Guest Count: 19
Location: Private residence in Wheaton, IL
Bride’s Bouquet: Asrai Garden
Like so many couples Mara and Brian reworked their wedding plans in order to be covid safe but did so in a way that still reflected them as a couple. These two ended up getting married in Mara’s family’s beautiful backyard garden. It was hands down one of the most magical backyard wedding set ups I’ve seen and fun fact - Mara was not the first family member to get married there. Since the home has been in the family for generations her grandma was also married in the backyard and you know me, I couldn’t love that fact more!
“Jordan shot our intimate backyard covid wedding and we couldn't have been happier with the experience and how our photos turned out.”
M&B were so thoughtful on taking precautions for their families safety on their wedding day. In order to be as covid safe as possible, they spaced out the tables for each family, gave everyone their own hand sanitizer and gave each table their own bottle of champagne.
I was able to get some portraits of Mara and Brian around the property before the ceremony started. I was of course obsessed with Mara’s black dress and shoes.
Mara and Brian enjoy playing tennis together and Mara’s family has a tennis court that we were able to take a few fun photos on! (Mara’s dad was ready with the tennis racquets for us!)
“I'm a bit camera shy and we wanted the photos to feel organic. Jordan put everyone at ease and delivered beautiful photos that captured our day.”
We wrapped up portraits and then Mara and Brian took a minute to themselves before the ceremony started. Their wedding was officiated by the couple’s good friend who also happens to live in the same building as them and is part of their quarantine bubble.
Family that was unable to attend in person watched online from home.
After the ceremony the couple took a moment before returning to the garden for some toasts by the moms. You’ve heard me say it before but a couple toasts are the perfect thing to add to a small ceremony to make the moment feel a bit more special.
After toasts the family played lawn games and had pizza for dinner. Also how insanely cute are these cupcakes made by a family member!
One of my favorite parts of Brian and Mara’s day was their safe take on family photos. The couple wasn’t comfortable taking photos next to their families without masks so they got a cardboard cutout of themselves made for their families to take photos with. It was such a fun and unique idea.
Mara and Brian’s day was so fun and so sweet. They were so caring and thoughtful when it came to safety and were still able to have a day that felt very true to them. It was such a joy to photograph their intimate wedding in such a beautiful and meaningful setting.
