Interview with LGBTQ+ Couple: Kate and Holly
We had the chance to chat with Kate and Holly, a true east-coast-meets-west-coast couple, to discuss what it was like planning their big day. They’ve faced their fair share of challenges in planning their wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but have persevered nevertheless. Although Kate and Holly are an based near the New Hampshire Sea Coast, they’ve decided to host their destination wedding in the stunning seaside California town of Santa Barbara. We were so happy to travel to the coast of Maine to photography their autumnal engagement session, which can be found here, and can’t wait to photograph their wedding this upcoming October!
TDP: Thank you so much for joining us today! I know you’ve had a few challenges in the planning of your wedding due to the pandemic, can you talk a little about some of those obstacles?
K&H: Being COVID brides we have had a total of 4 dates for our wedding. This brought a LOT of challenges. Luckily our vendors were AMAZING and we only needed to change one for our current date.
TDP: Yes COVID-19 really threw all of us in the wedding industry for a loop! Hopefully you were still able to have fun in your planning. What was your favorite and least favorite part of wedding planning?
K&H: Favorite part was finding people who really spoke to our personalities. We were able to make connections with our vendors even though they are all west coast based and we are on the east coast. All of them have been so understanding and great to work with. Least favorite part was changing our date. That put so much stress on every aspect of the wedding.
TDP: It must have been a challenge to plan a wedding across the country. Where are you drawing inspiration for your wedding?
K&H: Our wedding is California ease and elegance together. We pulled from everything we love and wanted our venue view to really serve as our focal point (you can see the ocean from the roof top). Our décor is classic but thought out. If you looked on our Pinterest you would probably see a mix of a slight rustic winery theme mixed with beachside breeze.
TDP: I love that, your venue fits that vibe to a tee. When you were selecting your vendors, how important was it for you to choose people an LGBT or LGBT-inclusive team for your wedding?
K&H: It has been wonderful to include vendors who are LGBT/LGBT inclusive. We do not make that a mandate for all of our vendors, but it was important to us both that we choose people who celebrate love the way we believe it should be celebrated and support the rights/wellbeing of all people
TDP: We completely agree! Before planning your own, had you been to an LGBT wedding before?
K&H: Neither of us have before.
TDP: What advice or tips would you give an LGBT couple just starting to plan their wedding?
K&H: Start an inspiration board. Think about the style you love to surround yourself with, and what would make you the most happy on your big day. I think it is important to incorporate ideas and the style of both parties in the relationship to make sure it speaks to you both as a couple. Also pro tip, use if possible Todd Danforth as your photographer! He is a true artist, wonderful human being, and simply the best out there.
TDP: You’re too sweet. Thank you for your kind words. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with you throughout this process. Okay! Last question: How are you planning to celebrate Pride month?
K&H: We have been trying to support more LGBT business owners not just for Pride but in general. We plan to see more family members now that we are vaccinated and surround ourselves with as much love as possible.
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.