Queer Wedding of the Century in Hudson, NY | Zena + Cai

Dripping in gold. Surrounded by their closest friends, slightly resembling a queer cult or maybe even a scene from Midsommar? The sun is setting, the New Orleans style buffet has just ended, and the MC Queen is interrupted by a Ariana Grande impersonator in drag. The crowd goes wild, some article of clothing may have come off, and there’s twenty-dollar bills flying around like confetti. This is exactly what Zena and Cai wanted for their wedding in upstate New York wedding, and they nailed it. Complete with a Romy + Michelle dance scene reenactment, fireworks and smoke bombs. Everything I didn’t know I desperately needed in my life.

Flashback to meeting Zena at another wedding, where she attended and met us (we were photographing + filming). We hit it off and ended up shooting a steamy intimate session with her and her partner, Cai, before we left town. The Urban Cowboy let us use their space and we made some magic.. even when a random tenant walked in. Whatever. They’re half naked and giggling on the couch. It’s a vibe. (See their steamy indoor session here.)

Now back in present time, Zena and Cai are throwing an epic party to celebrate their vows to one another, and we’ve been invited to document the whole thing. I’M STOKED. I knew the two of them were incredibly loved and supported by their community but damn did they SHOW UP. All guests were in white, while Zena and Cai sported multiple looks, completely dripping in gold. Everything was thrifted, and someone they created these looks that suited them perfectly. Blair Back did their makeup before rushing off to meet the guests in her dress, covered in blood. Her show was just beginning.

By the time the ceremony began, everyone had gathered around a handmade huppa, and watched Zena and Cai speak their truths to one another. As they said “I do” and walked back down the isle, bubbles blew through the air and their mini-cult of immaculately dressed wedding guests, floated through the field in a sea of white suits, vintage wedding dresses and bikini tips. At the front were two golden gods, escorting their friends towards an epic party, with Blair Back as the MC and entertainment.

Zena and Cai embraced their different cultures through traditional acts of heritage, including a custom Ketubah, a Money Dance and New Orleans buffet dishes. And the New Orleans side of the family did not hold back when it came to the dance floor. Money was being thrown around as frequently as peoples clothing. And it was pretty frequent.

But before you knew it.. the music stopped. The energy shifted. A gold cart pulled up, fast, with headlights in everyone’s eyes. And here comes…. Ariana Grande?! This fabulous queen, in full Ariana drag makeup, stole the dance floor and performed multiple songs for the guests as they graciously threw tips and sang along.

This wedding celebration was one for the books. I can’t get over the details and how intentional Zena and Cai were when creating a celebration that embraced their cultural traditions while simultaneously burning outdated traditions. Bravo, babes. What a fucking blast.

Let’s party — contact us now!