Queer Wedding at Birch Aquarium
The Story Behind the Sea
Sofia and Penelope’s love began the way many great loves do — quietly, over time. They met in college, became friends, drifted, then found their way back to each other. Sofia taught Penelope how to surf during a trip to Hawai'i, where their bond deepened with every wave. The ocean became a language they both spoke — a place of return, of rhythm, of reflection.
So it only made sense that when they decided to marry, they chose the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, a place that had quietly held pieces of their story for years. It wasn’t just a venue — it was part of their memory, their ritual, their softness.
A Wedding Rooted in Meaning
The ceremony took place beneath the glow of kelp forests and gentle ocean light. Sofia and Penelope exchanged vows surrounded by loved ones — and the quiet presence of sea creatures gliding by. It was intimate, tender, and entirely theirs.
There were no theatrics, no performance. Just deep love. Intention. Laughter. Saltwater in the air. And joy that didn’t need permission to exist.
As a queer wedding photographer in San Diego, these are the moments I live for — the ones that feel like real life, not just a Pinterest board. From their beachside kiss to the way they adjusted each other's dresses without a word, it was clear: this was home.
Why Birch Aquarium Is a Gem for LGBTQ+ Weddings
If you're planning a wedding in Southern California and want something untraditional, natural, and queer-inclusive — the Birch Aquarium is a dream.
Whether you're a couple who:
Feels at home by the ocean
Shares a love of marine life
Wants a venue that honors queer love in all its forms
Or simply wants something soulful and unique
This space offers calm, beauty, and depth.
Vendors + Inspiration
Photography: TIKA Studios – Queer & Inclusive San Diego Wedding Photographer
Venue: Birch Aquarium
Want to co-create something beautiful, honest, and presence-led?
Let’s work together
Why Inclusive Photography Matters
Love isn’t one-size-fits-all. And wedding photography shouldn’t be either.
Inclusive photography means:
Making space for your full identity — no questions asked.
Documenting queer, Black, trans, and nonbinary folks with care.
Honoring the joy and softness of love that’s often politicized just for existing.
You deserve to feel seen. You deserve imagery that reflects you honestly — not posed, not filtered through someone else’s lens of “what weddings should look like.”
That’s what I offer at TIKA Studios. Let’s make your presence permanent.
