Just five days after President Obama announced his support of same-sex marriage, Mauricio and I flew to Chicago to photograph the intimate wedding of Ryan and Kevin. The ceremony took place near their home by the water in a city park where everyone could watch. But with just parents and a couple friends, it felt like we were the only people in Chicago for those few moments. As they spoke about their happy memories together and also the challenges they have faced, laughter filled the air and tears ran down cheeks.
Following the ceremony, we all went back to their apartment, opened some amazing wine from Ryan’s parents’ vineyard, Sabina, (along with Kevin’s favorite Whistle Pig whiskey) and took it all in. From there, we went to the bar where they first met and then downtown for portraits. And since Kevin is also a photographer, and a great one at that, he took us to some of his favorite places to shoot, where he and Ryan climbed on bridges and balanced on railroad tracks while chasing the last bits of light.
We’re always honored when fellow photographers hire us, and doubly honored when we get to witness ceremonies that celebrate relationships that have overcome hurdles others have put in their way. We hope one day ceremonies like Ryan and Kevin’s are the legal norm, but until then, we will continue to take each opportunity we have and be glad we got to be there with our cameras.
Check out more of our LGBTQ Wedding Photography!