This wedding vow renewal ceremony is radiating queer joy

queer vow renewal ceremony Dutcher Photography25 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride) — *Photography by Dutcher Photography*

We know that 25 years of marriage is a big deal for any couple, but for Amber and Rachel, it’s a true testament to growing together. When they got married 25 years ago, Amber and Rachel were celebrated as a cis-het couple. Since then, they’ve both come into their queerness, including Amber coming out as trans. They wanted to mark this huge milestone of 25 years with a queer wedding vow renewal ceremony, as their authentic selves, surrounded by their community. We can seriously FEEL the queer joy radiating in these photographs, captured by our friends at Dutcher Photography. We can’t wait for you to see the dresses at this wedding… they make “wear what makes you feel good” way more than a cute catchphrase (and just wait until you hear how much one of them cost!). And think a wedding is just about the couple? Think again – this celebration was all about community, and it has us aspiring to think bigger when it comes to what weddings are all about.

This wedding vow renewal ceremony reminds us what “growing together” is all about

When Amber and Rachel said their vows to one another 25 years ago, they made promises to love and care for each other for the rest of their lives. And while vows are forever, who we are and how we express ourselves change.

For Amber and Rachel, those changes included claiming their authentic queer selves – and that’s something to be celebrated! That’s why it was so meaningful to affirm their love for one another, 25 years later, by renewing their vows. Amidst many changes over the years, their love has been a constant. That’s obvious by the huge smiles on their faces in these photos! Find you someone who can make you feel like that after 25 years, and you know you have something special.

queer vow renewal ceremony Dutcher Photography8 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

queer vow renewal ceremony Dutcher Photography10 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

queer vow renewal ceremony Dutcher Photography23 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

The dresses at this wedding vow renewal ceremony made our jaws drop… twice

For queer people, clothing can be so much more than an aesthetic choice. It’s a way to affirm who you know yourself to be and express that to the world. So, it was especially important that Amber and Rachel’s outfits for their ceremony did just that.

Amber looked absolutely stunning in a classic white wedding dress – harkening back to the classic look of the wedding photos from 25 years earlier, but reclaiming it as her authentic self today. And would you believe us if we said she thrifted it for $4.50?! Well you should, because it’s absolutely true. Say HECK YES to that dress, sista!

Rachel said yes to a dress of her own – a navy and white striped dress – subtle but still a statement. Amber and Rachel tied their distinct looks together with their colorful flowers – a gorgeous bouquet for Amber, and look at Rachel’s creative boutonniere! And the subtle detail of the flowers in their hair?! We’re obsessed. We absolutely love how both Amber and Rachel were still able to express their individuality through their looks on a day all about their union. Ultimately, when it comes to clothing, queerness is about wearing what makes you feel like YOU!

queer vow renewal ceremony Dutcher Photography12 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

queer vow renewal ceremony Dutcher Photography5 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

queer vow renewal ceremony Dutcher Photography9 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

This queer wedding vow renewal ceremony showed us what community care looks like

Amber and Rachel are a part of the larger queer community in Madison, where they live. So it was super important for their anniversary celebration to not just celebrate the love between them, but also to celebrate all the love they’ve received from their community as well. And based on the photos, this crew looks like a super fun one! I mean, they’re literally jumping for joy.

As part of their anniversary celebration, Amber and Rachel invited each of their friends to write them a love note and attach it to a flower. What a sweet way to involve everyone in the ceremony! And rather than catering, this couple opted to make their special day a potluck. We love this idea as a way to highlight and celebrate each person’s contribution to the community. And seriously, nothing says “I love you” like a homemade pie.

queer vow renewal ceremony Dutcher Photography13 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

queer vow renewal ceremony Dutcher Photography20 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

queer vow renewal ceremony Dutcher Photography21 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

The love and care everyone showed up with to celebrate Amber + Rachel was beautiful to see, as were their updated wedding vows. I’m so happy to have been able to celebrate with them.
Dutcher Photography

This wedding vow renewal ceremony made us fall in love with love again

Amber and Rachel’s recommitment to one another at their queer wedding vow renewal ceremony is a testament that true love helps us become more free. Congratulations, Amber and Rachel, for 25 years together, and here’s to another 25 filled with lots more moments of queer joy!