Natalee & Justin had a micro wedding before it was cool. It was a gorgeous, sunny day in August 2019, long before government-mandated gathering limits was something I had ever considered an option. I’ve been wanting to share this beautiful wedding since I shot it last year, and now seems like an appropriate time to explain what I love so much about micro weddings. Natalee & Justin opted for an intimate backyard wedding ceremony, with just their closest family to witness their exchanging of vows and rings. Without so much as a maid of honour, Natalee got ready for the day virtually alone. It was the most zen wedding day preparations I’d ever witnessed. Though maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, I could really see the peaceful appeal of such a scaled-back wedding, right from the moment I arrived.
On the other hand, Justin opted to invite a few buddies over to his apartment, complete with a pinball machine, to spend the morning before his wedding. I left Natalee for a short time, to check in with Justin. The energy was much different, but still very relaxed. Since his closest friends weren’t rushing to get dressed for the ceremony, or memorize their speeches. The whole time, they were just hanging out like it were any other day.
When I returned to Natalee, her hair and makeup was complete and she was already in her gorgeous wedding dress. She said I was the first to see all ready – what an honour! We had some time before everyone arrived for the ceremony, so we took some solo portraits of her around her mother-in-law’s gorgeous house, the venue of the couple’s micro wedding.
Before long, those on the exclusive guest list arrived at the mother of the groom’s gorgeous backyard deck and with the sun shining and a light breeze sweeping through, the ceremony began.
With such a small group present for the ceremony, there was no need for a microphone and the emotion was palpable. Everyone was close enough to clearly pick up on subtle trembles in voices and see tears rolling down cheeks. The ceremony was beautiful and in a gorgeous setting that has so much meaning to Natalee & Justin. For a short time after the ceremony, everyone snacked on some sandwiches and refreshments before moving on to family photos.
Natalee & Justin invited me to the farm house they had recently bought and were fixing up. Between the character of the property and the gorgeous golden sunlight streaming through the trees, it was the perfect setting for newlywed portraits. Their wedding day really proved to me that, whether you’re forced to have an intimate micro wedding due to public health recommendations or not, there are so many amazing reasons to have an intimate wedding. You may be missing out on sharing the day with all of the people in your life who mean the most to you, but intimate weddings just hit different. Your experience of the day just might be less chaotic, slower-paced, more emotionally present and more focused on each other.
As long as you invest in quality photography, you’ll be able to share your special day with all of those special people and celebrate with them in smaller groups for months. That doesn’t sound so bad at all, does it? Congratulations Natalee & Justin! Your wedding was absolutely gorgeous and I look forward to filling my calendar with many more weddings just like yours!
Vendors
- Colleen Herner (Wedding Planner)
- Designs by Cate (Florals)
- Jacha Beauty (Makeup)
- Lisa Eccles of Pure Hair Studio (Hair)
- Reverend Nancy Knowles (Officiant)
- Chef Adam Brenner (Catering)
- Anais Annette (Bride’s Dress)
- Parkside Drive (Live Music)