David and Tyler's wedding was a dazzling affair, filled with glitz, glamour, and a whole lot of fun. The couple's DIY disco ball decorations transformed the venue into a sparkling wonderland, setting the stage for a night of unforgettable memories.
The ceremony, held on the sun-drenched patio at Brookview in Golden Valley, was a beautiful and heartfelt event. As the couple exchanged vows, surrounded by their loved ones, the atmosphere was filled with love and joy. Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a delicious dinner and heartfelt speeches that brought tears to everyone's eyes.
But the real party started when the drag queens took the stage. Their stunning performances and outrageous costumes kept the crowd entertained late into the night. The dance floor was packed, with guests grooving to the beat and celebrating the love of David and Tyler.
Theordore Wirth Trailhead Wedding | Sarah + Jake | Post by Ben Lansky
Sarah and Jake, passionate about biking and hiking, couldn't have picked a more perfect venue than Theodore Wirth's Trailhead. Nestled within a sprawling regional park, the modern building surrounded by lush native plants was a dream come true, especially for Jake, the architect. Even on one of the hottest days of the summer, everyone managed to keep their cool – including the couple’s dogs Meeko and Ollie, the flower girl and ring bearer.
Under an arbor handcrafted by Jake and his father, the couple exchanged vows in a heartwarming ceremony. After a delicious dinner, the dance floor opened up and didn't close until late. Everyone had a blast belting out their favorite tunes, and Sarah and Jake didn't stop moving their feet. Congratulations, Sarah and Jake!
Minneapolis Event Centers Wedding | Matt & Sarah Married! | Post by Tara Sloane
Matt & Sarah are building a life full of travel, delicious cuisine, and spaniel snuggles in Washington D.C., but as they both have roots here in Minnesota, a Minneapolis destination wedding seemed only fitting! The View at Minneapolis Event Centers provided the quintessential Twin Cities backdrop, with exposed brick, the historic architecture of St. Anthony Main, and a view of the skyline over the Mississippi River. I love how Sarah and Matt combined timeless sophistication with hints of playfulness - think elegant gowns and diamonds meet a LEGO cake topper and Jimmy John’s on speed dial. Loved ones traveled from multiple points across the globe to celebrate with them, which is no small feat, but a beautiful testament to the knack these two have for cultivating community wherever they go (even the aforementioned snuggly pup was adopted abroad in Cairo!) Congratulations, Matt & Sarah! Wishing you a lifetime of adventures together!
R&R Celebrates 15 Years!
We have so much to celebrate!
First and foremost, we take pride in Rivets and Roses providing a safe place for the LGBTQIA+ community over the last 15 years. Our mission has always been rooted in equality and love for all couples - we were even the first studio to openly have an LGBTQIA+ wedding published in the Midwest pre-legalization!
It’s been inspiring to see love being celebrated year in and year out - and the impact that our photographer’s work has made along the way. Our wedding photography studio has truly retained remarkable talent among our photographers, allowing them to grow and flourish as artists while supporting all of our couples. It’s truly gratifying to witness the success of former interns, assistants, and team photographers who have embarked on successful careers in the photography industry.
By selecting an LGBTQIA+ wedding photography studio, couples help increase the visibility and representation of LGBTQIA+ relationships within the wedding industry. Over the years, our supporters have embraced diversity, inspiring others to choose inclusive wedding options like Rivets and Roses. This collective effort not only celebrates love in all its forms but also fosters a more inclusive and accepting environment for future generations.
We will continue to work to make the wedding industry a more inclusive place for all couples!
It has been - and continues to be - our pleasure to document the biggest day of your lives!
- Owner, Eliesa Johnson
Love For All
Celebrating Diversity Every Day of the Year
As we come together to celebrate Pride 2024, it's a time to reflect on the journey and the challenges we've overcome as well as the progress we've made in the fight for marriage equality and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride is a symbol of resilience, diversity, and the power of love. All year round our studio embodies love for all and is determined to continue advocating for individuals everywhere, for their right to live openly, authentically, and without fear.
“Love For All'' extends beyond personal relationships to encompass all beings, regardless of race, religion, gender, or any other perceived differences. We strive to document all types of love and backgrounds by creating a space that honors and transcends boundaries. We want everyone who walks through our door to feel welcomed and safe for who they are. Embracing love for all also means recognizing the interconnectedness of our actions as a business and their effects on the world around us. Our mission is rooted in believing love should be for everyone and advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community to forever have their own unique place at the altar.
We’ve been documenting LGBTQIA+ weddings for the past 15 years, and we ensure a comfortable and supportive environment for couples throughout the wedding planning process. Our photographers provide equal access for all. Quality has always been at the core of our work and offers a level of care that everyone deserves. It’s our highest standard to ensure every couple is cared for and acknowledged on their wedding day for who they are, and who they love.
By choosing an LGBTQIA+ wedding studio, couples contribute to the visibility and representation of LGBTQIA+ relationships within the wedding industry. Supporting businesses that actively embrace diversity, and their choices can inspire others who may be seeking inclusive wedding options as well.
A Guide for LGBTQ+ Couples Planning a First Look
Tips for an LGBTQ+-affirming first look and ways to personalize your moment.
Witnessing your partner at the ceremony amidst a crowd may not suit everyone. Opting for a private first look and sharing an intimate moment has become increasingly popular. Surprisingly, there's a lot of reasoning behind this choice! As wedding photographers, we appreciate it when couples choose to have a first look, as it allows us to capture all the photos before the ceremony. This ensures that couples can fully enjoy time with their guests rather than being caught up in post-ceremony photography sessions. Our guide for LGBTQ+ couples planning a first look can hopefully help direct you where to begin and what to consider!
Communicate your preferences.
Deciding what you and your partner want out of the big reveal starts with a conversation. You could have someone guide you to a spot for the both of you to turn around together, or one of you could walk up to the other. Discuss your expectations and preferences with your photographer and videographer before the wedding day. Be specific about your vision of how you’d like the first look to go. If you aren’t sure, ask your photographer/videographers for ideas and suggestions so you can walk through the details as much as possible to avoid any spoilers! Consider hiring LGBTQ+-affirming vendors who understand the significance of this moment for you.
Personalize it.
A first look should be based on personal preferences that you and your partner decide on what feels best. Consider where it should be, and what kind of personal touches you can incorporate such as intimately sharing personal vows, or exchanging a gift that can be worn on your big day.
Focus on each other.
Remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment to each other. Amidst the excitement and nerves of the day, focus on each other during the first look. Even though it might be hard, try to block out distractions and savor this intimate moment together.
Take your time.
Don't rush the first look. Take your time to soak in the moment, exchange words of love and affirmation, and enjoy each other's company before the whirlwind of the wedding day begins.
Celebrate the moment.
After doing your first look and taking a moment just for the two of you, offer the wedding party or members of your day to see how amazing you both look. Once everyone is together, it's the perfect opportunity to move into your wedding party photos. Now that you both have seen each other the festivities can officially begin!
How to Have a Gender-Neutral Wedding
5 ways to have a gender-neutral wedding and be more inclusive to the LGBTQ+ community.
Creating an inclusive wedding that embraces, values, and honors the uniqueness of all individuals is crucial for a gender-neutral wedding. The way you decide to celebrate your special day is a personal choice, and even as a heterosexual couple, there are methods to enhance LGBTQ+ inclusivity in your wedding. When attending a gender-neutral wedding, it is essential to acknowledge and respect the couple's preferences for your involvement in their celebration.
Wedding Roles
There are a few ways wedding roles come into play on a wedding day, and it’s possible to make these roles neutral to everyone involved.
The Couple: When referring to the couple, use “spouses”, “partners”, and “newlyweds” as a way to create inclusivity for both people getting married.
The Party: A mixed-gender wedding party can skip the gender-specific roles altogether. Bridesmaids and groomsmen can be titled as "wedding crew" or "attendants.” If you’re also having a wedding party walk down the aisle, you can have same-gender pairings walk down together.
Rethinking Certain Conventions
Weddings are deeply rooted in tradition, specifically the ceremony. Queer couples are finding ways to put their spin on the ceremony by having both sets of parents go down the aisle or choosing to go down the aisle together as a couple. If you’re considering having someone throw flowers before going down the aisle, this person can be a “cheer spreader” or instead of having a “flower girl” have a “flower child”.
When tying the knot, traditional phrases might not resonate with everyone, so we encourage couples to find what works best for them! Some of our favorites are “You may kiss”, "I now pronounce you life partners/lifemates”, or simply “I now pronounce you married.” You can skip the “marriage is between a man and a woman” line in your ceremony altogether. If you are having a religious ceremony, you can talk to your officiant about your beliefs and desire to consider alternatives.
Work With LGBTQ+ Vendors
Choosing vendors that align with your vision and neutrality is important. This ranges from photographers, videographers, florists, and even the venue. Checking with your venue to see if they have gender-neutral bathroom options and being upfront with your vendors about your needs can ensure that everyone is comfortable on the big day.
Bringing in queer vendors and people who understand the sensitivities around a gender-neutral wedding will make a big difference not only for the couple but guests alike. We have seen firsthand how important it is for couples to choose our LGBTQ+-friendly studio to document their day. It relieves any pressure and allows you to be your true selves in front of the camera.
We are frequently chosen by allies who share our commitment to supporting inclusive wedding vendors. We often see clients prioritize collaborating with individuals who embrace all forms of love, and this alignment matters significantly to them.
Pronoun Pins
An easy way to allow your guests to share their pronouns with other guests is by offering pronoun pins that they can attach to their outfits. You could also ask for their pronouns ahead of time by including a spot on the RSVP that allows you to incorporate their pronouns on their name tag.
Inclusive Language and Communication
From the invitations to any programs or signs at the event, use inclusive language that embraces diversity and doesn't assume gender roles. Avoid assigning seats based on gender. Consider open seating or create arrangements based on relationships rather than traditional gender divisions.
Communicate with anyone delivering a speech to discuss the appropriate pronouns they should use for whom, emphasizing the importance of accuracy. This dialogue enables the speakers to personalize their addresses and rehearse them in a way that respects and honors your specific requests.
Minnesota Boat Club Wedding | Annie + Jen | Post by Mel Hesse
Annie and Jen celebrated their autumn wedding at the Minnesota Boat Club in St. Paul, MN, generously sharing their special day with us. Despite the misty afternoon, they reveled in the historic venue and the enchanting Downtown St. Paul scenery before transitioning to an indoor ceremony. Adapting your dream wedding plans isn't simple, yet these two had already changed venues once. They gracefully let their day unfold organically. Rather than having a traditional wedding party, they included dear friends and mutual acquaintances from their lesbian book club, individuals who had been present on the day they first met. It was an incredible day celebrating their love and seeing everyone come together to witness their marriage. Congrats to the newlyweds!
Backyard Wedding | Alex + John Wedding | Post by Tara Sloane
Every once in a while love emerges in a space of magnificent improbability. John and Alex met at a time when neither was particularly searching for nor expecting to meet their future husband - and especially not from across an ocean! A nudge online became an hours-long conversation, which became a series of long conversations, then overseas visits, and then the ceremony that gathered loved ones in Alex’s backyard on the Fall Equinox.
One of my favorite details at this wedding was the altar of family photographs & mementos honoring John’s father, Alex’s mother, and other loved ones who joined the celebration in spirit. John and Alex mentioned in our initial meeting that each of them were grieving beloved parents when they met, and that being able to really see one another and offer support around something so singularly difficult proved to be an indelible cornerstone in the foundation of their relationship. I was very moved by this, and by the palpable depth of love and regard I witnessed not only between the two of them, but between the friends and family who surround them - on both sides of the pond! A dear friend officiated the ceremony, and John’s nephew and Alex’s siblings delivered heartfelt words, including a letter from John’s family back in the UK, who joined via Zoom while eagerly awaiting some UK-based wedding festivities the following week! Alex’s late mother’s dog, Paco, wore a sparkly bowtie and also served as *the most* adorable ring bearer.
The rain held out through the ceremony until literally seconds after we finished family photos outside in the yard. Umbrellas, awnings, and the house’s breezeway were all merrily ducked beneath while everyone sipped bubbly and toasted before heading to dinner at Marna’s Eatery & Lounge, whose tropical plant- and map-filled lounge area and delicious Costa Rican cuisine provided the perfect backdrop for an intercontinental love story.
Cheers and heartfelt gratitude to this truly special duo!
Best Moments of 2023! | Team Post
IT WAS A GREAT YEAR!
Our 2023 wedding season was full of colorful bouquets, intimate ceremonies, and some larger celebrations in unique venue spaces. We are so proud of all the work our team has created and are excited to share our annual “Best of Moments” with you!
Aster Cafe Wedding | Alex + Madeline | Post by Tara Sloane
Alex and Madeline’s first date almost stole Christmas. Let me explain: they hit it off so well - a delightful surprise to both of them - that Madeline made a promise to Alex that she’d answer his call the next day, even though she had plans to catch a flight to visit her family for the holidays. The hiccup arrived when Madeline realized, incredibly close to her flight departure time, that she’d left her phone in a cab. She made a promise to answer that call, and she fully intended to keep it, even if it meant missing that flight home. This story was shared during their wedding ceremony, and as you can imagine, it has become somewhat of a family legend. Your photographer admits that the details are a bit fuzzy now, so I can’t recall exactly how Christmas was saved, but the rest, of course, is history.
This Aster Cafe wedding was MERRY (& bright!) It was colorful. The cocktail hour snacks were what dreams are made of. The dance floor was absolutely poppin’. It was also one of the hottest days of the summer, which is why one should always have a rockstar planning team like Kimberly Lakenen with Buck & Rose to make sure everyone has plenty of water at all times & that an air-conditioned Uber is available to chauffeur us all the 5 blocks back to the venue after portraits to keep us all from melting.
Madeline wore hot pink shoes, the whimsy of which was paralleled by the multi-colored floral cloud floating above the ceremony site. The reception smelled softly of lavender (from the scented candles gifted to guests). But my favorite detail was Madeline’s ring, which holds… an Alexandrite stone. A completely unique, apropos choice from a very clever groom.
Cheers, Alex & Madeline! Sending you gratitude & a lifetime of (mis)adventures together!
Minnehaha Creek Wedding | Betsey + Nick | Post by Ben Lansky
When Betsey contacted me about photographing her and Nick’s wedding, it had been four years since I’d seen her. She worked at the birth center where my wife was being seen during her pregnancy with our first born. Her warm smile and reassuring presence was always a nice welcome when we would walk into our appointments leading up to the big day we met our baby. Needless to say, I was very excited to be asked to capture her and Nick’s big day of becoming a family.
I excitedly read through their booking request and paused, wide-eyed when I read “mid-wedding bike ride.” I immediately started planning how I would combine two of my favorite things: biking and photography, and what camera and lens would be best suited for taking photos while riding a bike. Then, rationality kicked in, and I decided it would be best to not tempt fate 😂.
Their wedding was such a blast and went off without a hitch! The ceremony was in the heart of the neighborhood in which both the bride and groom grew up right by Minnehaha Creek. Their love for each other was apparent and palpable. More than 40 people rode from the ceremony to the reception at The Lynhall a few miles away on borrowed bikes (a testament to how much they are loved and supported by their community). There were stops in between for snacks and refreshments at a park and a family friend’s home. It was such a joyful, communal experience that felt so suited to Betsey and Nick. The night ended with heartfelt speeches, wild dancing, and a few arm wrestling matches! Congrats Betsey and Nick!
Lumber Exchange Event Center Wedding | Brant + Jestin | Post by Mel Hesse
Together, Brant and Jestin instantly light up a room. Their genuine warmth and care for one another is calming to be around and it was a big theme on their wedding day along with many, many laughs. The Lumber Exchange Event Center brought stunning views of downtown Minneapolis. We were lucky enough to have the clouds clear during their first look and sunset session for portraits on the rooftop which ended up being some of our favorite intimate moments of the day. After they exchanged vows, Brant and Jestin took a brief moment with their wedding party and shortly after joined everyone for the cocktail hour. It was so fun to see them greeted with rainbow flags and hugs to be congratulated. Their dancefloor was filled with pop songs and throwbacks by DJ Caiked Up and surrounded by their loved ones to dance the night away. Congrats to this amazing couple on their marriage!
Micah + Grace Married! | Millennium Gardens | Post by Tara Sloane
Micah and Grace were married on an on-and-off rainy Sunday afternoon at Millennium Gardens in Plymouth. Droplets pooled on rose petals and hydrangea bushes and the clouds hung wispy and low, setting a poetic and romantic scene. Micah and Grace shared a first look and private vows in a small grove by the pond, where all three of us were moved to tears. In a career path centered around documenting achingly beautiful and meaningful moments, I will truly never forget these vows and what it felt like to be in the presence of such resounding love and devotion.
Grace made all of the wedding details by hand - the bouquets and boutonnières, the table settings, her fairytale crown. The skies were gracious enough to give us intermittent slivers of time outside for portraits, and everyone remained in good spirits, crowded beneath umbrellas, even as we had to dart back into the venue for shelter on more than one occasion. Guests enjoyed a barbecue buffet, cornhole, and board games in a room with panoramic windows overlooking the gardens. The day was Micah and Grace’s, through and through, and I would not have had it any other way.
Infinite cheers and gratitude to this incredible couple!
Beaver Creek Reserve Wedding | Dan + Kate Married! | Post by Ben Lansky
On August 5th, Kate and Dan celebrated their wedding at the beautiful Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. The day began with the couple meandering around the campsite getting things ready and saying hello to friends and family as they arrived. Once the couple was dressed and ready, a very chill cocktail hour began as the remaining guests showed up. After all the guests had arrived, the sound of a beautifully heartfelt guitar drew everyone to the ceremony. The couple was surrounded by friends and family in “the round” as they were married in an intimate ceremony. After the ceremony, the relaxed picnic vibes continued with laughter and delicious food. As the sun began to dip below the trees a close friend began playing dance music and their friends and family danced into the night. It was a memorable day, reminding me that love and nature create a magical combination.
Cheers to Dan and Kate!
Danny + Sarah Wedding | Post by Tara Sloane
Danny & Sarah stole away from moving & shaking on Capitol Hill to be married at the oh-so-elegant Van Dusen Mansion. The day was quintessential Minneapolis in June - everything green, lush, & blooming; sunlight streaming through courtyard shade trees during the ceremony, & a convivial evening cocktail hour beneath a clear sky & honey-colored cafe lights. Sarah wore a strand of her grandmother’s pearls, & I didn’t once catch Danny without an ear-to-ear smile, or at least one that was certain to appear at any instant. The bond these two share is simply magnetic, only further evidenced by a jovial, exquisitely dressed group of beloved friends & family who traveled from all corners of the globe to join in the festivities. I could not have asked for a more special celebration to begin my 2023 wedding season.
Cheers, Danny & Sarah!
Nicole + Josh Wedding | Post by Jess Ekstrand
I’m not sure that I’ve photographed a more chill wedding day than this one. Rather than opting for a wedding party, 100+ guests, a DJ and large reception, Nicole and Josh planned a much more intimate event with their immediate families. The wedding day started with a beautiful brunch at Josh’s parents’ home. From there, the pair split to get ready for portraits and the ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Minnehaha Pergola Garden with one of Nicole’s sister’s officiating. The evening came to a close with dinner at Spoon and Stable, sans the paparazzi.
I cannot write about this wedding and leave out the fact that I called Nicole “Lauren" not once, not twice, but perhaps 5-12 times. Maybe I didn’t sleep well, maybe I’m just getting older, but I do believe this all came about due to Nicole and Josh’s connection to previous clients of mine, Lauren and Josh. Lauren and Nicole are good friends, both are wildly kind and have dark hair. Both of the grooms, named Josh, are just as kind as their partners and both are insanely tall. Lauren was also present the morning of the wedding. And thus, Nicole became Lauren in my brain. Luckily, Nicole and Josh are lovely, understanding humans who mainly laughed at my cognitive glitching.
Congrats again to this wonderful duo!
LGBTQ+ Wedding Photography
As an LGBTQ+ wedding photography studio, our mission is rooted in equality and love for all couples. By being inclusive, we empower our clients to celebrate their day, their way. As many couples begin their search for a wedding photographer, our goal is to guide couples to find the perfect photographer to honor their unique needs. Here are some of the ways LGBTQ+ couples and allies can expect us to give them an amazing experience.
The Rivets and Roses Experience
Our photographers provide equal access for people who might generally be marginalized. Quality is at the core of our work and offers a level of care that everyone deserves. It’s our highest standard to ensure every couple is cared for and acknowledged for who they are. We feel it is important that wedding photography is available to all who require it.
It is important to know that your wedding photographer respects your wishes on your wedding day and truly honors your relationship. Gaining trust is a big part of getting to know a photographer, and ultimately booking them. After all, this person will be there for some of the most intimate moments of your day. There will always be a wedding consult to get to know a photographer before booking where you can ask as many questions as you need to make sure the vision of your day will be captured properly.
Our experience and knowledge can ensure a comfortable and supportive environment for couples throughout the wedding planning process. As not all weddings adhere to traditional gender roles or expectations, we avoid traditional definitions and outdated vocabulary throughout our process. It’s important that we share our pride and create a safe place for LGBTQ+ couples.
Why Choose an LGBTQ+ Wedding Studio?
We understand the needs, preferences, and concerns of LGBTQ+ individuals and want to make sure couples come to the right place. By choosing an LGBTQ+ wedding studio, couples contribute to the visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ relationships within the wedding industry. They support businesses that actively embrace diversity, and their choices can inspire others who may be seeking inclusive wedding options as well.
An inclusive and affirming atmosphere where couples can express themselves freely can be identified when landing on a photographer’s page. It’s important that you have a photographer that can help navigate potential challenges or barriers that might arise on a wedding day so knowing their experience firsthand can allow you to be your true self and take away any stress you might have about being photographed.
The Future of LGBTQ+ Weddings
Weddings are ever changing and we recognize that. Creating something that is meaningful to you and embracing the ways you want to be celebrated can break down traditional themes of a wedding day. Our photographers help guide couples in choosing alternatives for some of the most conventional parts of the day. For example, setting up a mutual first look, choosing to get ready together, or walking down the aisle side by side. Having the support of an LGBTQ+ wedding team makes a big difference to honor your vision and story.
Our studio attracts LGBTQ+ allies that want to prioritize LGBTQ+ vendors based on their values and desires for their wedding day which is continuing to make a difference in the LGBTQ+ wedding industry. This is becoming a unique part of our business and we are excited for allies to find us in their search.
Already, weddings have changed so much in the past 10 years since MN legalized same-sex marriage. It has opened up a whole new market, yet is lacking to recognize other types of love and partnerships. There still are strides that we have to make as a community to ensure that everyone has a place to honor their love.
Mille Lacs Lake Wedding | Brianna + Trevor Married! | Post by Jess Ekstrand
Brianna and Trevor got married on Mille Lacs Lake on a very chilly day in October.
Being a part of this wedding was truly special. Not only did they have the most elite guest list, just their closest friends and family, but the ceremony was also potentially the sweetest I’ve ever seen. The vows Brianna and Trevor shared with each other were heartfelt and personal. They even made vows to each other’s kids that tugged at the heartstrings so hard, even their photographer (that’s me) was tearing up.
Congrats again to this duo!
Silverwood Park Wedding | Ashley + Clare Married! | Post by Melissa Hesse
Ashley and Clare’s wedding day started with both sides of their family and wedding party getting ready at the Delta Hotels by Marriott. I just love when a couple decides to blend their sides in that way! The entire day felt like one big family and their energy around these two was full of excitement. With Ashley being a public defender and Clare a teacher, you can feel the amount of care that goes into their relationships. They are the type of people that will always have your back and support you in any way.
They hosted their wedding celebration at Silverwood Park on a beautiful Fall day in October. The space allowed for nature trails and views by the water that tied together perfectly with the rich colors of Ashley’s suit by Kings Brothers Clothiers. Clare’s wedding dress was handmade by her mom (!!) and incorporated a veil that Ashley’s mother wore on her wedding day. Every detail they put into their day seemed to have meaning behind it, so it was no surprise when they opened the stage to their younger cousin’s who played a set of late 90’s rock to top it all off. The Dap Squad led the dance floor the rest of the night and was truly the best way to end the 2022 wedding season.
Congrats to Ashley and Clare on their marriage and incredible wedding day!