Nine Ten Photo

So many of the photos you see on my website came from the insanely talented Meg at Nine Ten Photo. I seriously can’t hype her up enough. Not only is she creative as hell, but she’s also the best hype woman you could ever ask for during a shoot.

I usually feel super awkward in front of the camera (hello, nervous smile and stiff arms), but Meg made me feel comfortable the whole time. She cheered me on, kept me laughing, and somehow captured photos that actually feel like me. That’s the magic right there—they’re not just pretty pictures, they’re photos where I can recognize myself and feel proud of what I see.

Her creativity, energy, and ability to catch those little in-between moments are just unmatched. If you want photos that go beyond “posed and perfect” and actually show who you are, Meg is your person.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer—or honestly, just someone who’s going to make you feel like a million bucks in front of the camera—go check her out at ninetenphoto.com. You can also find her information on my vendors list, because she’s truly my top recommendations.

5 Things I’d Want as a Neurodivergent Bride

Private Vows + First Look

• Sharing personal words in front of a crowd can feel overstimulating. A private moment gives space to breathe and truly be present.

Posed Photo Checklist With Partner + Wedding Party

• Creating a list of go-to poses ahead of time can reduce decision fatigue and help avoid freezing up in the moment. No awkward guesswork—just photos that feel natural to you!

Time To “break in” My Dress + Shoes

• I can be really sensitive to clothing textures, especially when I’m already overstimulated or anxious. A tag, a scratchy seam, or a weird lining can throw me off fast—so trying everything on in advance helps me feel more in control, calm, and comfortable when it matters most.

Printed Schedule For Myself + Guests

• Having a printed timeline helps reduce anxiety and avoid being the point person for everyone’s questions. It gives me (and others) clarity, structure and peace of mind.

Phone-Free Ceremony

• Having phones out—ringing, buzzing, or being held up—can be really overwhelming, especially during such an emotional and sensory-heavy moment. This is about creating a calm, focused space to stay grounded and fully experience what's happening.

5 Things I’d Want at My Wedding (for Guests)

Kid Friendly Ceremony Space

• Weddings can be long, loud, and overwhelming—for kids and parents. That’s why we’re creating a cozy space at the back of the ceremony where little ones can move freely, play with quiet toys, or color—while their grownups can still see and enjoy the ceremony.

Disposable Cameras At Reception

• Not everyone feels comfortable hitting the dance floor—and that’s totally okay. Setting out a few disposable cameras during the reception can offer a fun, low-pressure way for guests to participate and feel included.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones Available

• Weddings can be loud—cheering, music, mics, and unexpected noise spikes. Having a few pairs of noise-canceling headphones available is a simple way to create a more comfortable, inclusive space.

Short + Sweet Ceremony

• There’s no rule that says your ceremony has to be long to be meaningful. In fact, keeping it short can be the most thoughtful choice—for you and your guests. A concise ceremony helps everyone stay focused, present, and tuned in to the meaning of the moment.

Quiet Space To Take A Break

• Weddings are beautiful—but they can also be loud, busy, and overwhelming. Having a quiet space available at the reception gives guests (of any age) a chance to step away, regroup, and rejoin the celebration on their own terms.

Sam & James’ Wedding

I had the joy of coordinating Sam and James’ wedding on Lopez Island, Washington — a celebration that was as heartfelt as it was beautiful. I joined their planning journey about nine months out, which gave us plenty of time to dream up all the details while still leaving room for spontaneity.

The weekend began with a full walk-through of the ceremony and reception spaces. The field where the ceremony was held couldn’t have been more perfect, and this early tour allowed us to map out the layout, decorations, and flow for the big day. After that, the bride handed the rest over to me, trusting me to bring the vision to life.

Following the tour was one of the sweetest parts of the weekend, the flower shower. Sam’s bridesmates and family gathered together to arrange bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres using blooms harvested from soil studio flowers — flowers that had actually been grown specifically for this wedding. It felt so meaningful to know the arrangements had been nurtured for months with this exact celebration in mind.

That evening, we transitioned into the rehearsal dinner. In hindsight, we all wished we had carved out a little more time to settle in before rehearsing the ceremony — but when you’re surrounded by a close-knit group of friends, it’s easy to get caught up in catching up and sharing laughs. (Lesson learned for next time!) Once we gathered ourselves, we rehearsed the ceremony and did a sound check, which gave everyone confidence heading into the big day.

The morning of the wedding was a whirlwind of teamwork. The wedding party rallied to set up ceremony seating, tables, flowers, signage, welcome areas, reception lights, catering space, and so much more. My role was to delegate, keep things on track, and set the foundation — then pass the final details to my assistant. And in true “get you a coordinator who can do it all” fashion, I stepped away mid-setup to do the bride’s hair before the first look photos.

Once hair and makeup were finished, I gathered the wedding party at the ceremony house to prep everyone on their responsibilities as guests arrived. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, full of heartfelt moments and the magic of the island setting. The reception that followed was alive with love, laughter, and the feeling that everyone there was truly part of something special.

This beautiful day was captured by the extremely talented sophie nyama photography. She began photographing at the first look and stayed through the start of the reception dancing, catching every meaningful moment in between. One of the many things that stood out to me about Sophie was her intentionality and her ability to see the uniqueness of this wedding party. This was a queer, joy-filled group of friends, some of whom are non-binary. To honor that, the bride had coined the term “bridesmates” as an alternative to bridesmaids — a word that reflected the true spirit of her chosen family. Sophie not only respected this but embraced it, using the term thoughtfully while giving direction and ensuring everyone felt included and celebrated in the photos.

It was such an honor to be part of Sam and James’ day — not just as their coordinator, but as someone helping weave together all the little moments that made it unforgettable.

Lavender House

Lavender has always carried a special weight in queer history—more than just a soft hue or a fragrant flower. In the 1950s, it became a weaponized word during what’s now called the “Lavender Scare,” when thousands of LGBTQ people were targeted, dismissed from their jobs, and forced into hiding. But queer communities have always been resilient. What was once used against us became a symbol of pride. By the time of Stonewall, lavender armbands and sashes weren’t just accessories—they were declarations of strength, resistance, and love. Lavender has come to embody the dualities of our experience: resilience and tenderness, quiet courage and bold visibility. To me, it’s a reminder that beauty can grow from even the harshest histories.

And then there’s the word “House.” For many in the queer community, houses represent more than a roof and four walls. They are places of chosen family, safe havens built when the world outside didn’t always feel welcoming. Houses are where we gather to share meals, stories, and laughter. They are where traditions are created, where we dance, celebrate, and hold each other through joy and heartbreak. A house isn’t just shelter—it’s belonging.

When I dreamed up Lavender House Events, it felt like the perfect way to bring these two powerful ideas together. Lavender for resilience, love, and queer history. House for community, celebration, and chosen family. My vision is to honor the past while creating spaces rooted in authenticity, care, and connection.

Whether it’s a wedding, a gathering, or a celebration of chosen family, my goal is always the same: to make every event feel like home. A place where you can be fully yourself, surrounded by love, beauty, and joy. Because at the heart of every celebration is not just the décor or the timeline—it’s the people, the moments, and the community we build together.