Jose and Melissa’s LGBTQ wedding was a bold and colorful day with a moving ceremony that left not only the couple in tears, but many guests as well! From the Mexican ofrenda honoring their heritage to including their daughters in meaningful ways throughout the day, no detail was overlooked for this beautiful wedding. The couple wanted an all LGBTQ+ (Ally) vendor team, so we were so honored to get to be a part of the team that brought Melissa and Josie’s wedding to life!
Unique Style
Melissa and Josie both had a very fun style! Melissa wore a floral lapel and a white wide brimmed hat with a single red rose. Josie wore a gray suit with a colorful boutonniere and a turquoise bolo tie. They both wore cowboy boots to complete their look.
Bold, Colorful Day
Melissa and Josie wanted a bold and colorful day, so we brought that vision to life starting with the florals. For the LGBTQ wedding ceremony, there were bright pink, orange, and yellow floral arrangements lining the aisle. We draped the ceremony arch in pale pink and terracotta fabric and had beautiful floral garlands incorporated throughout.
Mexican Ofrenda at Ceremony
The couple included several fun and meaningful details in their LGBTQ wedding ceremony. They had enamel pronoun pins and canned wine (from a female owned company) for guests to enjoy during the ceremony at the welcome table. We also set up an ofrenda at their ceremony.
An ofrenda is how people from Latin America honor their loved ones that have passed away. On the ofrenda, they place items for the spirits to get what they need to find their way. The elements of water, earth, wind, and fire are all represented on an ofrenda. There is water to quench the spirit’s thirst. Earth is brought in with salt which also represents the continuance of life. Wind is represented with the papel picado, or banner, that goes around the sides. Candles bring in the element of fire. Melissa and Josie also had images of the deceased, Guadalupe, sugar skulls, marigolds, embroidered shawls, and a box for offerings on their ofrenda. It was such a unique way to honor their heritage on their special day.
Moving LGBTQ Wedding Ceremony
Melissa and Josie wanted to make sure they included their daughters throughout the day, so they had them walk down the aisle before them. Then Melissa and Josie walked down the aisle together. The ceremony was about an hour long and the couple wrote it themselves. Each guest brought an offering for the couple and said a few words about the couple. We’ve never seen a ceremony be so personal and sentimental; everyone was in tears. One of the venue owners, Alea, was so moved that she too stood up and said a few words. It was so special getting to see how loved Melissa and Josie are! After they shared their first kiss, they danced down the aisle to “Got To Be Real” by Cheryl Lynn.
Reception at Juniper Mountain House
Since the couple wanted an intimate wedding, Juniper Mountain House was the perfect venue. They opted for an outdoor bar and had corn hole and giant jenga for guests to enjoy. Dinner was served on the open air deck so the couple and their guests could enjoy the beautiful views. For the cake cutting, the couple included their daughters in the tradition to ensure they felt included. The rest of the night was spent dancing and celebrating Melissa and Josie!
We loved getting to be a part of Melissa and Josie’s LGBTQ wedding! If you’re looking for a partner in your wedding planning journey, we would love to work with you!
More from the Colorful LGBTQ Wedding
Vendors
Planner: McArthur Weddings and Events
Venue: Juniper Mountain House
Photographer: Friends and Lovers Photography
Florist: Rowdy Poppy
Catering: Dos Abuelas (Authentic Puerto Rican Food)
Rentals: Allwell Rents
Cake: French For Sugar
Transportation: Sunset Luxury Limousines
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