A Dance in the Garden: A Cottagecore LGBTQ Self-Portrait Session in a Butterfly Garden
Photographers have to get in front of the camera sometimes too!
Getting dressed up and taking portraits with my partner is a favorite hobby of ours. The vision for this shoot came to light when my partner and I first spotted the most fairytale, princess-like, cottagecore dress while out thrifting. My partner, Vee, is a thrifting goddess. She has the eye to thrift us the best dresses, and then we work together to style a photoshoot. This shoot is another part of an ongoing, yet-to-be-titled project highlighting the romantic dreaminess of wlw relationships. As an LGBTQ individual, loving my lady feels organic and natural. With this project, I aim to visualize our romantic, blooming love as the cottagecore fairytale it feels like everyday. Join us as we dance through the butterfly garden and capture love’s fluttering magic in the Los Rios District of San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, CA.
The Backstory
Behind every photograph, there is a beautiful love story. This particular tale is about two lovesick souls - my partner, Vee, and myself. As an LGBTQ couple deeply in love, we wanted to celebrate our connection in the most authentic and intimate way possible. The butterfly garden, with its natural charm and cottagecore vibes, felt like the perfect setting to showcase our love amid nature’s wonders.
Setting the Stage
As we arrived at the butterfly garden, excitement filled the air as we knew immediately this was the perfect setting for our vision. The lush greenery and vibrant blooms provided a picturesque backdrop, creating an ethereal atmosphere for our self-portrait session. We were surrounded by the symphony of chirping birds and the gentle rustling of leaves, which added an organic touch to our shoot. The flora framed our frolicking with gentle adoration.
Embracing the Magic
It was a cloudy summer day as we began our portraits, but the clouds brought out rich colors in the garden. Every moment was filled with tenderness and love as we explored the magical nooks hand in hand. Amid the fluttering butterflies, we lost ourselves in each other’s eyes, cherishing the romance that enveloped us.
The Photographer’s Perspective
As the photographer and one-half of the couple, I found myself lost in the moment while simultaneously working to capture the raw emotions and intimate glances shared between Vee and me. I aimed to create an authentic and genuine portrayal of our love story, embracing the essence of the cottagecore and fairy-tale themes.
The Essence of Love
Our self-portrait session was a testament to the beauty of LGBTQ love, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and celebration of diverse relationships. We hope to inspire others to embrace their identities and celebrate love, regardless of gender or orientation. The butterfly garden symbolized growth, transformation, and freedom - values that resonate deeply with our journey together.
Embracing the Organic
Being in a natural setting allowed us to be our true selves and express our love organically. It served as a reminder of the importance of authenticity in photography. Every smile, every touch, and every stolen glance was genuine, making the final photographs truly special and personal.
As we left the butterfly garden, hearts filled with love and gratitude, we knew that this self-portrait session would forever hold a special place in our hearts. Capturing love in its purest form, surrounded by the fluttering magic of butterflies, was an experience we will cherish forever.
If you’re considering an engagement or couples’ photoshoot that embraces your authenticity and the beauty of your love, I can’t recommend enough finding a location that resonates with your soul - a place where you can create timeless memories and embrace your special connection. My packages all include location scouting and planning assistance to best find the backdrop that tells your unique love story. As a wedding and portrait photographer, capturing such intimate moments fills my heart with joy, and I hope our story inspires you to embrace your love and live authentically.
Until next time,
Aly Rose Photo