A Celebration of Queer Joy

Shoot type - wedding

Location - Cathedral, Seattle, WA

Client - Emil (she/her), Lydia (she/her)


One of my favorite parts of being a lesbian and a wedding photographer is that queer people throw the most creative weddings and the best parties. I think part of it is that when your marriage is already "non-traditional" by default, it opens a lot of doors to non-traditional celebrations. If the wedding is already breaking the tradition of having a bride and a groom, why not throw a drag queen performance into the mix? Why not make the fact that it's a wedding at all a fun surprise for your guests?


Emil and Lydia did just that with their wedding. They told their loved ones that they were hosting an engagement party at the beautiful Cathedral in Ballard. During dinner, there was a drag show performance from three local drag queens - Queen Andrew Scott, Sreya, and Kenzie Thee Kween.

Drag performer in silver costume dancing energetically for applauding guests at a restaurant event.
Drag queen with red hair entertaining excited guests at tables in a brick-walled restaurant venue.
Drag performer in silver bodysuit posing on floor with dollar bills during lively restaurant show.
Drag queen in blue sequin dress and feather headpiece performing for guests at a restaurant event.
Drag performer in blue bodysuit and thigh-highs entertaining diners at a brick-walled restaurant.
Black and white photo of a drag performer dancing for guests at a restaurant brunch show.
Drag queen in blue sequin costume collecting dollar bills from audience at a brunch event.
Drag performer with pink hair in silver outfit interacting with seated guests at a lively brunch show.
Drag queen in silver jumpsuit striking a dynamic pose during a drag brunch performance.
Drag performer with pink hair holding cash tips while entertaining a laughing guest at brunch.
Colorful drag queen in neon green and pink costume performing energetically at a restaurant event.
Drag performer in neon costume engaging with seated guests during a lively drag brunch show.
Drag queen in green and orange outfit interacting with guests at a fun drag brunch event.
Drag performer in bright neon costume dancing energetically for guests at a restaurant drag show.
Drag queen in teal gown speaking to guests during an entertaining drag brunch performance.

A Surprise Wedding


After the queens each did two performances, Emil and Lydia went up to give a speech. During this speech, they surprised their guests by announcing that the engagement party was actually going to be a wedding. They changed into gowns, and then one of their friends who helped plan the whole thing officiated their wedding. Overall, it was a sweet night with lots of fun moments and queer joy.

Stack of dollar bills beside a basket of rolled pink and blue cloth napkins on a table.
Elegant wedding bouquet with pink, blue, and cream flowers against a brick wall backdrop.
Wedding table centerpiece with glass vases, floating candle, pink flowers, and disposable camera.
Vodka bottle beside gnome figurines and a U-Haul toy truck on a wooden bar counter.
Drag queens and guests mingle at a colorful event against a brick wall backdrop.
Performer kneels before guest with microphone at a lively drag show event.
Three women celebrate joyfully at a round table during a festive indoor event.
Drag queens entertain excited guests seated at tables during a glamorous show.
Guests in formal attire laugh and clap during a lively indoor celebration.
Older man receives warm hug from woman during an emotional indoor event.
Guests enjoy drinks and conversation at a festive indoor celebration with drag performers.
Three guests pose together affectionately at a vibrant indoor celebration event.
Bride in red gown holds bouquet as guests applaud with a dog nearby.
Father walks bride in lace gown holding pink and blue bouquet down aisle.
Woman in silver dress reads from paper while speaking into red microphone at wedding ceremony.