John & Mike’s Joyful Provincetown LGBTQ Wedding at The Red Inn and P-Town Inn
There’s something about a Provincetown wedding that feels extra magical—the salty breeze, the colorful streets, and the way love is celebrated openly and joyfully here. For John and Mike, their LGBTQ wedding in Provincetown was more than just a day—it was a celebration of their life together in a place they call home. As a gay wedding photographer, I was honored to capture a day that was sweet, grounded, and full of unforgettable surprises.
Getting Ready at The Red Inn
The day began at The Red Inn, one of Provincetown’s most historic and picturesque hotels. Built in 1805, it’s a landmark on the harbor, known for its rich history and panoramic water views. It’s also deeply personal for Mike, who works there as a pastry chef.
Rather than spending the morning apart, John and Mike got ready together—surrounded by their closest friends, which included two sets of twins and beloved college friends. The vibe was relaxed and full of laughter, with everyone helping each other with ties, cufflinks, and final touches. Once dressed in their matching navy suits and colorful pink and blue socks (a nod to their wedding colors), they stepped out onto the deck to enjoy the ocean air, drinks in hand, and the anticipation of the celebration ahead.
We took group photos right there on the deck—low key, full of personality, and framed by Provincetown Harbor—before the whole crew walked together to the ceremony site. It was adorable: a happy little parade of best friends and soon-to-be newlyweds, heading toward the start of the celebration.
The Provincetown Inn – Ceremony & Celebration
Their ceremony and reception were held at The Provincetown Inn, a beloved waterfront venue that’s been welcoming guests since 1925. The inn’s location at the very tip of Cape Cod offers breathtaking views of the bay and a backdrop that’s perfect for LGBTQ weddings in Provincetown. Its hand-painted murals tell the history of the Cape, surrounding guests with artistry and local charm.
As John and Mike arrived, the scene was pure summer joy—friends lounging by the pool, a tent full of happy, excited wedding guests, and a sparkling harbor beyond. For their entrance, they walked down the aisle together, beaming, hand in hand.
Their officiant, the incomparable Qya Crystal—a drag queen and jazz singer—presided over the ceremony with warmth, humor, and heartfelt presence. She even sang during the proceedings, her voice carrying over the harbor. The whole thing was sun-soaked, emotional, and full of the kind of love that makes you forget everything else around you.
Golden Hour & Thoughtful Details
One of the best parts of any wedding day for a same-sex wedding photographer is sneaking away with the couple at golden hour, and John and Mike’s portraits were nothing short of magical. We started with sweeping views of Provincetown and the beach in the background, the light painting everything in warm tones. The harbor shimmered, the sky began its slow descent into sunset, and the world felt hushed for just a moment.
As we moved down onto the sand, the scene unfolded like something out of a movie—swooping seabirds overhead, the setting sun spilling gold across the water, and people wandering out onto the long stone jetty. John and Mike laughed, held each other close, and soaked it all in. It was the kind of golden hour that makes you fall in love with Provincetown all over again—wild, beautiful, and completely unforgettable.
As we moved into the wedding reception, you can see that element was personal. Their wedding rings, designed by Michele Mercado, were timeless. The wedding cake? Crafted by Mike himself—a breathtaking creation that tasted just as good as it looked. And during their first dance, Mike surprised John with a live choir of their friends, filling the room with music and happy tears.
Dancing in Their Own Way
John and Mike brought their own traditions to the dance floor. Instead of separate parent dances, they both danced with relatives at the same time—a moment that felt warm, inclusive, and full of love. The dance floor stayed full late into the night, with friends and family celebrating the couple’s marriage in true Provincetown wedding style.
John & Mike’s Love Story
John and Mike first met online in November 2005, and in May 2011, during a trip to Anguilla with friends, Mike proposed. That island now holds a special place in their hearts—they returned in 2023 with the same friends to relive that memory.
Their perfect date night? Cooking together at home—sometimes for friends, sometimes just for themselves—before catching the latest episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. In the coming years, they plan to renovate their Provincetown home “in an elegant yet respectful way” and honeymoon in Europe, exploring London, Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam with their closest friends.
Provincetown LGBTQ Wedding Vendor Team
Getting Ready Location: The Red Inn
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Provincetown Inn
Rings: Michele Mercado
Cake: Groom Mike
Officiant & Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Qya Crystal
John and Mike’s day was everything a Cape Cod gay wedding should be—joyful, intentional, and full of community. As a New England LGBTQ wedding photographer, it’s an honor to capture moments like these: the golden light over the harbor, the laughter between soulmates, and the quiet, unshakable love that makes a marriage truly beautiful.