Again, it’s no secret that weddings will look a little different for the time being. Luckily I’ve always been a huge fan of intimate, low key celebrations. I’m continuing my mission of sharing some of my favorite intimate wedding celebrations to prove that a smaller guest count isn’t a bad thing at all!
So let’s take a look back at Rachel and Nik’s gorgeous laid back wedding day!
First things first, just because you’re planning a smaller wedding celebration doesn’t mean that you have to skip out on details and decor. You can still have gorgeous florals and dreamy lighting even in a backyard or rather, especially in a backyard!
The Flower Witch is responsible for this magical backyard floral decor and the bride’s stunning bouquet.
You already know that I’m a fan of intimate weddings but there is something so special about the ceremony specifically when there’s a small guest list. Everyone watching you exchange your vows, knows you so well. Rachel and Nik’s ceremony was a perfect example of this. There were laughs and tears shared by everyone throughout their sweet ceremony in Nik’s Grandma’s backyard.
Another thing that you don’t have to skip out on just because you’re planning a smaller wedding is beautiful, true to you photography, I mean duh. Having a photographer document your intimate ceremony and reception is super important but you’ll also have the chance to still get some gorgeous portraits of you two together.
On Rachel & Nik’s wedding day we snuck away from the party for an hour to get some beautiful photos of them together. We took a quick drive to a spot where they had one of their first dates right along the river where Nik’s Grandfather worked in a near by factory.
After our photoshoot by the Fox River we headed back to Grandma’s backyard to join the couple’s friends and family in celebrating with a BBQ buffet and homemade cocktails.
Even with a backyard wedding you can still follow the same wedding format if you want! Or you have even more wiggle room to do things the way you want. This backyard wedding featured a homemade cupcake cake cutting, sentimental toasts from family and a bonfire built by the groom.
It really was a perfect late summer night!
I know that many people might be sad that their original, more extravagant wedding plans will have to change but let’s focus on what really matters on your wedding day: your love for one another. There are so many wonderful ways to still have smaller celebrations for now and I hope this has maybe given you some inspiration! Backyard weddings have a special place in my heart and I hope I get to document more to come!
