Cheers to 3 Years | Iowa Same-Sex Wedding Photographer

June 26, 2018

Today we celebrate three years of marriage equality in this country. Three years ago today, the Supreme Court made history with its ruling to legalize same-sex marriage on a federal level.

I shot my first same-sex wedding in November of 2012. Nathan & Scott lived in California, but chose Iowa for their wedding. The midwest was a central location for their guests to travel to, but there was a much bigger reason for the Iowa wedding. The mess that was Proposition 8 meant that they could not legally marry in California. In fact, at this time in 2012, Iowa was one of only three states that recognized same-sex marriage.

iowa same-sex wedding photographer

I was pregnant with my son at this time, only about 10 weeks along. I remember sharing this with Nathan & Scott, in a kind of whisper. “Sooo… we really haven’t told people yet, but I’m pregnant!” They were so sweet and excited for me, they both gave me a big hug.

I vividly remember thinking that someday I was going to tell my baby that when I was pregnant with him, same-sex marriage was illegal in most states. I remember believing whole-heartedly, that when I told him this, it would feel shocking to him. The same way that I feel so shocked and saddened when I realize that my Dad was alive when segregation was in place in this country.

iowa same-sex wedding photographer

Proposition 8 was finally overturned on June 26, 2013; with the Supreme Court making its ruling on June 26, 2015.

Since 2012 I have had the honor of photographing more same-sex weddings, and I hope to photograph many more. **Hit me up, lovelies!**

I know that LGBTQ couples still face challenges in planning their weddings. Although I would like to say that this doesn’t happen here, I know better. I’ve witnessed vendors shying away from these weddings, and have received private messages disagreeing with my choice to be an ally to this community. I won’t waiver on this. These things only make me feel more fire within, to share how I feel.

iowa same-sex wedding photographer

 

Here’s the thing I want to make clear for all of you amazing LGBTQ couples out there. You have an ally in me, I would LOVE to meet you. I would love to tell your story because it is beautiful & it is unique. I also know that you’ve fought for it. So please know, I am a safe place for you to land. I have your backs 100%. Cheers to 3 years.

Resources/Inspiration to help plan your LGBTQ wedding:

Equally Wed

Bekah & Lacey’s Romantic Barn Wedding

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563.265.1093

hello@catherinefurlin.com

Located in Bellevue, Iowa
Serving Eastern Iowa +
Madison, WI + Galena, IL

Modern wedding photography & family documentary sessions in Dubuque Iowa, the Quad Cities, and beyond. Located in Bellevue. Documenting love stories in the everyday moments & the life changing ones. Focused on creating honest images.