solen collet

What do you offer?

I help to create unique celebrations, and space for ceremonies that tell part of my couples’ stories.

I believe that to see couples give themselves permission to get married in a way that holds deeper meaning for them is a privilege, (and they let me photograph it all too!).

Why do you want to work with the LGBTQ+ community?

I've been working with international couples, many LGBTQ+, to design and photograph Edinburgh and East coast elopements and small-scale weddings since lockdown. I've been an inclusive photographer full time for over a decade. So many couples come to Scotland as they can't marry at home or legislation is only recently changed and they feel safer, freer and more confident to be tactile in public here. It’s so important to create a meaning day which truly represents each couple. I work with local indie brands and creatives to find something special that tells each couples story. I’m proud of Scotland’s equal marriage laws and wish to keep pushing for change in the wedding industry as a whole. So many unhelpful traditions just come to mind but a real wedding doesn't have to be any of that stuff.

Allyship

I'm always trying to become a better ally. Ive taken my child to protests supporting our trans neighbours, written to the school highlighting times where they haven't been inclusive. We read inclusive books about bodies, feelings and names.

In my work, I always ask for pronouns with clients and use terms like wedding couple when so many suppliers still say bride and groom.

I always post blogs about my lgbtq+ weddings, (with permission!). I updated all my client forms to make sure i didn't use incorrect pronouns. I work regularly with local inclusive businesses and continue to try to build inclusive community. I speak openly about my neurodivergence, past medical trauma and past abusive relationships and i've done podcasts about fat shaming in the wedding industry.