Grab your favorite cup of tea, a giant bowl of popcorn, & settle in.
If you want to inquire about wedding photography, email me!
MeiLin@MeiLinBarralPhoto.com
Weddings
Couples
Dogs
Resources
Personal
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
Wishing a very happy Pride Month to all! Queer weddings are such a beautiful space to celebrate queer joy & love. As a queer person myself, it brings me so much joy to celebrate your love alongside you.
To celebrate this Pride Month, I’ve compiled a list of LGBTQ+ Chicago Wedding Vendors who would love to celebrate your wedding day with you! Learn more about How to Plan an Intimate Wedding here, How to Plan a Chicago City Hall Elopement here, How to Elope in Chicago here, and Chicago Photography Permits here.
This is not a comprehensive list of vendors and I’d love to continue to add vendors to this list, so please reach out if you are a vendor or know a vendor that I should feature in this post!
If you didn’t know already, I’m (Mei Lin Barral Photography) a queer wedding photographer myself! I am a quiet, introverted soul, like many of my couples, and this helps me to capture the most tender and special moments of your day without being obtrusive. I specialize in couples grounded in the present moment who love to include their four-legged family. If you’d like to learn more about me, click here, and if you’re already on board, click here to get in touch!
Replogle Studios creates wedding films that perfectly combine silly and sentimental. Ray focuses on centering your needs and your joy throughout the entire wedding process to create a wedding video that truly feels like you are encapsulated. The Replogle experience centers affirmation at every turn, affection centered around consent, and authentic portrayals of you and your partner.
Kyrie Copeland Films is a destination wedding videographer based in Chicago. She loves to tell intentional and inclusive stories through her cinematography. In working with her for your wedding video you can expect romance, inclusion, and luxury.
Weddings by Danica centers their practices around inclusivity for detail-oriented couples. Whether you’re going to have a big traditional bash or you’re planning an intimate wedding, Danica and her team have you covered.
FRWD Style is a Black owned and operated business that really focuses on the stories each couple wishes to tell through their celebration. Franklin has a love of fashion which influences his detailed approach to wedding planning.
House of Bretón designs & creates wedding dresses, suits, & separates for anyone looking for the perfect outfit that is truly them. Their studio is in Indianapolis, IN but it is 100% worth the short trip for the wedding outfit of your dreams that is as unique as you are.
Uncommon Closet is a custom tailor that provides tailoring services for all. They provide gender-inclusive and body-positive tailoring for all bodies.
Mignonette Bridal is the place to go for romantic and timeless wedding gowns. They offer both gowns and separates that combine modern design, heritage techniques, and artisanal craftsmanship.
Jason V Beauty loves to style clean, natural, and effortless looks so you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself. He is well-versed in working on a variety of skin tones/types and cultural styles.
Bridget Canela has been a makeup artist since 2009 who focuses on polishing the beauty that is already there.
Blush and Braids Beauty Bar is a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs on your special day. They prioritize delivering a personalized experience for each wedding they work.
This Barber Jackie provides wedding styling services with a focus on ensuring you feel comfortable, confident, and relaxed on your big day. Jackie believes that hair has no gender and that everyone deserves to have the look they want on their special day.
Branded Grooming specializes in gender-neutral barbering with a focus on trendy, short haircuts for you to be ready for your day.
The Glam Guy creates a personalized beauty experience tailored just for you and those celebrating with you.
Wax Man Spa is a premier day spa offering a range of waxing services, skincare treatments, and beauty enhancements.
The Public Barber focuses on providing a great client experience and promoting human connection. Their barbers provide precision haircuts, beard trims, and hot lather shaves.
Radical Joy Bakery creates stunning works of art that just so happen to be made of cake. They aim to bring creative flavors, artistry, and passion into each cake they bake.
Jennivee’s Bakery bakes beautiful custom cakes that you can use to showcase your personality in cake form on your special day. They also create a variety of cookies, bars, and cupcakes if a dessert bar is more you speed.
Chicago Sugar Daddy bakes lovely cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts to satiate your sweet tooth on your day. They have dozens of flavor combinations that are sure to wow your taste buds.
The Lytle House is an intimate gathering space perfect for a small wedding of 80 guests or less. It is the perfect combination of indoor and outdoor space for the best of both worlds.
Villanelle is a French-inspired venue that is newly open as of 2024. It is owned by the owners of Dorothy and is located above the lesbian cocktail lounge.
Mercy The Officiant has been officiating weddings since 2019. Mercy is bilingual and is happy to officiate in English, Spanish, or a combination of the two.
Chosen with Bonnie is an officiant who writes and officiates ceremonies for couples looking for more than the traditional “I do.”
Storm Photo Booth is a family-owned photo booth company that you and your guests are sure to enjoy throughout your reception. They offer multiple different photo booth options including digital, print, or video to ensure that you have a great experience.
EcoWilde Flower Co. is a florist that creates beautiful custom designs for each wedding they work. They prioritize sustainability throughout their entire process by minimizing plastics, working with in-season flowers, and donating or composting what is leftover after weddings they work.
Moody Teas is a great option for a creative wedding favor or an evening tea bar for a caffeine boost for late-night dancing. They offer a wide variety of organic small-batch tea.
Ozzy’s Crew would love to take care of your four-legged friends during your day so that you know they are in good hands while you’re celebrating. Learn all about how to Calm Your Hyper and Energetic Dog at Your Wedding here.
I hope this guide has introduced you to some of the amazing LGBTQ+ Wedding Vendors in Chicago.
Learn more about How to Plan an Intimate Wedding here, How to Plan a Chicago City Hall Elopement here, How to Elope in Chicago here, and Chicago Photography Permits here.
Want to work together? Inquire here!
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
Chicago intimate
Wedding Photographer
LGBTQ+, BIPOC, & Woman-operated
for PEOPLE grounded
in the present moment.
Chicago intimate Wedding Photographer
LGBTQ+, BIPOC, & Woman-operated
for PEOPLE grounded in the present moment.
© 2024 Mei Lin Barral Photography
brand + web design by inkpot creative, llc
share