C+D’s backyard tent wedding
A summer backyard wedding in Kitchener
C and D’s July wedding is proof that you don’t need a traditional venue for an elegant day. Their ceremony took place on a wide lawn looking out over fields and trees, with a big white tent set up for the reception just steps away.
Getting ready
The morning started on a sunny deck, with the bridesmaids in matching navy satin pyjamas, the bride in a blue floral set and a bottle of champagne to toast the day. Later, the bridesmaids changed into mismatched gowns in burgundy, emerald, dusty blue, slate and blush, plus one in sharp green trousers and a striped shirt, all carrying white hydrangeas. The bride’s bouquet mixed deep red and white blooms, and her strapless lace gown was simply stunning.
A ceremony under the arbour
The aisle was lined with barrel planters overflowing with red roses, big white blooms and tall white snapdragons, leading to a simple timber arbour dressed in the same flowers. The groom waited in a classic black tux and bow tie, two little flower girls in peach dresses scattered petals, and when they were pronounced married, the bride raised her bouquet high in the air with a cheer as their family and friends clapped.
Golden hour
We took a few quiet portraits by a tall arched window and on the front steps of the stone house, then headed out to the field for golden hour. The warm evening light, the long grass and the trees made for some of my favourite photos of the whole summer.
Tips for a backyard tent wedding
- Pick your ceremony spot for the view. A wide lawn with open sky and trees looks stunning in photos.
- Bring the florals outside. Barrel planters and a dressed arbour turn a backyard into a ceremony space.
- Save time for golden hour. Twenty minutes in a field at sunset is worth stepping away from the party.
See S and C’s backyard tent wedding in Elmira, or more of my favourite spots as a Kitchener-Waterloo wedding photographer.
