Ann spent three months designing a custom engagement ring before proposing to Jess at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. They tearfully popped the question on a small bridge inside a room designed to look like the tropical rainforest. At a nearby restaurant, both of their families waited to celebrate.

The couple got married outdoors in Philadelphia in June. They wanted their wedding to have a “whimsical garden” vibe. Jess’s cousin officiated and the couple wrote their own vows.

“After having to postpone our wedding, my favorite part was having our favorite people together in one space,” writes Jess. “I also loved that my aunt made her Italian cookies and my cousin made us 3 beautiful and delicious wedding cakes!”

Their advice for other couples planning weddings: “Eat at your wedding and stay as present as you can because it will go by so fast!”

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Philadelphia garden wedding with bold blue suit and cape sleeve gown | Beau Monde Originals | Featured on Equally Wed, the leading LGBTQ+ wedding magazine

Search our directory of LGBTQ+ inclusive vendors.

FEATURED VENDORS

Photographer: Beau Monde Originals 

Video: Beau Monde Originals 

Venue: Ridgeland Mansion; Open Aire Affairs

Florals: Vault + Vine

Attire: Bindle & Keep; Martina Liana from Free Love Bridal 

Makeup: S. Masco Makeup

Invitations: Maria Bond Design

Caterer: Joshua’s Catering; Weckerly’s Ice Cream

DJ: Stylus DJ Entertainment

Photo Booth: Bluebird Hill Events

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