Calista and Chris, and The Perfect Backyard Wedding
Calista and Chris celebrated their wedding day on September 21, 2024, surrounded by their friends and family in Chris's family backyard, which held years of memories. No venue staff. No ballroom lighting. Just familiar space, thoughtful details, and the kind of September air that makes you want to linger outside a little longer (with a blanket).
The ceremony began in the afternoon and slowly carried into the evening. There was no rush to move from one part of the day to the next. It was incredibly relaxed, with conversations and guests beginning to settle in for the couple to walk down the aisle. It was fun to capture people laughing and talking in the cool autumn air.
The couple snuck away a couple of minutes before the ceremony to officially wed. Which meant this moment wasn't about logistics. It wasn't about paperwork. It was about standing in front of the people closest to them and choosing each other again — intentionally, calmly, without pressure. Plus, what a fun way to keep the ceremony rolling into an incredible evening of eating, drinking, and listening to music.
Thoughtful, Not Overdone
They chose every detail with care. Tables were arranged to encourage conversation. Personal touches were woven throughout the yard. It truly felt like them. What a treat to be present on this day.
Backyard weddings have a way of stripping things back to what matters. You notice the way guests move through the space. The way friends gather in small clusters and the way family members take their time. There's room to breathe and to be fully in conversations with everyone.
The Kind of Timeline That Leaves Space
What stood out most was the space. There was space to chat, eat and move around from one conversation to another without being pulled away.
The afternoon softened into evening naturally. No hard transitions. Like, have you ever had a photo line with the couple that flows into the reception? Because it's a genius idea and I highly recommend!
When the music started, the food was ready to be served, which kept the conversations going all night. With the couple, family, and friends, we were there to capture it all.
And when the night cooled, everyone gathered around a HUGE bonfire to kick off the rest of the night. Conversations layered over the crackle of wood and inside. It felt like I was at home enjoying. If you're planning something similar, it's intentional, relaxed, and rooted in connection. This is your reminder that weddings don't have to be complicated to be meaningful.
Sometimes the best days are the ones that feel the most like you.
Congratulations to Calista and Chris. 💖
