Real Weddings, Advice, & Inspiration

Catalyst Wedding Company highlights weddings by and for game-changers. We seek to amplify and empower voices and viewpoints that are usually missing from the Wedding Industrial Complex. We're a community of badass wedding professionals who love all things funky, fresh, diverse, unique, and personality-driven; we convene twice yearly for (un)convention, a collaborative workshop, styled shoot, and dinner party. We're also the publishers of Catalyst Wedding Mag, a resource for couples looking for inspiration and affirmation that doing things differently in wedding-world is not only ok, it's wonderful!

Kandie asked me to help plan and photograph a surprise proposal for the love of her life, Holly. We had to keep the secret for weeks — even when Holly was grilling Kandie about why she booked an "anniversary" session for them. Kandie created the sweetest book about how they met and why she loves Holly so much, and she gave it to her in the middle of our session. She, Holly, and Kandie's daughter read the book together, until the last page where it popped the big question: "Will you marry me?" Holly said absolutely yes, and they both cried so many happy tears. With the sun setting in the background and so much love between them, it was an absolutely perfect proposal.

Words and photos by Erika Ryan Photo

Erika Ryan Photo Surprise LGBTQ Proposal

ERIKA RYAN PHOTO

Erika Ryan is a 23-year-old Southern California native, currently residing in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She specializes in wedding photography and portraiture. She travels as much as possible to shoot weddings and expand her own view of the world. She loves Harry Potter, cats, and 80s rock. If you play Journey at your wedding, she will dance with you and your guests! She has been incredibly lucky to pursue what she loves and meet amazing people all over the country. She is a huge advocate for love, equality and the betterment of humanity and our planet.