SYMBOLIC, SOULFUL BACKYARD WEDDING AT CHILDHOOD HOME IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: AN INTIMATE DESTINATION WEDDING ON DIGITAL, FILM, & DRONE

Written By Miranda Tate

Soon-to-be-newlyweds made the move across the country to begin a new life in Chicago, Illinois. What better place to celebrate a commitment of forever and a new life together than in your own backyard? From childhood home to newly-wedded bliss, this home be the setting a lifetime of precious memories. Every detail of this intimate backyard wedding was deeply rooted in meaning and symbolism.

From the number of diamonds in her bespoke wedding band and the elevated lift of his, to the location, menu, and floral choices, this wedding was a true reflection of simplicity, quiet luxury, and soulful elegance.

1/67
Standing under a trellis of lush greenery and delicately placed orchids, bride and groom exchanged their vows. of 35 mm film.

Black and White. Chicago Suburb.

2/67
Scenic Chicago Suburb. Digital.

The groom's childhood home.

3/67
The groom’s charming childhood home. The setting for this weekend’s intimate wedding celebration, and the newlywed’s first home as husband and wife. Digital.

decorative birds line the window sill.

4/67
Paper mâché birds. 35 mm film.

bookshelf filled with eclectic decor.

5/67
Interior designer and mother of the groom artfully curated eclectic pieces and whimsical decor for their home. Digital.

Up-close of pink pastel florals.

6/67
Dreamy pastel pink florals. Digital.

Black and white. Up-close of orchids.

7/67
White orchids for a spring wedding. Digital.

The wedding bands surrounded by greenery.

8/67
Bespoke wedding bands.

“My ring features seven diamonds in different cuts set on a slender gold band. I liked the idea of seven diamonds, because the number seven symbolizes completeness and wholeness. Chase’s band has raised ridges so the center of the ring is slightly elevated. We liked the idea of our marriage elevating our life, lifting us both up.”
Digital.

Black and white. Sheet music and wedding bands.

9/67
“Love Me Tonight". 35 mm film.

flatlay with vow books, wedding bands, and perfume.

10/67
Wedding details: vow books, perfume, and wedding bands. Digital.

the guest book

11/67
A guest book. 35 mm film.

backyard garden filled with roses.

12/67
A pink Bengal rose. 35 mm film.

black and white. wedding gown hanging outside from a tree.

13/67
The Sparrow Floral Gown by Jenny Yoo; Haven Satin Sandal by Monique Lhuillier. 35 mm film.

black and white. the mother of the bride helps her get ready.

14/67
Getting ready together. Digital.

up-close of the mother of the bride's hands.

15/67
Mother of the bride prepares jewelry for her daughter, the bride. Digital.

black and white. portrait of the bride in the groom's childhood home.

16/67
A soft bridal portrait before walking down the aisle. 35 mm film.

black and white. the groom's mother straighten's his tie.

17/67
Final touches for the groom and mother of the groom. A wool suit made by Canali at Neiman Marcus. Digital.

Hydrangeas and hand-woven orchids lay outside the ceremony space.

18/67
Garden hydrangeas and hand-woven orchids fill the ceremony space. Digital.

Orchids hang from the trellis in the ceremony space.

19/67
Orchids hang from the trellis, hand-woven by the mother of the groom. Digital.

black and white. The groom's mom walks her son down the aisle.

20/67
Walking down the aisle with mom. Digital.

Black and white. Father of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle.

21/67
The father of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle. Digital.

Black and white. The unveiling of a beautiful bride.

22/67
The unveiling. Digital.

The bride and groom exchange vows under the trellace.

23/67
An exchange of vows, surrounded by greenery, flowers, and loved ones. 35 mm film.

Black and white. guests look on as the bride and groom exchange vows.

24/67
Guests look on as the bride and groom exchange vows. Digital.

The bride and groom share a smile at the altar.

25/67
Smiles from the altar. Digital.

Black and white. The bride and groom share a kiss.

26/67
First kiss as husband and wife. Digital.

The bride and groom exit the ceremony hand-in-hand.

27/67
The happy couple, hand in hand. Digital.

The newlyweds walk through the garden to take bridal portraits.

28/67
Escaping for a quiet moment together on the front porch. Digital.

A family portrait in front of the childhood home.

29/67
A wedding portrait of the new family. Digital.

The bride and her parents pose in front of the groom's childhood home.

30/67
The bride with her mother and father. Digital.

Black and white. Portrait of the groom in front of his childhood home.

31/67
A relaxed groom portrait. Digital.

The bride looks over her shoulder and smiles for a portrait.

32/67
A candid, laughing bridal portrait. Nothing but happiness and love. Digital.

Black and white. The newlyweds share a kiss in front of the groom's childhood home.

33/67
A private kiss in front of their new home together. Digital.

The newlyweds look lovingly at one another on the steps of the groom's childhood home.

34/67
The look of love. Digital.

Up-close shot of the handmade bouquet of pink florals.

35/67
Arranged by a local floral shop, this colorful and organic bouquet features peonies, roses, ranunculus, and white roses. Saville Flowers. Digital.

Black and white. The newlyweds share a laugh with one another.

36/67
Candid moments together. 35 mm film.

Black and white. Up-close shot of the bride and groom sharing a kiss.

37/67
One last kiss before rejoining the celebrations. Digital.

Drone photo. A view of the reception space from above.

38/67
A view from above: the intimate backyard reception and private dinner party. Drone.

The newlyweds sit at the head of the table.

39/67
The newlyweds sit hand-in-hand, surrounded by loved ones. Digital.

Up-close of the hor d'oeuvres.

40/67
Preparing the appetizers. Digital.

Black and white. Private chef serves dinner to the guests.

41/67
Kevin Schuder, professional vegan chef of 15+ years and owner of Chicago’s vegan Fancy Plants Cafe & Kitchen, exposes the dish. He explains the ingredients, method, and story of the meal. Digital.

Black and white. The newlyweds smiles with guests as they are brought food.

42/67
Dinner is served. Digital.

Guests wait for dinner to be served in an intimate backyard setting.

43/67
Dinner at dusk. 35 mm film.

Black and white. The food is passed around the table.

44/67
“Chef Kevin put together a completely plant-based dinner for our reception. For the main course we had a Lion's Mane Mushroom Steak Wellington, with truffle black lentils, charred broccoli, and mashed potatoes. Kevin is also owner of Fancy Plants Cafe & Kitchen in Chicago.” Digital.

Black and white. A view of the guests at dinner through a window.

45/67
A hidden view: hanging lights glitter and candles glow at this intimate dinner. Digital.

Black and white. The groom's brother serenades guests after dinner.

46/67
The groom’s nephew serenades guests with an original song, “Sapling Days.” Digital.

Black and white. The father-daughter dance.

47/67
The father-daughter dance. Digital.

The bride's father embraces her after their dance.

48/67
A sweet embrace. Digital.

Black and white. The groom shares a hug with his mom.

49/67
Mother-son dance. Digital.

Black and white. Orchids and lights hang from the trellis.

50/67
Draped orchids, greenery, and ethereal hanging lights at night. 35 mm film.

Black and white. The bride and groom cut the cake inside the groom's childhood home.

51/67
Cutting the cake. 35 mm film.

Black and white. The sliced cake.

52/67
A vegan wedding cake. 35 mm film.

The newlyweds share cake and a kiss.

53/67
Cake and a kiss. Film.

Black and white. The newlyweds laugh with friends and family.

54/67
Laughs with family and friends. Digital.

The newlyweds dance through the living room full of friends.

55/67
A first dance in the living room. Song: Harvest Moon, by Niel Young. 35 mm film.

Black and white. The bride and groom look in love as they dance.

56/67
A tender moment for the newlyweds. Digital.

Black and white. The groom's mother leads guests in dancing.

57/67
A family conga line. Digital.

Guests dance in the living room.

58/67
Everyone joins in. 35 mm film.

Black and white. Guests mingle and dance.

59/67
Candid, unfiltered moments. 35 mm film.

Black and white. The newlyweds kiss in the living room.

60/67
The last dance of the evening. 35 mm film.

Family and friends pose with sparklers as the newlyweds kiss.

61/67
Ending the night with sparklers and lots of love. Digital.

Black and white. A blurry kiss surrounded by sparklers.

62/67
Cheers for the newlyweds. Digital.

Guests smile and wave sparklers.

63/67
A moment for the sparklers and the loved ones. Digital.

Black and white. The newlyweds make their exit through sparklers.

64/67
Descending the stairs for a sparkler wedding exit. Digital.

Black and white. A final kiss surrounded by sparklers and smiling faces.

65/67
Last kiss. Digital.

The newlyweds smile together.

66/67
Pure joy. Digital.

Black and white. The newlyweds say goodbye to family and friends.

67/67
Saying goodbye. Digital.

Miranda Tate https://MIRANDATATE.COM
Previous

LUXURY, DESTINATION WEDDING PORTRAITS: A ROMANTIC, SUNRISE EDITORIAL AT THE MUSÉE DU LOUVRE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Next

FALL ROMANCE IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO: THIS MOODY, CINEMATIC ENGAGEMENT SESSION FELT LIKE A SCENE FROM AN ACADEMY AWARD FILM