My dear cousin Meg married her love Griffin in New Orleans this October in an epic celebration of radical queer love. The festivities began with a mango and avocado tree planting ceremony on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at their home filled with family and friends from near and far.

FOR ME FOR THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY

I have had this brown batik fabric that reminds me of bark for a while now and when I heard about the ceremony, I knew that I had found its use. I somehow forgot to take any photos the day of but took some in my garden when I got home. I chose to accessorize the dress with the silver jewelry I have from this Turner side of my family we were partially celebrating. It ended up a little more low cut than anticipated, but considering how hot it was, it wasn’t a problem!

The one photo I have from the actual day. Providing some much needed shade for my aunt who is on the bench out of frame and clearly enjoying myself talking to her caregiver for the weekend Jake.

FOR ME FOR THE WEDDING

The theme for the wedding itself was a met gala garden party and took place at the beautiful Grow Dat Youth Farm in City Park. I was immediately inspired and could not wait to make my dream party dress. I started with a classic 50s style garden party silhouette, but of course added a twist. I added a petal detail to the skirt and then added a detachable cape inspired by a Robe A La Française. Unfortunately the magnets I attempted to use to attach the cape failed to hold through the two layers of fabric in the straps and I mostly ended up having to just carrying it over my arm. I hope to have opportunities to wear this look in the future and will be changing the magnets out for buttons. I was going for invisible, but discrete will have to do.

My favorite piece was my bag. I sewed a simple canvas purse, but completely covered three sides with artificial flowers. I crafted three floral hair combs to create a headpiece that would surround my updo. For a final touch I made floral accents for my shoes.

I have no photos with cape on from the day of, but other than that, this was the full look.
The magnets worked at home, but I guess the movement of an actual body was too much.
I created a fauxhawk updo with three ponytails and framed it with floral combs. Photos are from the end of the night and I’m thrilled with how it all held up!

I made my head pieces in three parts. The flowers were glued to felt and then glued to the hair combs. If I were to do this again I would sew the felt to the combs and then glue on the flowers.

Like with the hair combs I created the flower bunches separately and then attached them to the shoes with a hot glue gun.

FOR MY BROTHER

I started all of this by making my brother a tie. I bought a tie from goodwill, cut it to length and got a bow tie kit to make a neck strap with a hook and then went to town with artificial flowers and a hot glue gun. I’m quite proud of it and would love to have a reason to make more! It was so much fun to make.

FOR MY NIECE

For my darling niece I made a flower crown and belt to match her dress. She let me do her hair and I came up with this updo with upside down French braids and two buns. She had to lay face down on the bed to get it done, but I think it was worth it! She completed the look with Doc Martins and was quite possibly the coolest person at the wedding.

A GIFT FOR THE BRIBE AND BROOM FROM THE HEART

Lastly, I could not come to such a celebration without a gift. I learned of the Korean tradition of wooden wedding ducks as a gift from my sister in law and her time there. This inspired me to create queer wedding dinosaurs for my cousin and her incredible partner. This is a radical queer relationship that inspires me SO much, so I chose a classic rainbow for my cousin Meg and the nonbinary flag for the magnificent Griffin. I hope they bring them smiles ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩷

I wish these two a lifetime of love and happiness. You inspire me and I am honored to have been able to share these days with you.