Ethereal Maryland Backyard Wedding

Jamie & John

What do you do when your wedding venue shuts down twice? You move the party to your parents’ stunning forest-lined backyard! As John and Jamie’s outdoor Maryland backyard wedding unfolded, it felt like it was meant to be this way all along – an intentional celebration in a place that was meaningful (and downright gorgeous!) to the couple. Having a backyard wedding also allowed them to truly have the day they wanted without the limitations of a traditional venue.

Let’s chat about the must-haves for a backyard wedding:

A planner. Oh my goodness, please please please hire a planner for your backyard wedding! Managing vendors, a timeline, and the little bumps that often happen on a wedding day is a full-time job that requires expertise and experience. Don’t put this on yourself or a loved one. A planner helps you and your loved ones have a relaxing day! They also allow me to fully focus on capturing your day! (which is why I only take on backyard weddings that have a professional planner/coordinator.)
Good light for your ceremony. Ceremony images are, in my opinion, some of the most important from your day! If you’re in the Maryland area, I’m happy to visit your backyard ceremony site to pick out the spot with the best light and backdrop. (I did this for Jamie and John!) For weddings that are further away, I’m happy to hop on a Facetime call and study images of the property to pick out the best spots for you!
A first look. This is when you and your partner see one another before the ceremony for images. I don’t think the first look takes away from that moment when your partner walks down the aisle! The first look is an intimate moment and the walk down the aisle is a shared moment with your community – making them both a unique and emotional experience. I have seen many couples tear up during the first look and then again during the walk down the aisle. Backyards can have limited space for pictures. Things can get cramped between vendors setting up and your guests enjoying the space. Doing most of your images beforehand or at a separate location allows us to create images together in a relaxed environment.

For Jamie and John’s day, I got to work with Fabrikat Events again who helped make everything run smoothly. La Fleur du Jour created the most stunning warm Fall ethereal floral design. (You’re gonna faint when you see their ceremony arch!) Jamie’s boho BHLDN dress perfectly fit the vibe of the day and Vintage Veils hair and make-up once again nailed it!

Jamie’s day started at an Airbnb in Annapolis. I love when couples get ready at an Airbnbs because it makes the getting ready images feel more homey compared to a small hotel room. Jamie met John for their first look and then we traveled to Downtown Annapolis via trolley for wedding party portraits. We then headed to Jamie’s parents’ home for the ceremony and reception! Their heartfelt ceremony was held among the trees followed by a tented reception! The day ended with a banging dance party (thanks Bachelor Boys Band) and fireworks!!

Jamie and John were truly the sweetest folks and it was such an honor to finally capture this day for them!