Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

I Photographed An Amazing Same-Sex Wedding
I Photographed An Amazing Same-Sex Wedding
User submission
3.6K

I Photographed An Amazing Same-Sex Wedding

98

ADVERTISEMENT

It’s humbling to be approached to photograph a wedding. I’ll never get past the enormity of whats being asked of me. A couple wants me to capture the one and only start of their new story together. No matter how many weddings I photograph between now and when I’m 90, that request will always cause my knees to shake a little.

Justin and Simon’s wedding, a ceremony I photographed recently in Washington DC, was particularly thrilling for me. Partly because Justin is a military veteran. Here was a man about to wed his love in a same-sex ceremony that was taking place because of the freedom that he defended with his service. Writing this now it still sends a chill. His partner, Simon, a British-Indian man, could not be more resplendent in the traditional colors of his culture. Justin’s marine blues against the splashes of Simon’s colorful reds in his Sherwani was a striking and beautiful contrast.

Just after saying “I do” on the steps of the DC War Memorial, the image of the two men recessing up the aisle, hand in hand and their smiles beaming with joy is one of the most powerful photographs I’ve taken. In the context of the image’s background, that photograph conveys not only the story of a beginning for Justin and Simon, it conveys the story of the beginning of so much more.

More info: photoguzman.com

RELATED:

    Justin and Simon’s wedding, a ceremony I photographed recently in Washington DC, was particularly thrilling for me

    same-sex-wedding-ceremony-photography-marisa-guzman-aloia-1

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Justin is a military veteran. Here was a man about to wed his love in a same-sex ceremony that was taking place because of the freedom that he defended with his service

    Untitled-2

    His partner, Simon, a British-Indian man, could not be more resplendent in the traditional colors of his culture

    Justin’s marine blues against the splashes of Simon’s colorful reds in his Sherwani was a striking and beautiful contrast

    ADVERTISEMENT

    It’s humbling to be approached to photograph a wedding

    ADVERTISEMENT

    I’ll never get past the enormity of whats being asked of me. A couple wants me to capture the one and only start of their new story together

    No matter how many weddings I photograph between now and when I’m 90, that request will always cause my knees to shake a little

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The-Beginning-of-So-Much-More-Behind-the-lens-with-a-DC-Wedding-Photographer2

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The image of the two men recessing up the aisle, hand in hand and their smiles beaming with joy is one of the most powerful photographs I’ve taken

    That photograph conveys not only the story of a beginning for Justin and Simon, it conveys the story of the beginning of so much more

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    45Kviews

    Share on Facebook
    Marisa Guzman-Aloia

    Marisa Guzman-Aloia

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Marisa is a photographer, story teller and creative mind. Follow me, I'm either going to In-N-Outburger or Shake Shack.

    Read less »
    Marisa Guzman-Aloia

    Marisa Guzman-Aloia

    Author, Community member

    Marisa is a photographer, story teller and creative mind. Follow me, I'm either going to In-N-Outburger or Shake Shack.

    What do you think ?
    Tobi
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Religious.... ok....But to speak in the Name of god??? I'am not a religious persona, but i am sure, if i am wrong an there is a god.....he will be pleased to see two people love each other. All the best to you.

    JohnKing
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow!! I haven't seen an officer in "Blues and Whites" in years. After checking though it is still authorized. Congratulations to the newlyweds. [Sgt., USMC, 1966-1969]

    EstherLigthart
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    B E A U T I F U L ! love is love...is love....and that's all that counts!

    KarynHorrigan
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful beautiful photography. You have successfully captured the essence and the beauty of the event.

    SylviaGiovannaTeranRios
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is probably one of the most stunning couples I've ever seen! Congratulations!!

    Hanna
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely wonderful! The joy in their faces. May you have many many happy years together and congratulations!!!

    AnnaMcHugh
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So beautiful - a really handsome couple (who're obviously great citizens as well). Lovely photos!

    SarahofBorg
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It sure didn't take long for this to offend weak-minded people.

    Suzanne Haigh
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know this listing is old but still it makes me proud that people have moved on and can celebrate a wedding of the same sex couple, Congratulation and everything best for the future.

    CMSanchez
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was stationed with Justin many, many years ago in Japan. So happy to see this. Mazel tov!

    ElenaN.Akasha
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lovely couple! all the best to you both!

    VeeHaddy
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely gorgeous photos.

    Berna
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love and luck to them...

    andres o
    Community Member
    9 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Pics are good, the act is awful. It is satanic according to God's principles. Nobody is free of sin, but to promote it is even worst. People should love each other, but not have sex men-men women-women, it is not the same. You can love your father or mother, but it is not right to marry them and have sex with them. You can love your dog, but it is not right to marry your dog and have sex with your dog. Family is an eternal institution, and it was originally stated that a man should marry a woman and have kids. Anything different is not right.Be open minded is to study a lot, analyze, and make conclusions, it is not accepting sexual abominations as an act of love.

    NizarDelleli
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    as a normal human being i found this so far weird, unacceptable in anyway, this is disgusting ! this is non-human practice, just remember what happened to sodom and gomorrah and then to pempei in italy in roman age, i'm talking about history facts ! By legalizing this practice your are destroying the human society. Plz think about this !

    MaureenHeartwood
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see what the problem is. You can't distinguish weddings from volcanoes. There's a thing that might help you if they have it where you live. It's called remedial adult education.

    Load More Replies...
    BogdanGigi
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    It's clear who is the passive one! And they f*** in the a** happily ever after!

    FrédéricEeckman
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you're a pig. Not feeling to tight in your closet ?

    Load More Replies...
    DonGuild
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I really makes me upset that we have supported gay marriage, It goes against Gods will, We were not meant to intimately join up with the same sex. This is clearly spelled out in any Christian bible. What would happen if everyone did this. There would be no more babies born would there, now I know not everyone would choose this life style, but I just can't support this. We are becoming morally corrupt. What happens when pedophiles say that society must accept them having intimate relations with a child, what if this also becomes acceptable by society. You may say this may never happen, but I would not count on it.

    FrédéricEeckman
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Idiot. When you say "what would happen if everyone did this", it sounds like it's a fashion choice. And your thick mind bringing pedophilia in the discussion... You are a disgrace, even to your own religion. Btw, why do you think it's ok to try to make everyone do what the bible say ? It's YOUR faith, keep it for your private sphere. Don't worry, God will send you straight to hell for being hateful and intolerant. Judging other people is HIS job, not yours. Are your pretending you are God ? :|

    Load More Replies...
    MaryRuthHarrill
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Gross! I'm not close minded. I read my Bible and pray. How do you justify marriage to a partner of the same sex? Sodom and Gomorrah.

    ConorGilmartin
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So you will be familiar with 1 Timothy 2, verse 12: "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet." Do not 'quote' a metaphor; if the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah ever actually existed, it is likely that they were destroyed as the result of a natural disaster such as an earthquake in the Dead Sea area between 2100 and 1900 BC,

    Load More Replies...
    Blueflower
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Still looks weird to me, sorry :/

    Blueflower
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Still looks weird for me, I'm sorry

    captaingrumpy
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Stop trying to tell the kids it's normal because it's not. It makes me sick to stick it in my face.

    PunjabMalaka
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Filthy faggots.

    LukeHeironimus
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Looking at the majority of the comments and seeing the lone person that is standing up for REAL marriage, just look at the photos, it makes you want to throw up since both of their minds are so messed up that they both want to marry a MAN!!! look at the other comments their minds have been corrupted to the idea the same sex marriage is ok, when in reality it is a sin that will get you a ticket to hell unless you repent. So in conclusion I hope your views are a little better then some people in the chat saying "oh your anti-gay? oh and your also an idiot!" that just shows their intelligence in the matter.

    MariusJan
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is a WHAT? And it is the way to WHERE? Not all people are religious twats. Majority of us are modern people and we accept other people as they are.

    Load More Replies...
    SusieKang
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    God makes no mistakes: He did NOT create adam to be with with steve!!

    TimBurton
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well it wasn't so long ago as a woman you'd have no place to make any comment on a mans business, however as equality and common sense are winning over tradition and religion thinking like this becomes outmoded.

    Load More Replies...
    Tobi
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Religious.... ok....But to speak in the Name of god??? I'am not a religious persona, but i am sure, if i am wrong an there is a god.....he will be pleased to see two people love each other. All the best to you.

    JohnKing
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow!! I haven't seen an officer in "Blues and Whites" in years. After checking though it is still authorized. Congratulations to the newlyweds. [Sgt., USMC, 1966-1969]

    EstherLigthart
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    B E A U T I F U L ! love is love...is love....and that's all that counts!

    KarynHorrigan
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful beautiful photography. You have successfully captured the essence and the beauty of the event.

    SylviaGiovannaTeranRios
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is probably one of the most stunning couples I've ever seen! Congratulations!!

    Hanna
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely wonderful! The joy in their faces. May you have many many happy years together and congratulations!!!

    AnnaMcHugh
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So beautiful - a really handsome couple (who're obviously great citizens as well). Lovely photos!

    SarahofBorg
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It sure didn't take long for this to offend weak-minded people.

    Suzanne Haigh
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know this listing is old but still it makes me proud that people have moved on and can celebrate a wedding of the same sex couple, Congratulation and everything best for the future.

    CMSanchez
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was stationed with Justin many, many years ago in Japan. So happy to see this. Mazel tov!

    ElenaN.Akasha
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lovely couple! all the best to you both!

    VeeHaddy
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely gorgeous photos.

    Berna
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love and luck to them...

    andres o
    Community Member
    9 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Pics are good, the act is awful. It is satanic according to God's principles. Nobody is free of sin, but to promote it is even worst. People should love each other, but not have sex men-men women-women, it is not the same. You can love your father or mother, but it is not right to marry them and have sex with them. You can love your dog, but it is not right to marry your dog and have sex with your dog. Family is an eternal institution, and it was originally stated that a man should marry a woman and have kids. Anything different is not right.Be open minded is to study a lot, analyze, and make conclusions, it is not accepting sexual abominations as an act of love.

    NizarDelleli
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    as a normal human being i found this so far weird, unacceptable in anyway, this is disgusting ! this is non-human practice, just remember what happened to sodom and gomorrah and then to pempei in italy in roman age, i'm talking about history facts ! By legalizing this practice your are destroying the human society. Plz think about this !

    MaureenHeartwood
    Community Member
    9 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I see what the problem is. You can't distinguish weddings from volcanoes. There's a thing that might help you if they have it where you live. It's called remedial adult education.

    Load More Replies...
    BogdanGigi
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    It's clear who is the passive one! And they f*** in the a** happily ever after!

    FrédéricEeckman
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you're a pig. Not feeling to tight in your closet ?

    Load More Replies...
    DonGuild
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I really makes me upset that we have supported gay marriage, It goes against Gods will, We were not meant to intimately join up with the same sex. This is clearly spelled out in any Christian bible. What would happen if everyone did this. There would be no more babies born would there, now I know not everyone would choose this life style, but I just can't support this. We are becoming morally corrupt. What happens when pedophiles say that society must accept them having intimate relations with a child, what if this also becomes acceptable by society. You may say this may never happen, but I would not count on it.

    FrédéricEeckman
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Idiot. When you say "what would happen if everyone did this", it sounds like it's a fashion choice. And your thick mind bringing pedophilia in the discussion... You are a disgrace, even to your own religion. Btw, why do you think it's ok to try to make everyone do what the bible say ? It's YOUR faith, keep it for your private sphere. Don't worry, God will send you straight to hell for being hateful and intolerant. Judging other people is HIS job, not yours. Are your pretending you are God ? :|

    Load More Replies...
    MaryRuthHarrill
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Gross! I'm not close minded. I read my Bible and pray. How do you justify marriage to a partner of the same sex? Sodom and Gomorrah.

    ConorGilmartin
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So you will be familiar with 1 Timothy 2, verse 12: "I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet." Do not 'quote' a metaphor; if the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah ever actually existed, it is likely that they were destroyed as the result of a natural disaster such as an earthquake in the Dead Sea area between 2100 and 1900 BC,

    Load More Replies...
    Blueflower
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Still looks weird to me, sorry :/

    Blueflower
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Still looks weird for me, I'm sorry

    captaingrumpy
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Stop trying to tell the kids it's normal because it's not. It makes me sick to stick it in my face.

    PunjabMalaka
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Filthy faggots.

    LukeHeironimus
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Looking at the majority of the comments and seeing the lone person that is standing up for REAL marriage, just look at the photos, it makes you want to throw up since both of their minds are so messed up that they both want to marry a MAN!!! look at the other comments their minds have been corrupted to the idea the same sex marriage is ok, when in reality it is a sin that will get you a ticket to hell unless you repent. So in conclusion I hope your views are a little better then some people in the chat saying "oh your anti-gay? oh and your also an idiot!" that just shows their intelligence in the matter.

    MariusJan
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is a WHAT? And it is the way to WHERE? Not all people are religious twats. Majority of us are modern people and we accept other people as they are.

    Load More Replies...
    SusieKang
    Community Member
    10 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    God makes no mistakes: He did NOT create adam to be with with steve!!

    TimBurton
    Community Member
    10 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well it wasn't so long ago as a woman you'd have no place to make any comment on a mans business, however as equality and common sense are winning over tradition and religion thinking like this becomes outmoded.

    Load More Replies...
    You May Like
    Related on Bored Panda
    Popular on Bored Panda
    Trending on Bored Panda
    Also on Bored Panda
    ADVERTISEMENT