"POLITICAL, CAMP & OUTRAGEOUSLY QUEER" BRIGHTON WEDDING

Lauren Depass
Mar 18
3 min read

At Rebel Love Directory, we're passionate about showcasing all forms of love - especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ couples rewriting what weddings can look and feel like. Our Queer Love Stories series exists to do just that: to share the stories of real queer couples, the incredible suppliers who help bring their days to life, and the representation our community deserves to see in wedding media.

This week’s, we're deep diving into the wonderful wedding of Emily (she/her) & Eliza (they/them) - a couple who describe their wedding as outrageously queer, camp and political. From lockdown to the aisle, their story is one for the queer ages. Submitted by Chloe Green Celebrant, a recommended Rebel Love Directory supplier and proud advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the industry.

A couple smiles during a ceremony in a colorful bar adorned with rainbow flags. Guests watch as a person reads from a book. Disco ball above. An LGBTQ+ wedding celebrated by Chloe Green Celebrant in Brighton, UK — Image by Stephanie Dreams Photography

Let's start at the beginning. How long have you been together and how did you meet?

We have been together 3 years, known each other 5 years, and met at work. I (Emily) had heard a lot about Eliza from a mutual friend and when I first saw them on a MS Teams call (it was lockdown) I knew I fancied them. It took a while before they realised it was an option to fancy me - Ha-ha.

Help us get a feel for your day - what are your favourite 3 songs from your wedding day?

Camp party anthems…Because they’re fun, they make a statement, and they get everyone dancing!

Can you paint us a picture of your proposal?

We were in the Cambodian countryside, neither of us knowing that the other was feeling desperately nervous. Eliza was sheepishly trying to hide a ring box bulge in their shorts pocket whilst Emily was carrying a denim jacket in 40C heat as her dress didn’t have pockets!

We had sundowners overlooking the beautiful countryside followed by our outdoor private dining experience under the stars which is where Emily got down on one knee to propose (I know I had a speech planned but I have no idea what I actually said). Eliza replied with “well that’s funny as I’ve got this in my pocket” bringing out a ring. We both became quite emotional at this point before Emily quickly returned to her seat as the next course was arriving!

Couple in wedding attire sits on a pebble beach, facing the sea. The mood is serene, with a pier visible in the background. Photo of an LGBTQ+ couple on their wedding day by Stephanie Dreams Photography — Image by Stephanie Dreams Photography

Let's get on to the big day. Where did you get married?

We had our ceremony at Centre Stage, a drag bar on Brighton seafront on the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, followed by our Reception at Pier Court just next door.

Was there an overall vibe you were going for?

Outrageously queer, political, camp, disco and it hit the spot!

Were there any traditions you put your own twist on?

We had a wonderful celebrant supported by a drag queen to conduct the ceremony. We did tuaca shots after the speeches which were given by both our female best friends. We donated to queer charities and a pro-Palestine cause instead of favours for our guests.

Tell us about the suppliers you chose from the Rebel Love Directory and your experience with them

Chloe Green - who was the best celebrant we could have hoped for and all round amazing human being. She delivered the perfect ceremony, was a total dream to work with, and made us feel so comfortable, seen, and safe. She also helped our families understand us more than we ever could!

Did you face any challenges when planning your wedding?

Eliza had to come out to their family about their gender identity, which was a huge deal. Fortunately they were all supportive and are on a learning journey.

If you could live one moment from your wedding on repeat, what would it be?

There are so so many! But for both of us probably hearing each other's vows as we had written them ourselves secretly and they were both so perfect.

I know you’ve heard it before but, be loud and be proud, celebrating queer love is so so important!! Surround yourself with queer suppliers or at least suppliers who are active in their allyship. Plan the day you want, be unapologetically yourselves - don’t let anyone else’s ideas of how a wedding ‘should be’ influence what you want. Take a moment in the day to pause with your partner and step back and take in what you have created. Ultimately lean in and have fun. It's the BEST day of your life and it goes so fast!