film photography

super 8

Contessa, Boston

May 8th, 2024

LGBTQ+ Wedding Inspiration, Queer POC Wedding Vendors, LGBTQ+ Wedding Vendors, Boston Wedding Vendors, Boston Film Wedding Photographer, Castillo Holliday Photo and Film, Styled Wedding Shoot

Let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at a styled shoot focused on queer love and representation in the wedding industry. Tori, one of my besties and a talented florist, and I, the lead documentarian, embarked on this creative journey in January 2024. Having already collaborated on two previous shoots, we were determined to make our next project truly meaningful to us as individuals. While our past endeavors were rooted in Tori’s hometown of San Diego, this time, we set our sign on New England, where I’m based.

Setting the Vision

As queer and POC wedding vendors ourselves, we were determined to showcase diversity both in front of and behind the camera. Our vision was clear from the start: to bring an alternative, lush floral concept to Boston while bringing attention to underrepresented voices in the industry.

Super 8 Film

Commitment to Diversity

We wanted to create something deeply personal and tailored, something that truly spoke to our values. And with a talented team of vendors who were just as passionate about our cause, we did just that. Our model couple was both queer and mixed-race, adding an extra layer of significance to our decision to showcase diversity. Our vendor team was comprised of 75% Queer, BIPOC, or both – we had a commitment to diversity, not just as a theme, but as a guiding principle.

All About Sarah & Gabby

Sarah and Gabby’s love story began while studying abroad in Madrid through mutual friends, sparking a connection that has spanned 7 years. Their first date, somewhat unconventional, involved Gabby inviting Sarah to shop for a trip to Morocco, which inadvertently turned into a group hangout. It was during their time in Morocco, away from the group, that they truly connected and realized their feelings for each other. Fond memories include their study abroad experience, their move to Florida and getting their first apartment together, and the unforgettable trip to Brazil where Sarah met Gabby’s grandmothers. The pinnacle of their journey was Gabby’s heartfelt proposal leading to their joyous “I do” moment, solidifying their love and commitment to each other. They were truly the perfect couple that brought that special spark to this styled shoot.

Showcasing Authenticity in The Venue and Styling

With capturing the breathtaking visuals of this shoot, we went with film photography. The timeless quality of analog photography perfectly complemented the narrative we wanted to convey. We secured Contessa, a renowned restaurant in Boston, as our backdrop, and collaborated with a stylist to challenge gender norms and ensure that our models felt authentically represented. Gabby expressed a desire for a more masculine presentation, so we honored that preference while also ensuring that both Gabby and Sarah had bouquets that spoke to their individual styles yet harmonized visually, a testament to Tori’s artistry.

A Labor of Love and Bespoke Experience

We hope this peek behind the scenes gives you an idea of how much heart and intentionality went into creating this styled shoot. Each vendor poured their unique talents and passion into every detail, making this a true labor of love. We’re proud to be a part of an industry that’s moving towards inclusivity and diversity, and we hope our shoot inspires others to do the same. Let’s create more spaces where underrepresented voices can thrive!