Quite possibly the wedding that made me fall in love with backyard weddings. Ann called me up one day and was in search of a photographer for the backyard ceremony they were planning with their closest family and friends. She told me they loved hiking and wanted to incorporate a short hike right before they made it official in their backyard. THE DREAM.

I met them at a park near their house and they took me on one of the quick hikes they liked that led to a waterfall. We stopped for photos along the way and had some fun with piggyback rides and walking barefoot through the water once we got to the waterfall. 

My favorite memory from our hike was when I asked Paul to put his arm around Ann and hop on one foot toward me. They looked at me like I was absolutely crazy (valid), but it made for some real laughs and fun photos. 

After the hike, we headed back to their home where their family was waiting for us. Ann had made the cutest balloon arch on their patio where they said their vows and exchanged rings. Everyone cheered. Champagne was poured. Cake was eaten. It was sweet and simple and truly a joy to be a part of such a monumental family moment.

Before I left, I grabbed Ann and Paul for some casual photos of them sitting on the steps that led to their back porch. They ended up being some of my favorite photos ever. Their cute 2 year old niece wandered into the background at one point looking on at her just married aunt and uncle from behind the screen door. The perfect real life stuff that I’m there to help you remember. 

Ann and Paul did their wedding their way. It was perfect. My kind of people.