There’s an undeniable joy in hosting a casual backyard wedding, where the intimacy of the setting allows for genuine connections and heartfelt moments.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve found capturing these personal celebrations is always a profound experience.
Recently, I had the pleasure of documenting Sammi and Andrew’s intimate ceremony in Bluemont, Virginia. Their wedding perfectly showcased how impactful a smaller, more relaxed event can be.
Drawing from this recent experience, I’m sharing some essential pointers to keep in mind when planning your own intimate backyard wedding. These insights are designed to help you create a day that’s not just about celebrating love but making everything involved feel part of something truly special.
Choosing the Right Venue
Selecting a venue that feels personal and meaningful will significantly enhance the intimacy of your day. Hosting your intimate celebration at a family member’s or close friend’s house not only adds sentimental value but also offers the comfort of a familiar space.
For Sammi and Andrew, the expansive property of Sammi’s parents in Bluemont, Virginia provided the perfect backdrop for their intimate wedding day.
Simplifying the Ceremony
Keep the ceremony brief but impactful by focusing on elements that reflect your relationship.
Sammi and Andrew’s wedding included traditional aspects infused with personal touches, such as the officiating by Andrew’s father, which added depth and significance to the moment. The couple also had Sammi’s sister as the flower girl and their family cat as the ring-bearer.
Emphasizing Emotional Moments
A smaller guest list allows for deeper, more meaningful interactions, which are gold for documentary-styled photography.
Encourage your guests to share speeches and personal anecdotes of your love story. These moments quickly tug at the heartstrings and make for fun-filled images.
Ensuring Guest Comfort
The comfort of your guests is essential. A casual backyard setting should still provide the necessary amenities and thoughtful arrangements to make everyone feel at ease. Everything from seating, shelter, entertainment, and food should be carefully considered.
Incorporating Personal and Fun Elements
Embrace your personalities and interests by including activities that represent you as a couple.
The mirror dance game at Sammi and Andrew’s wedding not only entertained their immediate family members but also symbolically united everyone involved. Sammi loves to dance, so this unique addition added a personal touch that further added to the memorable celebration.
Photography Considerations
Leverage the flexibility of a casual setting to capture a mix of posed and candid shots.
Sammi and Andrew’s wedding started with an impromptu first look followed by family portraits. Once the ceremony concluded, we moved to more relaxed, spontaneous portraits of the couple. These portraits really captured Sammi and Andrew’s untraditional love story in a genuine, vibrant way.
Let’s Connect
If you’re looking for a photographer for your casual backyard wedding day, I’d be beyond honored to tell your unique story.
Let’s connect, have a friendly chat, and make your wedding an unforgettable experience.
You can see more of my work on my portfolio page or contact me directly using the button below. I can’t wait to hear from you!