Nature and simplicity came together at Aaron and Kaleb’s magical DIY wedding at Elkin Creek Vineyard. Surrounded by trees and nature, Aaron and Kaleb walked down the aisle together. They said their vows under an arch woven together with branches. The wedding party celebrated under the rustic shelter of the winery’s pavilion. From scenery to details, their wedding showcased nature: DIY wreathes were centered on each table. Ethically sourced antler, ironwood, and titanium are preserved in their exquisite wedding bands from Staghead Designs. The party celebrated with wine crafted on-site, in the very vineyards surrounding them.
Although they live in a typically conservative area, the couple said, “We feel extremely lucky. With all of the resources available today, it was very easy to find LGBTQ+ inclusive vendors.” Like many LGBTQ+ couples, however, they struggled with family relationships. They told Equally Wed: “Kaleb’s family was not very accepting, so they were not part of the planning process. It was only at the last minute that they decided to come at all, which was more difficult to deal with emotionally than we expected. We knew from the beginning they weren’t accepting, but planning a wedding without the support of family and knowing they don’t want to be there really hits the hardest.”
Yet their wedding was ultimately an act of pride, empowerment, and love. “There’s happiness in getting married,” they told us. “Being a trans, gay couple getting married really brings a whole new sense of pride that we’ve gotten to where we are now. You don’t expect it until you feel it.”
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Photographer: Brooke Mayo Photography
Jewelry: Staghead Designs
Wedding Ceremony Venue: Elkin Creek Vineyard
Day-of coordinator: Jennifer White with Elkin Creek Vineyard
Attendant Attire: Groomsmen wore suits from H&M and groomswomen wore dresses from Ivory Bridal
Officiant: Carrie Jeroslow with Elkin Creek Vineyard
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