Rachel and Michael’s backyard wedding on Martha’s Vineyard was full of meaning in every moment of the day. They gathered their closest friends and family together for an intimate ceremony followed by a backyard wedding reception under the stars. It was the ultimate joy to capture their love — on digital and 35mm film.
About Rachel and Michael
These two are no doubt one of the most effortlessly cool, laid-back couples I have the pleasure of knowing. Rachel and Michael met and fell in love in New York City, where they still live with their pup, Oliver. They both work in creative fields and we immediately hit it off on our initial call, so I knew right away — these are my people!
We met for the first time during their at-home Brooklyn engagement session last fall and had a blast together. You can check out the photos from their engagement session, here! R + M’s easygoing and creative nature jived so well with mine, it felt like we were just laughing and chatting like old friends. So you could say I’ve been anxiously awaiting the creative and colorful backyard wedding they were planning ever since!
A peek into their Martha’s Vineyard backyard wedding
Rachel and Michael were so relaxed throughout their backyard wedding in a beautiful way. The whole day had a low-key vibe that felt so inviting and fun to be a part of. After the ceremony, everyone gathered on the porch and lawn area to make aperol spritzes together which pretty much sums up the essence of their entire day. No fan fare, no big ado, just laughter and hugs over a bottle of champagne. It was perfect.
Following the ceremony and cocktail hour, guests gathered in a secluded backyard for their intimate reception, a candlelit dinner al fresco. Nestled under the trees, guests were greeted by a long wood table, whimsically decorated with colorful wildflowers, cozy blankets, hanging bistro lights, and name cards that were actually sugar cookies (each handmade by the bride!). Everything about their backyard wedding basically felt like the intimate dinner party of my dreams. So much joy, storytelling, and laughter was shared all at one table, with the wind gusting through the trees around them.
The meaning behind their day
There are so many memorable moments that made up R + M’s backyard wedding on Martha’s Vineyard that it’s hard to sum it up into words. From their private vows during their first look to their intimate dinner party nestled in the trees, and the fact that Rachel made all of the desserts, it’s impossible to pick a favorite. But, if I had to, it would be this: Michael made a special toast during dinner that was unforgettable. He thanked everyone for being there, and talked about their connections to Martha’s Vineyard and why they chose to get married there (it always feels extra special when the couple chooses to get married in a meaningful place). He then went on to make a toast to Rachel, his wife(!), and there wasn’t a dry eye at the table.
Why backyard weddings are so special
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of backyard weddings (and it’s not just because I had one of my own!) The intimacy, the laid-back feel, the ambiance — it’s a total vibe and one of my favorite ways to document couples tying the knot! If you’re planning a backyard wedding and want to your people and love captured in a candid way, let’s chat! I now offer both digital and film wedding photography packages. You can connect with me through my contact form, here! For more backyard wedding inspo, check out another recent wedding I shot, here.
Ceremony location: Private residence, Katama, Martha’s Vineyard
Reception Location: Rental residence
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Jackie Kane
Catering: Spring Sheldon
Florist: Aubrey Maria Designs
Hair Stylist: @vernici_maria @seaspasalon
Makeup Artist: @marthasvineyardmakeup @seaspasalon
Bridal Dress: @BHLDN Reception Dress: @bronxandbanco
Bride’s ring/wedding band: @victorbarbonejewelry
Cake/Desserts: Bride a.k.a. @dreamcakes.fun !!!
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: @michaelandrewsbespoke
Custom vow books: @paperpeachshop
