Brandon & Lucas’s Laid-Back Wedding in Louisville

From the start, it was clear that Brandon and Lucas’s wedding at the Copper & Kings Distillery would be a warm, personal celebration filled with meaningful touches. As a couple who has lived all over the U.S. and until recently called Nairobi, Kenya home, Brandon and Lucas crafted a gathering that felt like a reunion, a chance to celebrate with both chosen and biological family in a city close to their hearts. Their day felt cozy yet elevated, fitting perfectly in the warmth of Copper & Kings in Louisville, KY.

Pre-Wedding Moments at Hotel Genevieve

The day began with Brandon and Lucas getting ready at Hotel Genevieve, where they spent some quiet time with close friends, enjoying the excitement and calm before everything kicked off. Without a formal wedding party, they kept the focus intimate and low-key, allowing for meaningful photos with their inner circle and sharing a champagne toast at the rooftop bar with their closest friends.

A Quiet Walk from Genevieve to Copper & Kings

After getting ready, Brandon and Lucas walked from Hotel Genevieve to Copper & Kings, taking a few moments to stop by the iconic LOVE mural outside Play. The weather was perfect—a sunny mid-60s day with just a hint of breeze, making it an ideal fall walk. This time together offered them a rare moment of quiet before joining their guests at the venue. Allowing for moments like this—where the couple can take a pause and enjoy each other’s company—can be an important part of a relaxed wedding day. Weddings can sometimes feel rushed with a rigid timeline, so having a bit of flexibility allows space for spontaneous moments, like a quiet walk or candid photos, that contribute to the natural flow of the celebration. Brandon and Lucas’ relaxed pre-ceremony photo session, for example, gave them time to savor their day without feeling hurried or stressed.

Pre-Ceremony Family Photos at Copper & Kings

Before the ceremony, Brandon and Lucas took time for some family photos in the modern outdoor area of Copper & Kings, where the relaxed setting allowed for quality moments with their loved ones before the celebration began. It was also during this time that Brandon and Lucas each presented their moms with bouquets, a thoughtful gesture that honored the important role their mothers have played in their lives.

Honoring a Queer Tradition: Exchanging Watches Before the Ceremony

Before we could legally marry, LGBTQ+ couples often exchanged items other than rings to symbolize their commitment. Brandon and Lucas honored this tradition by exchanging watches before their ceremony—an intimate and personal gesture—before officially exchanging rings during their vows.

The tradition of exchanging items other than rings before marriage, particularly among LGBTQ+ couples, is tied to the historical necessity of maintaining discretion and safety when our relationships were criminalized or socially stigmatized. In times and places where it was dangerous or illegal for us to publicly show our commitment, items like watches, necklaces, or other personal gifts became symbols of love and commitment, often kept private to avoid legal or social repercussions.

A Venue That Supports Inclusivity

I’ve always appreciated Copper & Kings for their unwavering commitment to inclusivity. From their gender-neutral restrooms to their overall welcoming atmosphere, they go above and beyond to create a space that is open and accessible to all. It’s been a pleasure working with them over the years— their dedication to creating an inclusive environment aligns perfectly with Brandon and Lucas’s values, making it the ideal venue for their special day.

Their Ceremony Celebrated Community & Connection

Their heartfelt ceremony had many guests tearing up—including Brandon and Lucas themselves. Their vows invited everyone in, weaving in moments of audience interaction that made the experience even more intimate. After their first kiss, they celebrated with a spontaneous piggyback down the aisle—a joyous exit that felt so perfectly them and was a first for me to capture.

Cocktail Hour Magic and Candid Moments

The reception began with cocktail hour, where everyone gathered around the recessed fire pit, creating a laid-back vibe that set the tone for the evening. Since we completed all their formal photos ahead of time, Brandon and Lucas were able to join their guests, allowing me the perfect opportunity to document plenty of candid shots of everyone mingling, laughing, and fully enjoying themselves.

Reception Highlights: Drag Performances, A Suprise Flashmob Serenade, and Lots of Dancing

As the evening progressed, guests made their way to the second-floor art gallery, where the festivities continued. After dinner and toasts, Brigitte Bandit, an Austin-based drag queen, took the stage for an unforgettable set, including two fabulous Dolly Parton numbers. To make sure guests could show their appreciation, Brandon and Lucas placed cash tips at each table, allowing their family and friends to shower Brigitte with a little love throughout her performance. Her energy was so contagious that guests immediately flocked to the dance floor as soon as it opened—and that momentum kept the celebration alive well into the night.

One of the most memorable moments was a flash mob serenade from Brandon to Lucas, set to S Club 7—a band that became part of their relationship soundtrack. Brandon introduced Lucas to them early in their relationship, and ever since, their upbeat songs have been a favorite on road trips and cozy days at home. Right after they got engaged, Brandon knew he wanted to create a fun, coordinated dance to surprise Lucas.

With the help of friends Lauren and Dana, both dance instructors and elementary school teachers, they made the vision a reality. Weeks before the wedding, Brandon mixed the music, and Lauren and Dana choreographed the dance. Slowly, they brought in close friends to learn the moves, and eventually, both of their moms joined in too! When it all came together, it was such a sweet surprise for Lucas and pure joy for everyone watching.

Available Light & Flash at the Reception

I documented the reception primarily with available light, adding occasional bursts of flash. Working with the light that already exists in a space allows me to stay unobtrusive, capturing candid moments and the true vibe of the day, while the flash brings crisp clarity and party vibes when needed. By using both, I take advantage of the best of both worlds—maintaining the authenticity of the day while also capturing the energy of the reception.

Queer-Positive Wedding Vendors

Brandon and Lucas’s wedding not only celebrated their love, but also reflected their commitment to inclusivity. Several of their vendors are part of Inclusive Kentucky Weddings, a resource for couples to find vendors who are not only LGBTQ-friendly, but are also advocates for inclusivity across all races, gender identities, cultures, religions, bodies, abilities, and sexualities. By working with professionals from this network, they helped ensure their wedding was a joyous celebration while contributing to a more welcoming, affirming, and equitable wedding industry for all.