We offered a free wedding through the wonderful site Offbeat Bride last year to the first LGBT couple who wrote us (in honor of same-sex marriage being legalized in NY). That is how we met these two lovely ladies, who first flew out to Seattle for their engagement session, and then flew us out to Nebraska for a beautiful church ceremony and art gallery reception.

While every ceremony we shoot is special and unique to the couple, this was by far the most emotional we have witnessed. This blog post comes at the perfect time for us in Washington, with Referendum 74 on the ballot. We have never been shy in our personal or professional lives about our feelings on this subject (as you may have seen on our blog, facebook, and twitter). To us, there are many things that should remain private and separate from our business, but this subject (regarding basic human rights) is not one of them. We have photographed so many people pledging their love to one-another, and have had the honor of doing so ourselves. Same-sex couples simply deserve the same option.

Listening to Naomi and Erin as they thanked their family and friends for their ongoing support and encouragement, as they promised to love one another and share their lives together, was all at once touching, heartbreaking and encouraging. While Nebraska currently upholds Initiative Measure 416 (2000), stating that marriage must remain between a man and woman, these two wonderful women still stood proudly together and shared their love and devotion. They enjoyed a full day of celebration surrounding that commitment. They wore white dresses, expressed their feelings inside of church walls, danced and dined and laughed and kissed.

We could go on and on, but the photos really speak for themselves. Congrats to you both on your marriage. We are beyond happy that you trusted us to capture it. //Josh + Ali

*UPDATE: 74 passed in WA state!!!!!!