When life hands you tricks, you take them and make amazing treats. Amanda and Larry did exactly that when they made the pivot from their large wedding at the Michener Museum to an intimate backyard affair with just their very closest family and a small group of friends. Despite the spookiness of the season – it was Halloween after all – there was nothing scary at all about their intimate backyard wedding, and we were thrilled to be there to capture it.
Getting Ready for an Intimate Backyard Wedding
Getting ready for these more intimate weddings has been an interesting experience for our clients, as well as us! Typically we walk in and there’s hair stations and makeup being applied, bottles of champagne being popped, and a general buzz in the air. When we walked inside for Amanda, it was just her and her mom. Hair and makeup were already completed and, because she wanted to save some of the “bigger moments” for next year (their full wedding will happen at Michener Museum!), there were few details to capture. We even saved the moment of zipping and buttoning the dress for next year. Amanda wanted to commemorate this day for what it was to her: an intimate backyard wedding, where the pomp and frills were downplayed to elevate the love she and Larry have for one another.
An Intimate First Look & Portraits
It can be tricky to have a private first look when having a backyard wedding. There’s not too many places to go. But we settled on the front walkway which featured the beautiful landscaping her parents had done. The leaves on the trees were in full splendor, and Larry looked rather dashing in his suit. He was also sweetly nervous. Though, not as nervous as Amanda. But nothing a little bourbon apple cider couldn’t fix.
He waited patiently for his bride to come out the front door, and when their hands met on his shoulder, they slowly pivoted together in a coordinated dance to accommodate for a tight shooting space. The longest 7 seconds of their life. But when Larry turned and beheld his bride, the smile was dazzling. Amanda was so relieved to be with Larry, they happily fell together. Despite some early bird trick or treaters walking by, we enjoyed a few more mostly private moments to capture their portraits before capturing the family formals as well.
Then it was time. Time for everyone to head out back to the tent, and for Larry and Amanda to make it official.
The Intimate Backyard Wedding Ceremony & Reception
In the warm tent out back, Larry quieted the guests and patiently waited for Amanda. She and her dad appeared from the sliding patio door and walked together through the jack o’ lanterns lining the walkway. Their intimate backyard wedding was officiated by a close friend of theirs, and included many personalizations. Stories about how Amanda and Larry mutually supported one another through the rigors of school in their professions. A doctor and a lawyer. Talk about a power couple. They exchanged vows they’d written to one another, pledging to love the other and take them as they are. They sealed their vows with rings and were officially pronounced husband and wife, and with the few in attendance, plus some via video call, watching, they shared a fantastic first married kiss and immediately joined their family and friends around the dinner tables.
They quickly popped onto the video call to say hi and love you, before turning their attention to their beloved fur-baby Eden. She’d sat so patiently through the ceremony and now she was so excited to see them. Her humans were married!
Amanda’s father gave a welcome and toasted to the newlyweds. He thanked his lovely wife, Risa, for all the hard work she’d put into making this intimate backyard wedding possible. She was quick to remind that Larry and Michele, the parents of the groom, had been eager to help and made sure the vision came to life.
All in all, this wedding was a true labor of love. Amanda and Larry, we can’t wait to see you next year for your anniversary celebration and blow out at the Michener Museum!
