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I love backyard weddings, especially when they’re in my own backyard (relatively speaking, of course)!! For the second weekend in a row, I was lucky to photograph a wedding in town for a family whom I have loved getting to know over the past year. Kathryn’s mom Jan and her sister Jocelyn acted as coordinators for this production, and it was such fun following the plans come together over emails, phone calls and excited conversations at the studio.

Kathryn and Dan met and live in Montreal, but returned to Kathryn’s hometown for a moving ceremony at her childhood church and quintessential tented reception on the Fourth of July holiday. So on the day that everyone was celebrating America’s independence, Kathryn and Dan were relinquishing theirs (overhead by Kathryn’s brother in the receiving line).

How they met, in Kathryn’s words:
We met at an athletic cancer fundraiser called Step Up for the Cure, organized by one of our groomsmen. I was still in my undergrad and he had just returned from a year-long bike trip around the U.S. perimeter. We had a long run of very awkward dates and it was a good couple weeks before we even kissed, much to the great entertainment of my roommates and friends. It was difficult not to want to spend time together and he would show up at the library while I was studying with chocolate milk and a construction paper card for a walk in the snow. We’ve always been busy people but we somehow sneak time like that for ourselves still–it keeps us orbiting each other and laughing away our worries together.

Adorable, no? Enjoy the images from their fantastic day, a perfectly lovely reflection of their unique personalities and shared love.

A hand drawn map in their ceremony program prepared guests for the fun that awaited after the nuptials.

I spotted this childhood memory among the bridal beauty products. Home weddings allow for these sweet personal touches.

Beau-ti-ful!

Kathryn’s mom Jan tackled many of the wedding elements herself, including the flowers. She did a fantastic job with the bridal bouquet.

All of the rain we have had lately means rich green grass, a perfect backdrop for portraits. Bride Kathryn.

And groom Dan.

The darling flower girl gets a better view during the ceremony. Spotting her dress unbuttoned reminds me of when I was a little flower girl and hated the itchy lace detailing of my dress.

Married! Exiting the church to “A Little Help from My Friends” by the Beatles, singalong style.

The entire bridal party received the guests outside the church in the sunshine.

Dan requested a Reservoir Dogs-type photo with his groomsmen. I cracked up when he had a hard time pulling off the serious face. Instead, it was all smiles for this happy groom!

Precious.

Back at the house, guests were treated to an array of back yard fun including horse shoes, badminton and croquet. Under the tent, the Tony Boffa Band had the group’s toes tapping.

I loved their place card display, clothespins under a porch. It seemed the fitting place for a creative ring shot against the silhouette of the tent.

First dance.

Toast giggles.

Kathryn’s oldest brother Jim is currently serving in Iraq, but sent a life size cardboard cutout as his stand-in.

Oh, I hope this photo brings this little girl lots of laughter when she’s older. Reaching for the bottle, beer or otherwise, she doesn’t discriminate.

Mmmm… my favorite, Two Fat Cats cupcakes.

Check out their album below (if you’re having trouble viewing, clear your cache and then try again).

Photographer: Emilie
Ceremony: St. Alban’s Episcopal Church Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Officiant: James Adams
Reception: Kathryn’s family home
Caterer: Gary Shevenell Muddy River Catering
Florist: Kathryn’s mom
Band: Tony Boffa Band
Cupcakes: Two Fat Cats Bakery
Hair/make-up: Lena Hartford Hair That Moves
Gown: Anne Barge Spoil Me Portland, Maine

Wow. Kathryn and Dan, and your loving families, thank you so much for inviting me to document your special celebration. I felt the pulse of your love all day long, and drove away with such a happy heart. Congratulations, and hugs to all!