In this episode of the Hey Loves Podcast, we’re talking directly to the vendors who swear they are “allies” but somehow still say bride and groom on every single page of their website. We are diving into what it actually means to create an affirming, inclusive space for queer couples and how to stop treating LGBTQ weddings like a trendy market to tap into.
From the language you use, to the images you share, to how you show up with real care and awareness on wedding days, we break down the difference between performative allyship and truly supportive practices. We also talk about representation, posing queer couples, how to find your first LGBTQ clients if you don’t have any yet, and why some vendors unintentionally cause harm even when they mean well.
This episode is equal parts educational and lovingly chaotic. We cover Facebook group rants, grandma drama, ring posing strategies, model calls, and why your website is probably not as inclusive as you think it is. If you want to show up better for LGBTQ couples, start here.
This Episode Is For You If…
- You are a wedding vendor who wants to be more inclusive and affirming in real, tangible ways.
- You are trying to work with more LGBTQ couples but don’t know where to start.
- You keep saying bride and groom on your website and need a gentle nudge to fix it.
- You want to understand queer family dynamics so you can show up safely and respectfully on wedding days.
- You’re a queer photographer who wants the language, representation, and posing to match your values.
- You want to stop being unintentionally harmful and start being intentionally welcoming.
Things You’ll Learn
- Why “I’m an ally” means nothing if your website only shows straight couples.
- The simplest and most important shift: using gender neutral, inclusive language on every page.
- How to talk about couples, partners, newlyweds, and soon to be weds without assumptions.
- Why pronouns matter and how to gather them without making it weird.
- The power of community work, volunteering, and model calls to build trust and representation.
- Why representation on your homepage matters more than perfectly curated photos.
- Why straight vendors must understand the honor of being chosen for an LGBTQ wedding.
- How to avoid heteronormative posing and creatively showcase queer couples in ways that feel natural and affirming.
- Understanding family dynamics at queer weddings and how to be the safe space when relatives are not.
- How to navigate awkward comments, protect your couples emotionally, and still respect their boundaries.
- The importance of chosen family, validating identities, and bringing care to every moment.
- A reminder that you will make mistakes, you will learn, and that accountability matters more than perfection.
Connect with Hey Love Studio
heylovestudio.com | @heylovestudio on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest | Zola, Bark, Yelp, Dancing With Her, Everywhere Is Queer