Yard games, dogs and homemade pies at this laid back DI

Megan and Jozephine’s laid-back, DIY wedding took place in July 2019 beside a beautiful lake in the forest of Sammamish, Washington. Everything about this wedding was personal. Megan’s mom handpicked the flowers from Seattle’s Pike Place Market, family and friends helped plan the celebration, and Megan handmade the invitations on keepsake coasters. Wedding decor was also handmade by both Megan and friends.

A friend also officiated the ceremony, during which Megan and Jozephine walked down the aisle hand in hand.

The reception took place in the couple’s backyard at their Seattle home. There were shot skis, yard games and dogs. For dessert, guests brought their own homemade pies.

What advice would you give to engaged LGBTQ+ couples?

We really leaned into the fact that we aren’t a “traditional” couple having a “traditional” wedding and had a blast with it. We played kickball, had shot skis of champagne with folks who gave us toasts, went barefoot, and welcomed dogs at the ceremony. There truly is no right way to have a wedding. Whatever makes you and your partner happy and excited, go for it—even if it means getting grass stains on your wedding dress playing kickball. The most important aspect of the wedding to us was having people around us who make us feel loved and secure.

What advice do you have for vendors and venues working with LGBTQ+ couples?

For any vendors and venues working with LGBTQ+ couples, changing the typical designations of “bride” and “groom” on the website would make it far more comfortable for everyone involved! Especially if there is a dropdown menu for choices, include “Partner 1” and “Partner 2” because Jozy is pretty gender fluid and the term “bride” doesn’t exactly fit her. Also, being overly excited about serving a queer couple can still alienate people even though it’s generally seen as accepting. Just be helpful and accommodating but try not to “other” the couple in question!