Queerly Beloved: Recent Episodes
Wildly Connected Photography
This podcast is designed for queer couples who are looking for a safe space to explore the possibilities for their wedding or elopement. It’s also meant to help educate and inform allies and wedding vendors on ways they can create safe and inclusive spaces for the queer folks in their lives.. Simply put, this podcast is here to unite both queer couples and the ally community to help change the wedding industry for the better!
Send us a Text Message.
Today I speak with Queer Couple Experts, Ash and Dawn Noble who have helped many queer couples with their relationships. We don't often have models of how to navigate things as queer couples- and that's where these two come in! Because weddings are such a unique and often stressful time, I wanted to hear their expert advice on how to navigate the stresses of wedding planning and also how to encourage and uplift one another.
Find Ash and Dawn on:
Instagram
TikTok
Their Podcast
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Queerly Beloved, I'm so glad you joined!
Please keep the community going by checking me out on instagram @wildlyconnectedphoto and come say hi! I'd love to hear from you! :)
Send us a Text Message.
PLANNING
- Just because I don’t always see my kind of love or gender expression represented, does not mean I am any less worthy of being in this space and having happiness.
- Our love has just as much of a place in the world as anyone else’s
- Our love deserves space in the world.
- We don’t need others to understand or validate our process or love.
- My love and how we love each other is worthy and valid.
- Hate has no home or place in our planning process.
- Even if we encounter mean spiritedness or hate, we know that it does not say anything about ourselves or our love, but about who they are.
- We are deserving of every happiness that comes our way, including the joy of planning our dream wedding.
- We promise to do things that feel right for us, even if it’s not what the world traditionally expects
- As we plan our wedding, we honor the courage it took to be true to ourselves and to find each other in this world.
- In the midst of planning, we find joy knowing that our love is a beacon of hope and acceptance for others in the LGBTQ+ community.
- Every detail of our wedding reflects the authenticity of who we are as individuals and the depth of our love.
- We affirm that we will choose to dress, present, show up and be our truest selves on our wedding day because that is the kindest thing we can do for ourselves and for our community.
- We take pride in ourselves, in our identities and in our unique love story.
- We will do our best to find the good and block out hate in every step of this process.
- Today and every day, we celebrate the beautiful truth that love is love, and our love is worth celebrating
- We are a sexy couple lol.
DAY OF
- We are so happy and grateful to be here as those in our community have gone before us have paved the way for us to be here and to make this celebration of love be recognized as legal and equal
- Today, surrounded by love and support, we affirm our commitment to each other in front of the ones who matter most.
- Regardless of what happens today, regardless of what people say or do, regardless of how people look at us, we have found love and safety in one another and we will lean into that all day long.
- Today is about celebrating our love and recognizing that others celebrate our love too.
- At this moment in time, it is legal for us to get married, but regardless of if that changes, our love stands strong and will stand the test of time as life changes.
- Our love is no less worthy simply because some guests chose not to come.
- We take pride in being here with each other and our loved ones, knowing that us showing up here and doing this is an incredible act of pride.
- Our fellow lgbtq+ family members love and support us, even if they’re not all here with us.
- WE deserve to be respected
- We will dare to feel joy on this day even when or if it feels scary.
- The queer ancestors before us are celebrating with us and are so happy to get to see us do this together.
- You’re my person and that’s why this is right for us.
- We don’t need to justify our relationship to anyone.
- The family we have
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Queerly Beloved, I'm so glad you joined!
Please keep the community going by checking me out on instagram @wildlyconnectedphoto and come say hi! I'd love to hear from you! :)
Send us a Text Message.
Think creating a guest list is hard!? Well it IS but then you sprinle some gayness in and it can be an even bigger jumbled mess. This episode is all about the realities of that but also all about giving practical tips that you as a queer couple can use in your planning, or that for those outside of the community, you can take some notes to share with future couples :)
Things mentioned in the episode:
Blog on how inviting guests is hard lol
TikTok talking about Jackie Hill Perry and on being stand in family
Stand In Pride International (Stand in family) Facebook group for those who are looking for extra support on their wedding day
One of my own blogs discussing inviting guests to your wedding
THE MIC DROP QUOTE:
"With Love and Pride: This is an LGBTQIA+ inclusive event. We request that those who will not wholeheartedly support our marriage, please RSVP "no" to our wedding"
thanks friends!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Gahhh sooo pumped to talk about something I've been wanting to since the start of this pod: FLOWERS! This is an aspect of weddings that still feel SOOO incredibly genderedd and I wanted to not only break those ideas down but to also hear different ideas for the future. Featuring new friends and the most rad local florists: Prairie Rose Farm and Floral
Find them on instagram @prairieroseflowers
and PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND CHECK OUT THE PINTEREST BOARD THEY MADE FOR queer flower inspo.
Click HERE!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Not only do the words we have on our website and in our social media bios matter, but also how we are showing up and chatting with our queer couples for their photos and on their wedding day.
In this episode, I give some practical tips for things that I actually say to my couples to keep things feeling gender-netural and a safe environment, please steal them if you find it helpful!
As always, thanks for listening! :)
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Hey y'all! This is obviously a not so fun topic to think about, so please be mindful of your own headspace when listening. I do my best to still keep this one pretty light, but also want to acknowledge how real these experiences are for folks and couples. This is such an important thing to acknowledge and to have conversations about so I hope you'll share this with someone who will appreciate it!
Study about lgbtq+ workers experiencing microagressions in the work place
Books on lgbtq+ microagressions to keep learning and reflecting
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Thank you so so much to Whitney and Zoe for sharing their journey on starting Chicago's first queer owned event space. We also just chat about the importance of being in community in both queer owned spaces as well as just being with other queer folks :)
Please follow along with them on social media to support their journey and maybe even host your own wedding here :)
@villanellechicago
@drinkingpolicy
@dorothydownstairs
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
This week's episode is discussing how "tradition" plays a role in lgbtq+ weddings- but probably not in the way you're thinking :) Instead, it's discussed as an act of celebration for the queer community.
Enjoy!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
This week, I interviewed Charlie who is the founder of The Everywhere is Queer App (PLEASEEEE go download and support and review by clicking HERE) where we discuss not only Charlie's journey with designing and releasing the app, but also the practical uses of the app especially as it relates to finding queer owned wedding businesses for you to utilize while planning your wedding. This is absolutely beautiful and a game changer for those of us in the community wanting to find safe spaces wherever we go.
You can also follow them on insta @everywhereisqueer
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
This episode of Queer Love stories features Rebeca and Kail, a couple with whom I had the absolute delight of traveling internationally with and spending time with them back in the Cities and just adore. I hope that some of you can see parts of you in their stories and learn from their experiences as well! :)
THIS is the master doc/ comp het doc that comes up when talking to Kail about her own discoveries.
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
You might get the sense that I'm a little passionate about this topic... because I am!
This episode is all about how all of us can do the things that will truly make folks from the lgbtqia+ community feel truly affirmed and celebrated on their day and throughout their entire client journey with you.
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Does a slight word change really matter? I don't think it will really make a difference.
WRONG! This is about so much more than just words- it goes beyond that and shows more about your mindset for queer couples and says so much about how you're willing to truly stand up for couples vs. just be friendly.
I hope you'll give it a listen!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Moral of the story here is that it's a little different from everyone. BUT! There's certainly nuances and things that lgbtq+ couples may have to think through that no one else does and it's important to call those out and have conversation. I hope you enjoy!
Sources:
Vogue
The Knot
Human Rights Campaign
BBC
Science Direct
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
As I join along with the rest of the lgbtq+ couples that are either engaged or about to be engaged, it has me thinking about all of the various traditions of engagements, wedding and marriage and questioning what rules apply to us? I hope you'll listen along to hear some of the thoughts of my audience and share their own personal experiences of what they did and how they chose that.
Happy New Year Everyone, I will see you in 2024 for more Queerly Beloved Content!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Thanks so much to G + S for sharing their beautiful love story for us all to learn from and relate to and grow as a community <3
If you're interested in sharing your queer love story with us, please say hello on Instagram @wildlyconnectedphoto
OR
email hello@wildlyconnectedphotography.com
Happy Whatever This Time Of Year Is For You!!!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
This episode is maybe one of the most unique I've done so far- so don't miss out!
I chat with Nick who is leading a study with the following description:
"The Loveallways study is a project led by an LGBTQ+ affirming lab focused on newlywed LGBTQ+ couples."
We chat about the importance of how the findings of this study will impact the future of our community, both from the community's perspective and outside! AND! BONUS! if YOU are queer and recently married, you can participate in this study and help contribute to the future of our community. Learn more and sign up here: https://redcap.du.edu/surveys/?__dashboard=4T7YM3KL73R
OR
Keep up to date with the study by following them on their Instagram @loveallwaysdu
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
This week I have friends and amazing humans, Mckenna and Tiffany with Queerly Beloved Events Co.! Yes- we do share the same name so it's double the fun.
As fellow queer business owners who have a full season of planning and helping other queer couples get married in 2023, I wanted their unique insights and wisdom on the lgbtq+ wedding world. They share lots of laugh and helpful tips, so please give it a listen and share with a friend who may be wedding planning!
Find Mckenna and Tiffany on Instagram with their business @queerlybeloved_eventsco
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Hello hello! This week's episode is a follow up from the last episode, but instead things I'd love to see MORE of in 2024 as our generation is navigating a world where we have no kinds of "traditions" that feel right for all love stories.
Here is the episode with Priya Parker I referenced.
If you have other ideas for things you'd like to see more of in the wedding world in 2024, or just want to say hello, please message me @wildlyconnectedphoto!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Alright folks! Who's ready for some change to make 2024 weddings even better and more inclusive!?
There are just some things in our industry that while, aren't necessarily intended to be harmful, end up perpetuating stereotypes and trying to make couples fit into boxes. So I hope you'll join me with an open mind and you're listening ears! :)
ALSO! I want to hear the story of YOUR LOVE! I'm calling all queer and lgbtqia2s+ couples to come on the podcast to share your experiences for other couples to relate to and for all of us to learn from!
Please DM me on Insta @wildlyconnectedphoto
OR
email me at hello@wildlyconnectedphotography.com
Cheers my Queers!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
In this episode, I interview Malachi of Shell Creek Photography who made the corageus jump to publicly come out just this past June. Together we discuss what it means to come out as business owner and how that has affected our business- good, bad or otherwise.
If you need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out to Malachi or I and we will be happy to be support and keep things anonymous.
If you would like to talk to someone else, please consider looking at all of the many resources and support options that The Trevor Project has.
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
In this episode I interview Hannah with Palindrome. We discuss everything from her own inclusive business practices, to how the industry needs to shift and change, as well as what lgbtqia+ couples can be on the look out for when hiring a HMUA for their own wedding days. Give it a listen and go check out Palindrome! @pal.in.drome.llc on Instagram!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
This week, I talk with @travelagentandy who is a lgbtq+ travel agent and SO many great practical tips and tricks on how to see the world as a queer person. ESPECIALLY when it comes to traveling with your partner, he has you covered so that you can travel safely and not worry about anything as you travel or go on your honeymoon as a lgbtq+ person. Enjoy!
Follow Andy on tiktok!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Homebody Candles MN
Homebody MN are made by a local, trans-owned small business and makes candles for your wedding!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
This week I talk to David and Chanti from the brand new Minneapolis wedding Venue- The Mosaic!
We talk about how to make venues more safe and welcoming to ALL couples and people in a way that includes and celebrates different cultures and identities.e
Please listen to get some super practical take aways on how you can be more inclusive in your own space or business.
Also, The Mosaic is actively seeking investors to invest in their dream of expanding their mission into 30 new venues. If you love what they are doing, please reach out to David at david@mosaicmn.com
Check them out and find all of their socials at https://www.mosaicmn.com/venue
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
June is such an amazing time to celebrate our community- but it shouldn't be the only time. We want to celebrate our love stories year round!
This episode gives tips to both allies and vendors as well as directly to the LGBTQ+ community on how we can make Pride a year round experience, not confined to June alone.
Resources:
Dancing with Her- LGBTQ wedding planning and vendors
The Equally Wed Inclusivity Training Courses
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
Homebody Candles MN
Homebody MN are made by a local, trans-owned small business and makes candles for your wedding!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Is it a Gay Wedding or just a Wedding? This is an episode to let you know I will be switching to a biweekly posting schedule just for the summer busy season! And also talking about finding the balance between acknowledging the queer aspects of a wedding/ couple with out making it too much or "othering" couples.
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
in this episode, Cass gives us so many great ideas for how to fill you elopement day with things that are fun and authentically you as well as us figuring out ways to make your day reflect being a part of the lgbtq+ community!
Here is the full list of activities that Cass has suggested:
here are a few traditionally adventurous activities you and your partner can do on your wedding day:
- Hiking
- Camping
- Book a land, water or air tour (heli-ride onto a remote section of a glacier is pretty dope!)
- Biking
- Horseback riding
- Cliff jumping swimming
- Relax by a campfire
- Chill in some hot springs to start or finish your day
- kayak/canoe/paddleboard
- Hot air balloon ride
- Hammock hang
- Glacier trekking
- Ziplining
- climbing
And a few ideas that are a little different but just as special and can add so much more meaning to your day:
- Making time to have your favorite drink together in the morning like coffee or tea or stop at a brewery along the way
- Write and exchange private vows (even if you’re eloping just the 2 of you, you can ask your media team to give you a few minutes alone)
- Take 5 mins to Journal/paint about your day so you can look back and remember exactly how you felt in that moment
- Write or record a voice memo note to each other for your first wedding anniversary
- If you two are gamers, take a few minutes to play some mario kart on your Switch and whoever wins has to drive
- choreograph a fun dance and make a wedding day Tiktok!
- Plan some after dark photos of you two star gazing, snuggling by a bonfire, watching a meteor shower, playing with sparklers,
- Play cards or do a puzzle
- Plan a picnic
- Cook breakfast together
- Incorporate your pets like taking them on a walk
- Check out a museum
- Stop off at the zoo
Say hello to Cass @narrowleafphotography on instagram!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
You can hire DJ for your small wedding through The Little Wedding Co OR email her directly at: nosleepmpls@gmail.com
The artist I mentioned that sings songs using they/them pronouns is Miki Ratsula on "made for them"
Here is Angie giving you some REALLY great song options:
First Dance Songs
-
Stay with you-John Legend
-
At Last-Etta James
-
Over the Rainbow-Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
-
Say you won't let go-James Arthur
-
Tender Love- Me'shell N'dgeochello
-
Love Song #1-Me'shell N'degeochello
-
Sent from Heaven-Rahsaan Patterson
-
You-Jesse Powell
-
Love me still-Chaka Khan
-
Lake by the Ocean-Maxwell
(This is one of my personal favs, because Maxwell said it's about being so happy in love, it's like being in a lake, and not even wanting to go to the ocean next to it, because you don't need anything else)
-
Latch (Acoustic)-Sam Smith
-
Only You- Parson James
-
I Choose You-Sara Bareilles
ENJOY :)
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
**first and foremost, I am no poet lol, I'm sure you can tell.
But this episode is short and sweet, mostly as a reminder to all who have been showing up with me every week to say that the work we are doing for the lgbtq+ community matters and I share why.
THANK YOU to everyone who continues to not only listen but to also show up in your own lives and advocate for the community- you are so appreciated.
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
This is an age old question... one that people have been trying to figure out for forever. So, here with me today are the amazing humans, Kat and Diana who share their own proposal stories and how they navigated that time of their life as a lgbtq+ couple.
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
This week I chat with Amber of Glacier Weddings and Events who is passionate about running a business that is both eco-conscious AND inclusive to ALL people. We discuss everything from how sustainability and diversity intersect to her tips for any couples listening thinking about planning an elopement or wedding! Enjoy!
Homebody Candles MN
Homebody MN are made by a local, trans-owned small business and makes candles for your wedding!
If you're recently engaged, the last thing you want is for a homophobic vendor to rain on your parade, so here are some tips on navigating the world of wedding vendors as a queer couple.
Here are some of the directories I mentioned in the show and HIGHLY recommend:
Equally Wed
Dancing With Her
Dancing with Them
Everywhere is Queer Map
And also try finding locally made directories or even facebook groups!
Thanks so much for listening with me for 15 whole episodes! I would love it if you said hello to me on Instagram @wildlyconnectedphoto :)
Homebody Candles MN
Homebody MN are made by a local, trans-owned small business and makes candles for your wedding!
This episode covers ways to modify wedding traditions that are either harmful or only reflect straight couples to be more inclusive to lgbtq+ couples. Everything from how to walk down the aisle, to what you wear and more! This is a super fun and informative episode so I hope it will give you ideas for your own wedding day!
Follow me on instagram @wildlyconnectedphoto
Homebody Candles MN
Homebody MN are made by a local, trans-owned small business and makes candles for your wedding!
Get to know me a little bit better!!!!
This week I share about my origins (aka my coming out story) and how that's related to why I started Wildly Connected Photography. I also share on why having representation and equality are super important in the wedding world.
Please consider donating to the following in response to all of the anti- trans and anti-lgbtq+ bills circulating our country.
The Trevor Project
The National Center for Transgender Equality
Sign the petition for stopping anti-LGBTQIA legislation
And please continue to uplift trans voices as well as finding your own ways to support.
Homebody Candles MN
Homebody MN are made by a local, trans-owned small business and makes candles for your wedding!
This week, I interview my partner, Angie, and we share our experiences from childhood until now on what it's like for us to be a part of the lgbtq+ community.
Homebody Candles MN
Homebody MN are made by a local, trans-owned small business and makes candles for your wedding!
If you’re worried about the stress and pressure of planning a big, traditional wedding and want your special day to be more intimate and meaningful, elopement might be the perfect choice for you. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t mean sacrificing the day's romance, magic, and beauty. As a queer wedding and elopement photographer with over ten years in this industry, I’ve compiled a growing list of benefits of eloping, which may be particularly helpful for LGBTQ+ folks — romance, magic, and beauty included. Let’s explore these points in more detail, with an emphasis on nature elopements:
Homebody Candles MN
Homebody MN are made by a local, trans-owned small business and makes candles for your wedding!
Jenni (she/they) of Jenni Chapman Photography is a queer, non-binary photographer and creative who started her career ten years ago in the actor headshot and theatre space. This unique experience paved the way for her specialty in wedding photography and creative portraits in the San Francisco Bay area. She’s a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and believes in the importance of diverse, intersectional representation, which she hopes to keep promoting through her photography and work on the Queer Soul project.
Homebody Candles MN
Homebody MN are made by a local, trans-owned small business and makes candles for your wedding!
This is THE podcast for all things lgbtq+ wedding and elopements- for couples and vendors alike!
One of the most important things about being an LGBTQ+ wedding and elopement photographer who wants to be part of radical change in the wedding industry is connecting with other like-minded photographers to exchange stories and knowledge. The community and standards we build together will pave the way for the future!
This week in my podcast, I spoke with D (they/them) and Meg (she/her/they/them) from River and Root photography **to talk about their experiences in this industry and how they intentionally run their business to change the wedding industry for the better.
Connect with them on instagram @riverandroot Also be sure to connect with our episode sponsor, Homebody Candles at @homebodymn**
It’s your big day, and you deserve nothing more than to celebrate your love in a way that’s most meaningful to you. If you’re feeling a little anxious about finding a wedding officiant who truly supports you, you’re not alone. This week in my podcast, I spoke with Liz from Liz Rae & Co to get her insights as a wedding officiant and her advice on finding someone who is queer-friendly.
Connect with Liz:
https://lizraeweddings.com/
@lizraeandco
This week I interview Elizabeth who is an amazing ally to the lgbtq+ community and we go over questions that she has and also that you all have regarding working with the lgbtq+ community. Things like:
- is it ok to ask for pronouns more than once?
- how to pronounce a queer couple as married or what to call them?
- ways to pose queer couples a
and more!
I hope you'll share this with someone who could learn a little more this week.
This week I chat with @LukePaynePhoto as he and I are some of the only elopement photographers in Minnesota that are also part of the Queer community. We chat a bit about our experiences and highlight how our identities really shape the way our businesses are.
You can read the blog version of this HERE!
This week's episode is sponsored by Homebody Candles MN. These candles would be amazing for your wedding favors or decor! Use the code "queerly15" for 15% off your first order on their site.
Homebody Candles MN
Homebody MN are made by a local, trans-owned small business and makes candles for your wedding!
This week I interviewed an absolute gem of a couple, Maple and Sloane.
These two have been through SO much together and you can tell that their love is SO real. Here, they discuss not only their relationship story, but dive deep into what their elopement experience was like and discuss why it could be a really great option for other queer couples.
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
In this episode, I interview queer videographer, Casey Pflipsen of Pflipsen Films on his personal experience in the wedding world and how we can continue to make it better and more inclusve.
Check Casey out @pflipsenfilms
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
This is part one of two episodes surrounding how to better pose and work with couples in the LGTBQIA+ community, with this episode speaking to the couples listening in.
I'd love to connect with you so please come say hi to me @wildlyconnectedphoto or visit my blog to read this week's blog!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic
This podcast is designed for queer couples who are looking for a safe space to explore the possibilities for their wedding or elopement. It’s also meant to help educate and inform allies and wedding vendors on ways they can create safe and inclusive spaces for the queer folks in their lives… simply put this podcast is here to unite both queer couples and the ally community to help change the wedding industry for the better!
Queerly Beloved, we are gathered here to discuss why I think every wedding should be a little bit queer and really give lay this episode out as the basis for the rest of the episodes!
I want to give a HUGE shoutout to the following:
- My immensely talented friend, Jayna for writing the beautiful intro and outro for this series. You can find her and go give her some love @jaynadavismusic
- Anna Humphrey designed the gorgeous podcast cover and she is amazing! Go check her out @annahumphrey_design
Finally, if you want to check out the blog version of this week's episode or want to hire me as your photographer, please check me out at wildlyconnectedphotography.com or on instagram @wildlyconnectedphoto
You can read the blog version of this episode here!
The intro and all instrumentals were written, sung and recorded by @JaynaDavisMusic