Interview with LGBTQ+ Couple: Brittny and Brittany

We had the pleasure of photographing Brittany and Brittny’s LGBTQ destination wedding in October of 2019 at the stunning Waterfront Park in San Diego, California. Their wedding was featured in Equally Wed, as well as in our Galleries. “The Britts,” as they are known to their close friends and family, did an incredible job weaving in personal elements for their big day. Everything from the food, to the custom cat cut-outs at their couple’s reception table was designed to represent their fun and whimsical side! We sat down with the Britts to discuss what it was like planning their big day, and learned what inspired them and how they approached planning their beautiful and memorable wedding.

TDP: We will always remember your wedding because it was so much fun and was full of personal touches. What were some considerations you had planning your wedding? Were there any obstacles you had to overcome?

Brittny: We worked as a great team and we were sure to always go over anything we wanted to consider adding. We did face some obstacles by living in LA and not being so close to the area. We had to plan out some weekends and even day trips to get some things done but we always made sure to enjoy our time down in San Diego!

Brittany: We planned on paying for the wedding ourselves so when we thought of ideas we tried to be resourceful on certain things (like table settings/alcohol/rentals) so we could splurge on things like the photographer/cake/dresses.

TDP: Yes planning a destination wedding always comes with an extra set of challenges. What was your most favorite and least favorite part of planning the big day?

Brittny: My favorite part of planning was doing everything together and focusing on what we both wanted. We had our visions and worked together on making them all come alive and it was truly a special experience. My least favorite part was staying within our budget but we made it all work out. 

Brittany: I loved being able to come up with different fun ideas that we haven’t seen before at other weddings. Really making it our own and enjoying every process leading up to the big day. I don’t think I had a least favorite. 

TDP: Making it your own, and taking the time to have a little fun while you’re planning is key! What inspired the design of your wedding?

Brittny: I took Brittany down to San Diego for a fun weekend when we were still just dating. It was the first time we went together and it turned out to be a blast. We did so many fun things but the moment we visited Waterfront Park we both knew that was going to be our special place. We then got engaged shortly after and ended up incorporating a ton of things we did on that trip into our Wedding day, for example: the food we had was actually from a pizza restaurant we visited on that trip! 

Brittany: While we were in San Diego I texted my friend and was like “I think I’m going to propose.” It was a very random moment at a brewery that I just knew this was it for me. Incorporating all the things we did on our weekend there inspired the whole wedding. 

TDP: That’s so beautiful! Thank you for sharing those moments. While you were planning your LGBT wedding, what resources did you use for ideas and information?

Brittny: GOOGLE. We really wanted to try new and fun things that weren’t as traditional. We looked to other LGBT weddings for ideas. I got the idea to call my side “bridal sidekicks” from a blog I read. We did a lot of research and also just made stuff up on our own and it all worked out!

TDP: I love that! Being able to meld traditional and non-traditional elements in LGBT weddings is one of the reasons we love photographing them! Had you attended an LGBT wedding as a guest before?

Brittny: We did! We attended a good friend’s wedding a few years back right on the water in Redondo Beach. It was an amazing day! 

TDP: The way LGBT couples approach last names is so personal and another example where the traditional rules go out the window. Did you decide to change your last names?

Brittny: My last name has a hard spelling and it’s pretty difficult to pronounce, so I automatically knew I was going to either take her last name or hyphenate mine and hers. We also have the same first name, so having the same first name AND last name would be a bit confusing so I just ended up hyphenating!

TDP: I didn’t even think about that! What advice or tips would you give an LGBT couple just starting to plan their wedding?

Brittny: I would say to go for anything you want. Be honest with what you like and don’t like and try to meet half way with your significant while planning. Also, don’t let anyone else try to persuade you into other ideas and don’t let family drama get in the way of what you want. It’s your big day and don’t let anything get in your way!

Brittany: Don’t feel like you need to have a traditional wedding. If that’s what you want that’s awesome but make sure it’s you that’s making those decisions! Be your true selves, trust your gut, and have fun!

TDP: That’s excellent advice. As you know, it is pride month! How are you planning to celebrate?

Brittny: Happy Pride Month! We’ve attended the Pride Parade and festival in West Hollywood almost every year and always had so much fun! Since last year was cancelled and this year is slowly getting back to normal, we’re going to try and still celebrate in fun ways like going to a Pride Dodgers Baseball game!

This interview is part of an ongoing series highlighting stories of LGBTQ+ couples and wedding professionals for Pride month.

Palm Springs and Boston wedding photographer Todd Danforth Photography is an LGBTQ+ and POC-owned wedding photography team specializing in capturing joyful and candid moments. As storytellers and craftspeople, we believe in the power of visual narratives. Our mission is to create honest and authentic photographs you can share with your loved ones for generations to come.