Weddings

Backyard Wedding in Michigan

Why You Should Host a Backyard Wedding

Weddings are such a special celebration, but a backyard wedding is one rooted even further in sentiment, authenticity, and connection. There’s better way to celebrate your love than at a childhood home like Rob & Kelsey did.

As a Southeast Michigan wedding photographer who’s photographed a lot of weddings, I’ve been seeing an increase in couples choosing intimate celebrations over large gatherings at huge venues. Couples these days are craving connection and simplicity, and I’m all here for it.

Hi, friend! I’m Catie Eovaldi and I’ve been photographing weddings for the past 3 years. Heading into my fourth year of wedding photography, I believe your wedding photos should truly showcase the emotions, the details, and you in your wedding day. Choosing a venue is really just the first step in wedding planning and bringing your vision to life. What better way to pick a venue that truly aligns with you than your own home?

Kelsey and Rob’s backyard wedding was focused on family and connection. Rob is from a large Italian family, while Kelsey’s side is also quite large. With the focus of this day on the closeness of loved ones, Kelsey and Rob seemed to be more relaxed and at ease throughout the day since they were at a place they know.

Getting Ready for a Backyard Wedding Ceremony

This day started with me hanging out with Rob & his guys. The groomsmen were getting ready all together at the groom’s parents’ beautiful home while the bridal party spent time at her parents’ home. The groomsmen were so fun to be with, and we spent the first part of our day watching and cheering on the Michigan game in between tying ties and fixing hair.

The groom’s family, like mine, is Italian. The hospitality I received while in their home and throughout the day was so incredibly kind and thoughtful. This played such a large role later throughout the day in how guests experienced the celebration. The thought and intention behind each piece of decor and each activity all centered around hospitality for their guests.

Wedding Ceremony at a Childhood Home

This backyard wedding ceremony was hosted at Kelsey’s childhood home. Nestled in the peaceful countryside of east Michigan, her home was the perfect venue for a sentimental wedding day. With a lawn adorned in simple white chairs and a backdrop of greenery, Kelsey and Rob were married in front of their family and friends. Their officiant was a close family member, something I recommend couples look into if they are hosting their own backyard wedding.

Immediately following their ceremony, the couple took a moment to greet their guests and take a moment alone before joining the rest of the party under the reception test.

Backyard Wedding Reception

Kelsey and Rob really provided the best experience for their guests. As guests were led into the reception tent, they were greeted with a champagne wall and seating chart. This touch of elegance was the perfect addition to the reception. While Kelsey and Rob were having portraits taken with a vintage Chevrolet Bel Air, guests had the opportunity to sign a unique guestbook. In lieu of a traditional book guests signed, they could paint on a canvas that be hung up in the couple’s home. This is such a unique and special way to have their guests included in the day and hang on to something your guests lovingly craft for you.

While guests were sipping champagne and painting, the Bel Air was absolutely flawless and the perfect touch to Kelsey and Rob’s portraits. We even were able to do a champagne pop with the vintage car in the background. Some of my work from this wedding day was featured on Junebug Weddings Unique Wedding Photos article.

Kelsey and Rob shared their first dance in the tent under the starry night sky. It was so sweet when their dog tried to join them! Kelsey’s dance with her father was equally as sweet and they were having so much fun on the dance floor together. My favorite moment though was Rob dancing with his mother- the entire Italian side of the family got up to watch them and film them next to me. They were so happy to be a part of the day and watching them have so much fun just watching Rob and his mom was sweet.

The rest of the night was a huge party. Every guest was out on that dance floor living it up with Kelsey and Rob. I was able to sneak away with Kelsey and Rob for just a few minutes to get some late night, flash inspired portraits. Also, this gave us a minute to take a breather from the crowd and get some final pictures of Kelsey in her gown before she changed into comfy (but cute) sweats. A food truck showed up to serve hotdogs as a late night snack- something everyone absolutely loved and was such a Michigan treat.

Backyard Wedding Vendors For This Day