Bright and beautiful outdoor August wedding in New Jersey 

Tevonda and Luciana describe their outdoor August wedding in New Jersey as “simple, intimate, summer elegant.”

The couple postponed their larger celebration due to the pandemic , so  the short and sweet ceremony at Eagle Rock Reservation included just a few loved ones. It was all smiles and blue skies, though, and to make the ceremony extra special, Tevonda’s 9-year-old son walked both brides down the aisle.

What advice would you give to engaged LGBTQ+ couples?

Planning a wedding is an amazing thing. If you are trying to get married during this covid time, be patient and understanding and manage your expectations. This is a difficult time. However, if marrying your person is the most important thing, then you will find a way to celebrate your love in a safe way. We only had our sisters, my son and two friends in attendance. It was a far cry from the fifty expected for our original destination wedding event. Yet, we made it work! You can too!

Advice for vendors and venues working with LGBTQ+ couples?

Be open to what you may consider to be a non-traditional wedding or even partner roles. Love is love and if we are paying for a service we expect to be given the same service as any paying customer.

What challenges did you face as an LGBTQ+ couple planning your wedding?

We didn’t actually face any challenges. We looked for LGBTQ friendly vendors from the start. We knew who we wanted to work with and wanted our vendors to know up front who we were and what we expected.

Did you encounter any pleasant surprises as an LGBTQ+ couple planning your wedding?

Everyone was so accommodating and pleasant. Our original wedding site, The Black Walnut Point Inn in Maryland is owned and run by a gay couple. They are the best and understood our need to postpone and reschedule due to COVID. They were super accommodating and even gave back our guests’ room deposits.

Who proposed or did you both?

Luciana Proposed to me during a trip to London we took in June 2018 for her birthday. It was an amazing trip. It was our first time in London and in Europe. We took in the sights, went to museums, ate amazing food. She had a special date planned on her birthday, mind you. It was at Jaime Oliver’s Barbecoa St. Paul’s restaurant. It was a beautiful surprise. She planned it in advance with the restaurant. After an amazing meal and dessert, the waitress brought out a plate with the words will you marry me written in chocolate! I was so surprised. She then proposed in the most heartfelt loving way. I was flabbergasted actually. It was an amazing night.

Search our directory of LGBTQ+ inclusive vendors.

FEATURED VENDORS

Photographer: Purroy Productions

Venue: Eagle Rock Reservation

Invitation: Invitations by Dawn

Attire: David’s Bridal; Fashion by GQ

Jewelry: Sppry Wedding Hair Pins (3 PCs) – Amazon

Attendant Attire: Boys Tuxedo Suits: Ivory Jacquard White Peak Lapel Floral slim fit Wedding Jacket Pants Party Formalwear – Boyland Store – Amazon

Officiant Company: Weddings By Aretha

Submit your LGBTQ+ wedding, engagement or family story for editorial consideration.