Elyssa explains

Engagements

The Kivii Life

Weddings

Blog Party

welcome to the

Weddings

September 14, 2020

Casual Backyard Wedding in Virginia

An older couple holds hands on their wedding day - inspiration for a casual backyard wedding

A Casual Backyard Wedding for John & Dawn

I’m starting to get used to this micro-wedding thing. This weekend’s fantastic tiny affair was a casual backyard wedding for the lovely Dawn & John. We drove a couple hours north Saturday morning, just over the border into South Boston, Virginia, where the almost-weds were gathering with a dozen or so of their favorite people in John’s grandmother’s backyard.

During the ceremony, it started to drizzle a little bit, but fortunately big drops held off until after lunch mostly done. When the rain did come, Dawn’s kids sprung into action, moving the tents that had been set up behind the tables over the tables, so older relatives could stay seated comfortably. And as these things go, the rain stopped just as soon as the tents had been re-set.

These casual weddings flow a little differently, so there wasn’t really a dance floor and reception in that sense, but Dawn had Uptown Funk queued up for a quick little dance party right at the end of lunch.

We weren’t the only team helping pull their day together though. Show some love to the rest of the team:

Catering: Sage & Swift
Florals: An Event to Remember
Rentals: A Vintage Setting
Video: John’s brother!

A little peek at John & Dawn’s day:

I loved their Sunday best style, perfect for an intimate wedding like this.

Wedding style inspiration for a casual backyard wedding Wedding style inspiration for a casual backyard wedding Wedding style inspiration for a casual backyard wedding

The tables they had set up in the backyard were spaced so that family groups could sit together and maintain distancing while everyone was watching the ceremony and then eating. And of course there was plenty of hand sanitizer available!

Wedding reception table set with vintage glassware and colorful signage Wedding reception table set with vintage glassware and colorful signage Wedding favor with a message from the couple The bride's mask at her Covid19 casual backyard wedding

The original plan was for the couple to get married at their home church in Durham, but this backyard altar turned out pretty good I think! And I loved how their relatives lined the aisle with flowers before John & Dawn “entered.” And they entered together hand in hand, which is so symbolic and touching.

DIY altar set up for a casual backyard wedding Relatives of the groom bring flowers in to line the aisle for a casual backyard wedding ceremony An older couple walks up the aisle to their wedding ceremony hand in hand Casual backyard wedding during a worldwide pandemic Casual Backyard Wedding inspiration, Second wedding inspiration Casual Backyard Wedding inspiration, Second wedding inspiration Wedding rings exchanged at small wedding ceremony The best wedding ceremonies include laughter Wedding ceremony with communion Casual Backyard Wedding inspiration, Second wedding inspiration

I *think* they’re happy to be married…

Casual Backyard Wedding inspiration, Second wedding inspiration Casual backyard wedding inspiration Casual backyard wedding inspiration Sticky Bun wedding cake Sticky bun wedding cake

Here’s one of the shots I managed to grab during a slightly chaotic 5 minute rainstorm…

Rain on your wedding day is good luck!!

…and the kids moving the tent over John’s mother and grandmother.

Casual backyard wedding inspiration Casual backyard wedding inspiration

After lunch and sticky buns, Dawn’s best friend, John’s brother, and John’s son all gave heartfelt toasts.

Casual backyard wedding inspiration Casual backyard wedding inspiration Casual backyard wedding inspiration

Then, we had our single song dance part to Uptown Funk, which brought out some hysterical laughter (I’m always a fan of that).

Casual backyard wedding inspiration Casual backyard wedding inspiration Casual backyard wedding inspiration

And that was a wrap. Congratulations John & Dawn! We wish you all the best 🙂

 


We believe that love is bright and colorful, and your wedding photographs should be bright and colorful too.

Kivus & Camera are Raleigh Wedding photographers who create bold, colorful, magical memories of your wedding day with beautiful, artistic portraits AND enthusiastic, genuine moments. Your unique love story deserves to be told through unforgettable, breath-taking photographs that stand out from the crowd. Kivus & Camera love creating that magic. After all, as past bride Courtney says, we’re photography sorcerers.

And though we call ourselves Raleigh wedding photographers, we definitely photograph Durham weddings, Chapel Hill weddings, Cary weddings, etc. We’re all over the Triangle area, and we’re happy to head to the beach or mountains and even to places outside of North Carolina! Just let us know where your love story is headed.

Want to know more? Check out more of our images or learn more about our nerdy selves or just send us a note! Can’t wait to hear from you.