When people hear backyard wedding, it can sometimes come with the wrong assumptions; low effort, thrown together, or lacking intention. Kelsey and Miles' intimate backyard wedding completely flipped that narrative. Hosted at a family member’s home, their day was thoughtful, beautiful, and full of heart, even with the rain in the forecast. With a color palette of soft pinks and warm oranges, their wedding felt joyful, cozy, and incredibly personal from start to finish.
Kelsey poured her heart into the details of their wedding, thrifting most of the décor herself. Each piece felt intentional and sentimental, giving their intimate backyard wedding a collected, meaningful feel that can’t be replicated in a traditional venue. Nothing felt overdone—just personal, warm, and perfectly them. Miles added a personal and unforgettable touch by bringing his restored Model T to the celebration. It made the perfect backdrop for portraits and added a timeless, one-of-a-kind element to their wedding gallery.
Kelsey and Miles were originally on the fence about doing a first look, but choosing one ended up being one of the best decisions they made. Their first look was incredibly sweet and emotional, giving them a quiet moment together before the ceremony. From an experienced wedding photographer’s perspective, this choice was huge. Because they chose a first look, we were able to complete all family photos, bridal party photos, and bride and groom portraits before the ceremony. That timing mattered because as soon as the ceremony began, the rain started and didn’t let up.
Despite steady rain during the ceremony, the day never lost its joy. Guests came prepared with umbrellas, and Kelsey and Miles thoughtfully provided umbrellas for their entire bridal party. One of the most meaningful moments was their prayer time during the ceremony, when family and friends gathered closely around them. It was intimate, emotional, and powerful, and the rain only added to the moment.
White tents were set up in the backyard for the reception, allowing the celebration to continue no matter the weather. Despite slippery floors, the dance floor stayed full—and somehow only two wipeouts happened all night (a true win given the conditions). What stood out most was Kelsey and Miles’ attitude. Even with rain throughout the ceremony and reception, they stayed positive, joyful, and fully present. That mindset is what allowed us to create beautiful, meaningful images no matter what the weather brought.
Kelsey and Miles’ wedding is a perfect reminder that:
- An intimate backyard wedding can be just as beautiful as any venue
- Rain doesn’t ruin a wedding day
- And choosing a first look can completely change the flow of your timeline
Because they decided to do a first look, we were able to capture every important photo before the rain began—ensuring their day felt as relaxed, organized, and stress-free as possible.
Kelsey and Miles, your wedding day was such a joy to photograph. Thank you for trusting me to guide you through your timeline and capture your love story, rain, joy, and all.
The Vendor Team:
Photography: Emily Person Photography
Bridesmaid dresses: Birdy Grey
DJ: Eugene Goldboro DJ
Hair: Jessica Pilkington
Make-up: Jennifer Watkins Jones
Coordinator: Sherry Stewart/Chassity Zmijewski
Dress: Jillian’s Bridal
Videographer: Franklin Smith Photography
Rentals: Brooks and Reid Events
