It’s July 4th! The day of America’s independence. I spent the day welcoming refugees from Kabul into their new home and couldn’t help but reflect on how this country can be so amazing sometimes.

And, considering that I am fortunate enough to be a DC Wedding Photographer, I just so happen to have many captivating photos to share of the nation’s capital.

But, before we get to that, let’s chat about what this day means. While we might all still be gushing over Queen Charlotte and and King George’s lovely relationship, (More Bridgerton weddings please!) it’s important to remember that while that was life in the colonies, specifically this little cut of land we call America, King George was a Tyrannical Monster. Before we were the United States.

This isn’t to say he wasn’t a romantic partner to his beloved Queen Charlotte. (The duality of us all) There is nuance to each and every one of us. Even Mad King George. But sometimes, even in things and people we love, it is important to take the whole view into consideration and make changes when needed.

Today, we continue to see varying forms of the same oppression that King George placed on us. While in so many respects, the US is an incredible country to live in and be a part of. But day-to-day, we continue to see SCOTUS stripping rights away from the most vulnerable. Especially in the LGBTQ and other minority communities (and this is personal for me and so many of my beloved friends) — and even down to how we treat foreigners and immigrants and people searching for refuge through asylum.

These are all things the founding fathers fought a war over. And the values we hold, we should continue to fight for. As a wedding photographer, my tools are my eyes and my camera.

So, today this DC Wedding Photographer would like to dedicate this post to our LGBTQ members and minorities that make this country so unbelievably beautiful. Whether it’s a same-sex marriage, immigrants bringing their life experiences and cultures to our shores, or the diverse cultures of black Americans that has spread worldwide.

This is what America is about.

These voices of the oppressed must be heard, amplified, and protected.

Of course, since I’m a wedding photographer in Washington DC, the following images are of just that. The beauty and love captured through the lens of these vibrant and beautiful cultures at engagement sessions and on those profound, magical days that bring whole communities together to celebrate love.

In my years as a wedding photographer, I have found weddings to be the greatest show of the cultures: From elaborate wedding outfits, the Paebaek of Korean culture to the beautiful colors, the splashing of Nigerian weddings, Henna embraced by South East Asian culture to the sheer love of seeing an couple finally being able to live free in their love. (Fucking finally)

From the wedding planning to the walk down the aisle, so many unique perspectives can be gleaned and it is my absolute privilege to be able to capture them.

I am proud to say that I work with some of the best wedding vendors who not only bring these wedding days to life, but also share these values that I hold so dear. And for that, I am thankful.

So, may the never-ending journey of progress continue and the voices of those smallest in our never be tuned out. Because, like that dapper immigrant from the islands who famously died in a dual said,

There are approximately 1,010,300 words in the English language, but I could never string enough words together to properly express how much I want to hit you with a chair.

-Alexander Hamilton (to Thomas Jefferson)

Oh wait, sorry. Not that one.

If the sword of oppression be permitted to lop off one limb without opposition, reiterated strokes will soon dismember the whole body.

Alexander Hamilton

Remember: Everyone deserves the kind of love that Queen Charlotte and King George shared in Bridgerton. What they don’t deserve is the oppression that the real King George shared with everyone else.

Stay Beautiful.

Happy 4th of July!