S+C’s backyard wedding in Elmira, Ontario
A late-summer backyard wedding in Elmira
S and C’s wedding was relaxed, personal and full of happy faces, all in a beautiful backyard in Elmira, just north of Waterloo. A big shade tree, a white farmhouse and a field of wildflowers gave us everything we needed for a gorgeous day without ever leaving the property.
Natural, rustic details
Guests were welcomed by a stack of hand-painted orange wooden signs, and the long tables under the tent were dressed with fern runners, place cards and glass votives. The bride’s bouquet mixed soft lavender roses with baby’s breath and greenery, and the bridesmaids wore silvery grey with greenery bouquets to match. Cocktail hour on the lawn brought appetizers in little paper cones and big drink dispensers.
A ceremony under the trees
The ceremony took place on the lawn beneath that big old shade tree, with wooden cross-back chairs set out for guests. The groom wore a navy suit, the bride’s lace gown had a beautiful open back, and when they shared their first kiss as a married couple, everyone was on their feet.
Wildflowers and string lights
For portraits we walked down a tree-lined path and out into a field of goldenrod, where the soft evening light made everything glow. Back under the tent there were speeches, a simple white two-tier cake topped with a sprig of greenery, and their first dance. As the night went on, the string lights between the tents lit up the whole yard.
Tips for a backyard tent wedding
- Make the most of your trees. A big shade tree makes a natural ceremony backdrop and keeps guests cool.
- Keep the décor natural. Ferns, greenery and wood feel right at home in a backyard setting.
- Hang string lights between tents. They tie the whole yard together once the sun goes down.
See C and D’s backyard tent wedding in Kitchener, or more of my favourite spots as a Kitchener-Waterloo wedding photographer.
