every time they did. Their energy was exactly what this day needed – a reminder that in the face of uncertainty, love can still be playful, exuberant, and absolutely radiant.

Sebastian & Sam: Style in Stereo

Every LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer dreams of couples who nail the coordinated-but-not-matching look, and Sebastian (he/him) and Sam (he/him) delivered with their matching shirts but individual styles. Sam rocked statement boots and show-stopping makeup while Sebastian kept it laid-back and cool, yet they looked perfectly in tune with each other.

Here’s a moment that caught my eye – Sebastian standing next to his mom, and wow. TWINS. Like, the “had to double-take” resemblance. But what really made an impression was their shared warm smile, which Sebastian turned on Sam throughout their entire session.

These two radiated the kind of gentle energy that makes you want to invite them over for game night. Everything about their interaction felt caring and intentional, from the way they adjusted each other’s clothes to their synchronized laughter at inside jokes. The kind of couple that reminds you why you love being a wedding photographer – they make genuine connections look effortless.

Quinn & Adrian: A Symphony in Blue and Purple

As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, I live for the moments when family shows up fully. Quinn (he/him) and Adrian (they/them) brought that energy in spades, with Quinn’s dad officiating while their siblings stood witness. The ceremony became an intimate family celebration, wrapped in coordinated colors and unconditional love.

Their outfits told their own story – Quinn in a blue suit with fiery red hair, Adrian in purple with ocean-blue curls. The matching ties bridged their looks perfectly, a detail that made my photographer’s heart sing. But the real show-stopper? Adrian’s tears during their vows. Some people cry pretty, and Adrian’s emotional moments were pure photography gold – genuine, touching, and absolutely beautiful through the lens.

What struck me most was how their families mirrored their joy, creating a ripple effect of acceptance and celebration. In those brief minutes, I wasn’t just photographing a wedding – I documented what true family support looks like. Every frame radiated with the kind of love that changes the world, one ceremony at a time.

John & Charles: Six Hours for Forever

When you’re an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, certain moments hit differently. John (he/him/they) and Charles (he/him) drove six hours from North Carolina for fifteen minutes of forever, arriving without witnesses – just their love and determination. That’s how I not only photographed their wedding, but became a witness on their marriage license. Talk about being part of history.

John wore this incredible wool jacket paired with a floral shirt that made my camera sing. But it wasn’t just the couple’s style that caught my eye – it was their quiet certainty. The kind that makes you drive across three state lines because love is worth the miles.

Being one of their witnesses felt sacred. Think about it – they crossed state borders to say “I do,” not knowing who would stand up for them when they arrived. It was an honor to stand up for them. In those brief minutes, I wasn’t just their photographer – I was part of their story, proof that sometimes strangers become friends in the space of a ceremony. Their wedding photos aren’t just images; they’re documentation of their courage to chase love across state lines.

Amber & Rowan: Fashion Icons in Love

As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, I see a lot of wedding fashion, but Rowan (she/they) and Amber (she/her) raised the bar. Rowan rocked a toothsmith suit with a bowler tie and the show-stealing accessory of the day – a statement frog purse that deserves its own Instagram account. Amber complemented the look perfectly in a black wedding dress and veil, her chunky bangs framing an infectious smile.

But beyond the killer fashion choices, it was Rowan’s tender attention to Amber that captured my heart. Throughout their session, I caught intimate moments of care – Rowan gently wiping away Amber’s tears, fixing a stray hair, making sure everything was perfect for their love. These weren’t posed moments – they were natural expressions of devotion that my camera witnessed.

Behind the stunning aesthetics was a poignant testament to partnership – how love shows up in the smallest gestures. Each frame told a story of style and substance. Their fashion choices might have caught everyone’s eye, but their gentle care stole the show.

Marissa & Elaine: Laughter Through Happy Tears

My last couple (both she/her) of the day brought a flawless blend of sentiment and sass. As their LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, I watched their friend officiate through tears, creating a ceremony that balanced deep emotion with genuine laughter.

Elaine commanded attention in a stunning red dress with white fur trim. When the setting sun hit her just right during portraits, I had to capture a few solo shots – a rare departure from couple photos, but the moment demanded it. The light painted her in gold, creating images that make you believe in magic.

Then came the moment that perfectly captured their dynamic – I suggested Marissa wrap her arms around Elaine, and she headed straight for a playful chest grab. Elaine’s reaction was priceless, genuine, and exactly what you want to capture as a wedding photographer. It was the perfect reminder that love stories can be both deeply meaningful and hilarious at the same time.

Their energy embodied everything this day represented – joy, authenticity, and the freedom to be completely yourself with the person you love.

Tristan & Derek: The Moment That Changed Everything

Have you ever witnessed a moment that restored your faith in humanity? As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, I’ve seen countless emotional ceremonies, but nothing prepared me for Tristan (he/him) and Derek’s (he/him) wedding.

First, Tristan’s vows. When he spoke, time stopped. I locked eyes with the wedding planner across the room, both stunned by the raw sincerity. This wasn’t just someone reciting words; this was someone declaring their truth with their whole soul. 

Then came the moment that broke me.

Tristan’s father – picture your typical Kentucky dad, the kind that makes you brace for polite tolerance at best – approached the couple after the ceremony. He hugged his son, and I raised my camera, ready to capture a classic father-son moment. But then he turned to Derek, saying words I’ll never forget: “Come here! You are my son now, too.” He reached out, putting his hand on Derek’s neck, pulling him in for a bear hug that carried years of acceptance in its embrace.

The photo capturing this moment is included below.

I lost it behind my camera. In that single moment, all my assumptions about “typical Kentucky dads” were shattered. Here I was, photographing what felt like a miracle – pure, unconditional love breaking down biases I didn’t even realize I’d built in my own mind.

During a day spent fighting back against hate with love, this father showed us how it’s done. In times that feel dark, sometimes hope arrives wearing a blue shirt and offering bear hugs to his new son-in-law.

This is why we document these moments. This is why we show up. Because sometimes, love doesn’t just win – it transforms.

The Bigger Picture: 27 Weddings, Countless Ripples of Hope

In six hours, we did more than coordinate 27 weddings. As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, I witnessed a community rising up to say “We’re here, we’re staying, and we’re celebrating.” The tears weren’t just wedding emotions – they were declarations of resilience.

Each ceremony adds to something larger. A father embraces his new son-in-law. A couple drives six hours to make their love legal. Venue owners stand firm in their commitment to inclusive celebrations. Vendors and volunteers showing up because they refuse to let fear win.

Here’s what I learned: When the world feels heavy with uncertainty, the answer isn’t to whisper our joy – it’s to shout it. To document it. To create spaces where love isn’t just welcomed, but celebrated with every tool we have. Sometimes resistance looks like flawless portraits. Sometimes revolution wears a wedding dress (or carries a frog purse). And occasionally, hope shows up in the form of 27 couples who refused to let their love stories be anything but bold, beautiful, and proudly documented.

That’s community power in action. That’s what changed my heart from anger to hope. And that’s why I’ll keep showing up with my camera, ready to capture love in all its forms.

The Road Ahead (And Why I’ll Keep Showing Up)

Sometimes the givers become the receivers. As an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer, I showed up thinking I was providing a service. Instead, these 27 couples gave me something priceless – hope.

Yes, there’s work ahead. The political landscape that sparked this event hasn’t changed. But now I know what’s possible when we come together. When we say yes to love, again and again, in quick succession, with determination and style.

To every couple planning their wedding in uncertain times: I see you. Your love matters. And I’ll be here, camera ready, to document your joy as an act of revolution.

Behind the Lens: Technical Notes

Quick tips from photographing 27 weddings in winter from a LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer:

• Cold weather portraits work best with movement. Keep couples walking, dancing, snuggling
• In 5-7 minute windows, start with must-have shots then let personality shine
• Three go-to poses that work for any couple, customized to their energy
• Watch for the moments between poses – they’re often the most memorable shots
• Use family members and items (like coats between shots) strategically for comfort
• Natural laughter comes easily when you remind couples they’re basically models now

The secret ingredient? Caring about the people in front of your lens. Technical skill matters, but genuine connection creates magic – even in seven minutes.

Want to chat about capturing your wedding day? Let’s create some revolutionary joy together. To find out if your wedding date is available, contact me today.