A Conceptual Floral Elopement at Contessa, Captured on Film

With alternative, lush florals as the vision, this Queer and POC led team of inclusive wedding vendors brought to life a modern take on a vintage inspired elopement at Contessa, Boston – captured entirely on film.

THE VISION

Tori (she/they), the talented florist, and I, Dominique (she/they), the lead documentarian, embarked on this creative journey in January 2024. Having collaborated on two previous shoots, we aimed to make our next project particularly meaningful to us as individuals. While our past endeavors were rooted in Tori’s hometown of San Diego, this time, we set our sights on New England, where I am based.

From the start, our vision was clear: to bring an alternative, lush floral concept to Boston while highlighting diversity both in front of and behind the camera. As queer and POC wedding vendors ourselves, it was crucial to feature a queer couple in this shoot. We believe in creating the change we want to see in the industry. Featuring a queer, mixed-race couple added an extra layer of significance to our commitment to showcase diversity.

Gabby and Sarah have been together for seven years, meeting while they were studying abroad in Spain.

A close-up of hands tenderly touching, framed against a window with raindrops, highlighting a serene and intimate connection between the brides.

A close-up of a vintage-style green velvet ring box holding a wedding ring, surrounded by wedding stationery and floral decorations on a textured surface.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY

Diversity was not just a theme; it was our commitment. A whopping 75% of our vendor team identified as Queer, BIPOC, or both. In an industry that often feels exclusive, especially for minority vendors, we aimed to create a space where underrepresented voices could thrive. The energy on set was palpable, fueled by the collective passion and purpose of everyone involved.

THE DETAILS OF THE ELOPEMENT

When it came to the aesthetic of the shoot, I insisted on capturing it solely on film. The timeless quality of analog photography perfectly complemented the narrative we wanted to convey. With the help of the planner we enlisted, we secured Contessa, a renowned restaurant in Boston, as our backdrop. Working with a stylist, we challenged gender norms, ensuring that our models felt authentically represented. Gabby expressed a preference for a more masculine presentation, which we honored. We also ensured that both Gabby and Sarah had bouquets that spoke to their individual styles yet harmonized visually, showcasing Tori’s artistry.

Our goal for this shoot was to create something deeply personal and tailored, a true labor of love. Each vendor we collaborated with offered a bespoke experience, infusing their unique talents and dedication into every detail.