A Celebration of Radical Self Expression: When High Fashion Meets Queer Joy

Kati Kons, the brilliant queer fashion stylist behind Portrait of a Bride on Fire, dubbed this spectacular shoot “a celebration of radical self expression.” And when you see these brilliant photos from Jasmine Kerbel, you will know exactly what she means.

“This shoot is a meditation on reclamation—a bold and tender vision of queer joy on the wedding day,” Kati explains. “It honors the immense journey a queer person undertakes to arrive at this moment, transforming the weight of tradition into something that finally fits.” 

Kati (whose amazing high fashion apartment wedding we were lucky enough to cover last year) put style at the center of the shoot’s design, dressing models Lyric + Chantelle in a rich, multi-texture collection of vintage pieces, designer labels, and independent designers. From Dior boots to vintage-sourced frock coats to frilly bloomers to Chanel handbags – the dramatic + varied closet Kati created for this couple has us absolutely entranced.

“The aesthetic is vintage, yet undone; traditional, yet deliberately remade,” Kati explained to us. “We drew inspiration from the queer individual’s radical act of self-expression, pushing against boundaries not with mockery, but with a tasteful, intentional respect for style.”

Tulle + Tinsel Event Co. filled historic Petersburg, VA venue Strawberry Hill with flickering taper candles, cascading florals, and a swirly-scripted-love-letter romance, rising to meet the elevated aesthetic bar that stylist Kati (who worked alongside assistant stylist Olivia Cantrell) set for the shoot’s look + vibe.

Radical. Intentional. Eclectic. Romantic. The whole thing came together to create a museum-worthy masterwork of queer self-expression.

“This couple embodies luxury, but on their own terms—refusing to let anyone else define what that word means,” Kati says. “Surrounded by spaces that match the wonder of their story, every detail, from the askew bow to the play of shadow and shape, is art. Nothing is left unnoticed. It is tradition, finally working for them.”

Getting Ready

We’re absolutely enchanted by the historically-informed loopy lettering on these muted, elegant wedding invites by Oh Eleven Studio.

In describing the role that style played in the day’s design, Kati shares: “Fashion becomes armor and affirmation, playing with structure, texture, and light to give depth to a palette of neutrals.”

Carla Pressley had Lyric + Chantelle looking radiant with both of these wedding hairstyles and glowy wedding makeup looks.

Fashion lovers, you’re in luck: stylist Kati gave GWS the in-depth details of each piece from all of the shoot’s flawless wedding day looks. Lyric’s bow bodice tulle skirt dress was by By Liv Handmade. The earrings came from Alexis Bittar, and that unique pearly necklace was created by queer Indigenous designer House of Sutai.

Chantelle’s long sleeve lace dress was by DTJ Couture. Those satin pants were by J.Crew. Socks +
shoes were both Gucci, and all of the jewelry for Chantelle’s look came from House of Sutai.

“The fashion highlighted a mix of independent designers, vintage pieces, and major luxury labels,” Kati reflects. “But regardless of the name recognition or price tag, each was found with a story to tell. Three of the six outfits were one of a kind pieces, each of which happened to fit our models whose sizes lie in the grey area between the fashion industry’s definition of mid- and plus-size and society’s definition of mid- and plus-size.”

“Finding nontraditional wedding attire as a queer person, especially as a person who doesn’t fall into the category of “straight size,” is a tall order for anyone striving to feel like themselves on their wedding day. Adding on the complexities of budget constraints and sustainability priorities, the options may appear to be bleak at first glance…”

“…But it’s so important to prioritize being who you are on one of the biggest days of your life that we cannot take no for an answer. We have to think creatively, turn to our community, shop secondhand, and seek out small businesses to get there. The payoff is inexplicably worthy.”

The Ceremony

That coat!!! 😍 Chantelle’s vintage outfit was sourced by Robin Hood and Good Vintage. And those beyond-cool black boots? Those are Toteme.

Lyric’s second look of the shoot featured a designer resale dress sourced by Robin Hood and Good Vintage as well as jewelry by Alexis Bittar and black silk bow wedding gloves by Lost Pattern.

Oh, and an impeccable pair of black Christian Dior lace-up boots.

Chantelle’s beaded drop wedding earrings? House of Sutai wows us again.

Also, so obsessed with the mixed metal gleam of these brooches by Alexis Bittar.

We have Field Floral Design to thank for this utterly innovative take on non-bouquet ceremony flowers. A cascading scarf made of baby’s breath??? SAY LESS.

If you’re into the idea of an alt take on personal florals for the ceremony like this, we’ve got three exquisite queer weddings you need to see: this luxe + edgy Austin, TX wedding, this flawless Malibu wedding in every shade of pink, and this amazing Australian wedding shoot.

The Reception

This luxe, romantic, antique-informed reception vibe in black + white came together thanks to linen + tabletop rentals from DC Rentals as well as equipment + tabletop rentals from Rent-E-Quip.

We love a mid-wedding-day hair transformation! How fab is Lyric’s curly wedding updo!

We already knew this couple’s cool factor was off-the-charts, but accessorizing these reception looks with some designer wedding sunglasses really sealed the deal.

Chantelle’s amazing coat is by Maximilian Raynor. Those lacey bloomers are by Dreamers Rebels. Accessories include another beautiful pair of earrings by House of Sutai, some show-stopping strappy platform heels by Marc Jacobs, and a bracelet + rings by Alexis Bittar.

Oh, and who could forget the Saint Laurent sunnies! 😎

We are huge supporters of a wedding purse (especially if it’s this woven ivory bag by Bottega Veneta).

Lyric’s reception look was made up of this killer vintage suit from With Love Studios, a necklace by House of Sutai, sunglasses by Loewe, a brooch, rings, and earrings by Alexis Bittar, a Chanel bag, and heels by Saint Laurent.

Congratulations to Kati and the entire team behind this affirming + impeccably styled shoot! We can’t wait to see all of the bold + joyful queer wedding fashion it inspires!