A Same-sex couple photo session in celebration of pride

Along with a hEART-wARMING iNTERVIEW

From their photographer, Marie Roy of Marie Roy Photography:

A same-sex couples session for dearly in love Tristen and Phil. They were thankfully up for doing this session very early on a quiet Saturday morning in the center of the busiest street in our small city of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Though it seems a small gesture, this session was actually big for me as a photographer. This is the first same-sex session I've shared on my website or blog. I've always wanted to be a welcoming space for people of all shapes, sizes, colours, beliefs, religions - ALL of it. But I know I have not been doing nearly enough in my own space to show that I am inclusive to ALL people.

This session is the first in a long list of sessions that I plan on sharing more of from now own. I know now that I haven't been doing nearly enough, and plan to do so much more from here on out.

Here's to PRIDE, and being proud of who you are and who you love.

The Interview:

How long have you known each other? How did you meet? We have known each other for just over 5 years exactly since August of 2015. We met through mutual friends that I (Tristen) lived with. Phil was helping us with our move to a new apartment.

What was each of your thoughts when you met for the first time?

Phil’s thoughts - All business. At the time I was working shift work for a Canadian airline at the Halifax International Airport and I only had a certain amount of time before I had to go to work....I operated on a strict schedule.

Tristen’s thoughts - Very nice man who was kind enough to take time out of his day to help his friends out.

What inspired you to be a part of this shoot? Collaboration with our friend Marie to photograph and showcase our unapologetic love in an open gay relationship. Since there is little representation in the media we thought we would inspire others in the LGBTQ+ community that true love can exist in a same-sex couple.

What’s the kindest thing your partner has said or done for you?

Kindest thing for Tristen - Being a rock to support my worries and reservations about anything and everything. Phil has really helped me open up and be my happiest and most authentic self.

Kindest thing for Phil - My family is important to me, as a regular part of my life, as a parent to my daughter, and as part of a large family. Tristen has been friendly, inviting and in a way that helps make my family be part of our life and included and welcomed.

If you had to describe one another in three words what would it be?

Three words from Tristen about Phil- Wise, patient, loyal

Three words from Phil about Tristen - Giving, kind, authentic

What is your favorite thing to do with your partner? Favourite thing to do together is going for a long walk on a nice day and talking about life.

What does your perfect date night look like with your partner? Perfect date night these days is wine with cheese and crackers on the couch binge watching another series on Netflix.

What is you and your partner's downtime activity of choice? Downtime activity is a good workout at the gym. We try to go as often as possible.

How do you support one another in your day-to-day lives? Support each other with open communication without judgement. We listen to each other’s point of view and find solutions to make our everyday lives better and better everyday.

Favorite queer-friendly businesses: