Getting Ready

Maryland is a beautiful state known for its lush greenery and picturesque landscapes. When it comes to planning a wedding, there are countless options for stunning outdoor venues. However, sometimes the best venue is right in your own backyard. That's exactly what Rachel and JB decided to do for their wedding. They transformed their backyard in Maryland into a magical wedding venue, complete with trees, a tented ceremony and reception area, and lots of space for their guests to enjoy. They got ready for the day inside the home JB grew up in, the couch they sat on before prom and piano he learned to play on. Me and Savannah split up capturing Rachel and JB.

Wedding rings displayed in a wooden box with 'MR MRS' text on burlap-lined interior.
Intricate lace detail and beading on a white wedding dress bodice shown in close-up view.
Detailed shot of white beaded wedding dress being fastened, showing intricate lace pattern.
Artistic black and white reflection of bride trying on wedding dress in mirror.
Wedding invitation with crystal jewelry and rings displaying names Rachel and James.
Close-up of hands tying laces on a brown leather dress shoe.
Interior scene showing a piano with sheet music and wooden floor in warm lighting.
Intimate wedding day moment showing affection in a brightly lit room.
Fluffy white Persian cat wearing a black bowtie and gold tag collar.

First Look

As a traveling wedding photographer, always research new venues and plan out locations - this was no exception being a private residence! Rachel expressed concerns that the room would be to "crowded and old" for beautiful getting ready photos, I had her text me an image, we moved a mirror and a table and it was perfect. When I arrived, I was immediately struck by the natural beauty of the backyard. The trees provided the perfect backdrop for the first look. Me and Savannah positioned JB and Rachel for the first look, then positioned ourselves to get different angles of the event as it happened. Kashan, positioned himself next to me so we can capture the primary angle on both photo/video, with savannah focusing on a secondary angle. 

Bride in flowing lace gown with train walking across grassy field.
Back view of couple in wedding attire standing in a garden setting.
Elegant outdoor wedding portrait in a grassy field with natural backdrop.
An elegant back view of a lace wedding dress during first look moment.
A bride and groom share a candid black and white moment in a garden setting.
A couple in wedding attire standing in front of trees, with the bride's lace dress and tattoo visible.
Bride holding elegant peach and white wedding bouquet with lace dress detail.
A loving moment shared between newlyweds with a peach and white bouquet.
A tender wedding moment captured outdoors with greenery in the background.
Candid wedding moment captured outdoors with natural lighting.

Portraits

When it comes to capturing family portraits at a wedding, having two photographers can be incredibly helpful. One photographer can focus on capturing the main portrait, while the other can capture candid moments between family members or help with posing and lighting. During Rachel and JB's wedding, my second shooter and I worked together to capture their family portraits. We chose the tree line as a backdrop as the trees provided a beautiful and natural setting that complemented the overall aesthetic of the wedding. We moved inside the home for a few newlywed portraits as the home has so much sentimental value to them as high school sweethearts!

Wedding couple on grass with bride's dramatic lace train flowing behind her white gown.
Happy couple sharing a joyful moment together during their outdoor wedding photoshoot.
Wedding portrait of bride with two guests in formal attire outdoors.
Wedding portrait featuring bride in white lace dress with elderly gentleman in grey suit.
Three women in formal attire pose together at outdoor wedding.
A joyful wedding moment captured against a backdrop of trees.
Family wedding portrait outdoors with bride in flowing lace train dress.
Dramatic black and white wedding photo showing detailed lace train of bride's dress.
Black and white portrait of a wedding couple seated on a bench.
Black and white photo of newlyweds by an elegant wooden staircase.

Ceremony

The tented ceremony and reception area provided a cozy and intimate setting for Rachel and JB's wedding. The dance floor, located in the center of the tent, served as the stage for the ceremony. While the ceremony took place, my second photographer, my videographer, and I worked together to capture every moment from different angles. It was important to stay out of each other's shots while still capturing all the important details of the ceremony. We communicated with each other throughout the ceremony to ensure that we were able to capture every moment without getting in each other's way. It required a lot of communication and awareness of each other's positions, but we were able to work together seamlessly to create a beautiful and comprehensive record of the ceremony.

Wedding ceremony under a tent with natural lighting and greenery.
Wedding ceremony under a white tent with a couple and officiant during an intimate moment.
Hands holding a rustic wooden box with 'Mr Mrs' text and a bouquet of peach and white flowers.
Close-up black and white photo of hands exchanging a wedding ring during a ceremony.
Close-up shot of hands exchanging wedding rings against a white lace dress.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with an officiant speaking under natural sunlight.
Romantic first kiss as newlyweds under a white tent during an outdoor wedding ceremony.

Sunset Portraits

Sunset portraits are a fantastic way to add a touch of magic to your wedding photography. Not only do they provide a beautiful backdrop, but they also offer a romantic and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for capturing some of the most stunning and memorable photos of the day. If you're looking for a way to make your wedding photos stand out, then sunset portraits are definitely worth considering.

Romantic sunset portrait of newlyweds embracing on a path with golden backlight.
Newlywed couple posing in beautiful golden hour lighting on their wedding day.
Newlyweds walking hand in hand during golden hour on a garden path.
Romantic wedding moment captured on pathway with golden sunlight behind.
Elegant wedding couple embracing outdoors during sunset with trees in background.
Sunset wedding portrait of a couple in formal attire with warm backlighting.
Golden hour wedding portrait with sunflare highlighting the couple's profile.
A close-up shot of couple holding hands on their wedding day, the bride wearing a white lace dress.
A romantic sunset portrait of newlyweds in warm golden light.
Wedding couple standing together on grassy lawn during golden hour sunset.

The Reception

A backyard wedding reception is a great opportunity to capture candid moments because of the relaxed and informal atmosphere. People are more likely to let their guard down and be themselves, which makes for some great photographic opportunities. Candid photography can capture the essence of the day and the emotions of your loved ones.

Simple white wedding cake with gold 'Gates' topper surrounded by white flowers.
A black and white image of a couple dining at an elegant table with a white tablecloth and floral centerpiece.
A couple dancing at a wedding reception with the bride wearing a detailed lace gown.
An emotional embrace showing the back of a bride's detailed lace dress and visible tattoo.
Close-up shot of hands cutting into a white wedding cake with a sparkler on top.
Wedding guests dancing on a wooden dance floor under a tent with warm lighting.
A couple sharing their first dance under dimly lit tent reception lighting.
A tender moment between a couple during their wedding dance under tent lighting.
Wedding couple sharing intimate moment under tent lighting at evening reception.

The Movie


Kashan was the videographer of the day, from getting ready to reception he captured every moment alongside 2 photographers, never getting in each others way. This intimate backyard wedding was a beautiful story to tell and we wanted to focus on the emotion of the moment and the love between Rachel and JB as opposed to a lot of details/venue shots etc.