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MeiLin@MeiLinBarralPhoto.com
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Welcome to the blog, home to Chicago's intimate wedding, elopement, & dog photographer for couples grounded in the present moment.
(I'm here and queer!)
1. My first name is Mei Lin (she/her)
2. I'm part of the LGBTQ+ & BIPOC communities
3. I really love pugs!
4. I’m a huge musical theatre fan
5. I care deeply about animal welfare as well as social justice issues.
6. I incorporate sustainable practices throughout your wedding photography experience
Not far from Boston, Valley View Farm is a working farm that features a gorgeous landscape to get married at. There are so many great details including but not limited to a fully renovated barn, horses in the pasture near the ceremony location, and a cool bar building that doubles as a getting ready room. The ceremony location is the perfect blend of rustic and elegant and the windows and doors can be opened during the warmer months to not only get great airflow but also to really surround yourself with the exceptional views. Not only is the place gorgeous, but the team behind Valley View Farm is top notch and so lovely to work with!
About three years ago, Jinyan (he/him) & Steven (he/him) met and Jin was the one to make the first move. They had a great first date which led to them immediately want a second (and third, and fourth, and infinite amount of dates).
When not traveling the world together their ideal date night requirements really boil down to one thing: loads and loads of good food. Master home chefs and lovers of restaurants, Jin and Steven are really passionate about enjoying food together.
It was the perfect Autumnal queer farm wedding hosted by Jin & Steven. They gathered such warm and loving family and friends for an absolutely stunning day. The happy couple have been together for over 3 years and this was an exciting start to their new lives together.
Jin & Steven started wedding planning pre-proposal since they wanted to ensure their day was perfect. The beginning of their official wedding story started with a mutual proposal in January while they visited San Francisco on a beach with the view of the golden gate bridge in the background. They got each other jade necklaces of each other’s Chinese zodiac animal.
Everyone was incredibly joyous and jubilant for Jin & Steven. They had amazing weather — clear skies and a warm Autumnal day. Their ceremony was endearingly officiated by their very close friend Becca. It was a beautiful ceremony that finished with two emotional and heartfelt vows from the couple. Jin’s referenced math and though it may seem odd, it was the perfect way for him to express just how much he loved his future-husband.
To start the reception festivities, the couple enjoyed a fun first dance that included not one but two lifts. The reception space was gorgeously lit with candles and chandeliers. There was beautiful rich dark green everywhere in the space; it was the signature color of the wedding. After a delicious meal and lovely toasts from Jin’s mom and the couple’s best men, they ended the night with s’mores and sparklers with all of their guests. It was an excellent way to end a heartwarming day full of celebration.
Photography | Mei Lin Barral Photography
Planner | Alex Kessler from Valley View Farm
Venue, Catering, & Bar | Valley View Farm
Officiant | Close friend of the couple: Becca Masutani
Floral Design | Until We Wed Flowers
Cake | Lady M Cake Boutique
Dessert | Wheelhouse from Valley View Farm
Makeup Artist + Hair Stylist | Upstyle
Wedding Bands | Blue Nile
Jin & Steven’s Wedding Attire | Hive & Colony
Jin’s Wedding Shoes | Wolf & Shepherd
Steven’s Wedding Shoes | Allen Edmonds
DJ | Evan Healey from Meritage Entertainment
Engagement Necklaces | Phuong Jewelry Store
Invitations & Stationery Suite | Brody Printing
Women’s Wedding Party Attire | Etsy
Men’s Wedding Party Attire | The Black Tux
Mei Lin (first name, she/her) is a Chicago intimate wedding, elopement, & dog photographer who's passionate about commemorating diverse couples grounded in the present moment. Animal welfare, social justice, and sustainability are three things that are really important to her. Trans rights are human rights. Love is love. Stop AAPI Hate. Black Lives Matter.
about the author
for couples grounded
in the present moment.
Utilizing sustainable practices INCLUDING LEAVE NO TRACE.
Chicago intimate
Wedding Photographer
LGBTQ+, BIPOC, & Woman-operated
© 2024 Mei Lin Barral Photography
brand + web design by inkpot creative, llc
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