The summer of 2021 was just as tumultuous for couples planning a wedding as the summer of 2020. Rules and regulations, mandates, and shutdowns caused a lot of fear. While we were still shooting weddings, there was still a lot of uncertainty for couples. Kayli Lafon Photography asked me to join her as a second shooter for an intimate backyard wedding in Winston Salem. I was very excited to work with her and jumped at the chance.
Kate and David decided that despite all that was going on in the world, they would still have their dream wedding. Instead of a large venue with lots of guests, they chose to scale back and host their wedding in Kate’s mother’s beautiful backyard. Her mother has an amazing green thumb. Her garden is just as beautiful as any professionally landscaped wedding venue. They gathered their closest friends and family from all over. Then they said their vows in the garden where Kate used to play as a child.
I was honored to be present to witness such a special ceremony. There were few dry eyes as the couple shared their first kiss. After the ceremony, we captured some beautiful portraits of Kate and David as the sun was setting. The warm summer light was streaming through the trees creating the most beautiful glow. Then we ate some of the most delicious food I have ever eaten at a wedding! Finally, Kate’s parents surprised her with a Mariachi band to celebrate their union and we sent them off with a sparkler exit!
Even though much of the danger of that pandemic has passed and couples are celebrating with much larger weddings, don’t be afraid to host a small wedding with your closest family and friends at an unexpected location. Kate and David’s wedding proves that you can still have the most beautiful, intimate backyard wedding of your dreams.
Click here to see Alina and Brandon’s Micro-Wedding at the Burke Manor