"The richness, beauty, & depths of love can only be fully experienced in a climate of complete openness, honesty, and VULNERABILITY"


No truer words than these spoken by Anthony Venn Brown. How can you love others fully if you haven't learned how to love yourself, and how can you love yourself if you don't live in a world that allows you to? I was recently part of a styled shoot that allowed me to be a part of space that was exactly that-complete openness, honesty, & vulnerability, and I would love to share my experience with you all. But first let's talk about Pride Month.


I made an Instagram post yesterday for Pride Month. I didn't have one ready to go on June 1st like so many others, and it was on my mind for the first couple of weeks, but I wanted to approach it with intention. Sometimes as allies to the Queer Community, we tend to make it about ourselves.

"I have a gay cousin so I go to every Pride Parade"

"Men are the worst, I wish I was gay"

Or my least favorite(and yes I have heard these words uttered):

"Wow they look so beautiful in that dress, even with masculine features".

We think that because we accept the Queer Community, that what we say always holds weight or makes a difference, when in fact sometimes it just causes more harm. So I sat and thought about that post before I made it, and did the same before I sat down to write this blog.


This styled shoot was held at a local venue called A&K Alder Farm, located in Skagit County. Nestled in the valley, there are mountain views with lush plant life & vegetation. The venue is owned by Kate and her mom Ann, while Kate's partner, Jessica, is the Venue Coordinator. This space originated from family property and became a camping/airbnb spot, and in 2023 they launched it as a wedding venue. They offer three different spots- The Field, The Alder Grove, and The Orchard. Each spot has its own magic and for this shoot, we had the chance to shoot in each spot.


There were two ceremony spots, three table scapes, and wide open space to frolic in as well as tall Alder trees that slightly rustled in the breeze. Our models were three couples, all who are part of the Queer Community, in full wedding attire with makeup & hair done. With three photographers, we took turns working with each set of models and captured what I truly believe was love at its raw core. Each person was at home- both in themselves and with their partner.


What stood out to me the most would be the relationship between a specific couple- Elise & Tony. While I only worked with them for a short time, hearing their story was inspiring. They had been married before, but not as their true selves and they took the opportunity to renew their vows while working with Cecily(one of the other photographers). While I did not join this part of the shoot, I saw the way their eyes were shining afterwards and the glow that Tony had was visible. Tony was dressed in a gorgeous gown & cape, as you saw in the cover photo of this blog, with tumbling locks of curled hair and just the right style of makeup. And it was perfect. You could tell he was at ease with himself and he wore that outfit like it was a second skin made just for him. And the look on Elise's face while observing him model was something more than just love- it was perhaps pride? Pride that their partner was embracing themselves fully, pride that there was no fear but only love and acceptance? While I could not tell you what exactly was happening in their mind at that time, I do know this- Elise loves Tony with everything that they are and loves Tony for everything that he is.


So what was my take away? A glimpse into a world that I am not a part of nor will ever completely understand, but this glimpse allowed me the chance to see unadulterated love. Not just love between two people, but a love that comes from true openness, honesty, & vulnerability. I saw firsthand people stepping into their power unapologetically, and that filled me with an elated sense of happiness. As I drove my car away, smiling to myself, I realized that this is what life should be about.


If you keep scrolling you will see photos from that day, as well as a vendor list of the amazing humans that helped make this happen. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do.


Cheers,

Kymber



Four sequential shots of a yellow and white wedding cake with serving utensils on a white tablecloth with colorful flowers.
Two people in suits walk hand-in-hand on a grass path under a decorative rainbow and white balloon arch in nature.
Rustic banquet tables with white tablecloths set up in sequence against a weathered wooden wall background.
A romantic wedding moment featuring vibrant red and blue florals with the bride showing intricate arm tattoos.
Festive holiday table setting with charcuterie board featuring bread, almonds, grapes and greenery on red velvet runner.
A bride in a white lace dress with long sleeves holds a vibrant purple and orange wildflower bouquet in a grassy meadow.
Delicate boutonniere featuring purple cornflower, yellow daffodil, and pink peony flowers against a light background.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place in a lush garden setting with mountains visible in the misty backdrop.
Two people in suits share an intimate moment in a mountain meadow surrounded by evergreen trees.
Elegant outdoor table setting with white linens, peach napkins and fall decor beneath a large tree.
Two people share an intimate moment at a rustic wedding reception with colorful floral centerpiece and wooden wall backdrop.
Two people recline on a white blanket for a romantic picnic surrounded by tall grass in a serene outdoor setting.
Romantic wedding couple embracing outdoors, with bride wearing white lace dress and visible floral tattoos.
A romantic outdoor scene between two people wearing black and green formal attire beneath a rustic tree with floral decor.
Two people walk together through a scenic birch forest grove on a grassy path in wedding attire.
Instagram vendor list displayed on rainbow gradient background showing wedding service providers and their social media handles.