Happy Loving Day!

What is “Loving Day”?

Loving Day is a very special day here at M Harris Studios! If you’re not familiar with this historic global day of education and community, let me give you a little history lesson!

“Loving Day” refers to the last name of Mildred and Richard Loving, an interracial couple from Virginia who were arrested for being married in 1958. Interracial marriages were illegal in Virginia, and in most states, at the time, a product of previous slavery laws to oppress black people. The South especially had books full of anti-Black laws such as these. 

The Lovings took their court case all the way to the Supreme Court. They won their case on June 12th, 1967, nine years after their arrest. Loving Day is now celebrated on the anniversary of their Supreme Court case victory. The Supreme Court ruling also struck down ALL laws against interracial marriages across the United States. 

Close to our hearts

You may not know this, but my husband (and M Harris Studios videographer) Nate has interracial parents. Were it not for Mildred and Richard to pave the way, who knows where my husband’s parents would have ended up? Would Nate even be here today? Our marriage is also considered an “interracial marriage,” so would we even be able to get married? 

Loving Day is also close to our hearts because we live in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the same state that the Lovings were from and lived in when they were arrested. Racial justice is a never-ending struggle, and we’re so proud of this monumental decision that changed the course of history for this country, and for thousands of couples who were able to be together because of the Lovings.

We want to take this moment to say THANK YOU to all of the couples that have trusted M Harris Studios and Laila Chanel Studios to capture your love stories, but especially to those interracial couples who are celebrating Loving Day today especially because of their own marriages! We love you all!

Loving Couples

Michelle Harris

Michelle Harris is a professional wedding photographer and nationally sought after wedding industry educator that focuses on creating amazing experiences and relationships with the artistically focused clients and students.

A mother of two gorgeous little girls and married to the man of her dreams, Michelle lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia, but travels the world for her clients and speaking engagements.

mharrisstudios.com