Once you see the photos we captured of this stunning backyard wedding in New Jersey, you will have a hard time believing that this WASN’T Sandy and Brian’s original plan. Yes, yet another couple affected by the 2020 pandemic. Instead of postponing, Sandy and Brian chose to downsize their wedding guest list and get married in Brian’s parents’ backyard.
Personally, we think this couple would have brought the heat wherever we went! One thing we always do here at Mile Square Moments, is connect with each couple before the wedding day. This helps up understand and capture the chemistry that already exists between each couple and it comes through in the photos!
A Backyard Wedding Ceremony in Old Bridge, New Jersey
Brian’s parents had a stunning (and spacious!) backyard, so when Sandy and Brian were looking for a new ceremony location for their smaller guest list, it was a natural fit. They still set up a ceremony arch and, if you are planning on a backyard wedding, this is something we recommend you do as well. It helps your guests know exactly where to focus! The ceremony was short and sweet, and absolutely beautiful.
Unexpected Perks of Backyard Weddings!
As backyard weddings become increasingly popular, we have picked up on a few benefits we thought we should share. First, the photos are even better when everyone feels relaxed and natural. And truly, when are you more relaxed than at home? From getting ready photos to family portraits, everyone is genuinely happy and nothing feels forced or rushed. And when you feel good, you look good!
Simple, yet Stunning, DIY Wedding Decor
Another benefit to a backyard wedding? You have more time to set up/take down decor when you don’t need to worry about any New Jersey wedding venue restrictions. We almost fell off our chairs when Sandy and Brian told us that ALL their wedding decor was DIY! They put together an absolutely beautiful celebration and there were so many personal touches unique to them as a couple (which we always love). Everything they had went together seamlessly and you would never know that they put it together themselves!
Bring your dog to your wedding!
This kind of goes hand in hand with backyard wedding advantages, but we thought this special addition deserved their own shout out! If you can, definitely bring your dog to the wedding. Especially for a backyard wedding, when there aren’t extra transportation logistics to work out. Everyone who has dogs knows they are family. And this guy? He even stole focus on a couple of the wedding photos – totally worth it! He was a very welcome addition to the backyard wedding. And he was clearly thrilled to be included. I wouldn’t be surprised if he thought the whole party was for him!
Wedding Photos at Cross Estate Gardens in New Jersey
First, if you are looking for a place to take your wedding photos near New Jersey, we highly recommend Cross Estate Gardens. It’s not hard to find beautiful outdoor photo locations in New Jersey, but this one is a definite favorite.
The greens are beautiful during the summer and into fall, and the architecture almost has European castle vibes. Can you believe that’s a water tower? If you told me that was Sleeping Beauty’s house at one time, I would believe you. Cross Estate Gardens had a mix of stunning photo locations for us to take advantage of and you truly felt surrounded by natural beauty.
New Jersey Wedding Celebration
It’s official, every wedding in 2020 deserves a little extra celebration. We were thrilled to be a part of Sandy and Brian’s backyard wedding celebration in New Jersey. At the end of their bride and groom portraits, Sandy and Brian popped champagne and we celebrated the day! It was absolutely perfect. After the wedding photos, they headed back to their backyard wedding for the reception!
Congratulations!
Vendor Squad
Mile Square Moments is a wedding photography based right here in Hoboken, New Jersey. As you might be able to tell, we love getting to know each couple personally. You might be a MSM couple if you aren’t afraid of a little PDA in photos but also enjoy a night in binge-watching Netflix with a bottle of wine. Planning a wedding in Hoboken, New Jersey? Or planning a destination wedding? You can contact us here to inquire about our photography and videography packages. We are also constantly sharing love stories on Instagram. For more micro wedding inspiration in New Jersey, check out Ashley and John’s Ryland Inn Ceremony.
