A Southern backyard wedding deeply rooted in love & moments of connection? That’s exactly what Ashton and Phillip’s big day was. It took place on a friend’s private property in Georgia, surrounded by woods, a quiet pond, open fields, and the people they love most. It looked like it was plucked straight out of a story book.
I had already photographed their in-home engagement session in Georgia, (see here) so being in the South again for their wedding day was extra meaningful. Their engagement session was all about the place they called home.
Their Southern backyard wedding carried that same sense of connection, but with more people and a lot more celebration.
A timeless bridal look with a Southern setting
Ashton wore a stunning long-sleeve lace gown with intricate floral detailing from Tiffinie Bleu Bridal. The fitted silhouette and sweeping train was elegant and romantic, but it wasn’t too formal for the backyard setting. Her long veil added even more movement to the portraits.
Phillip wore a deep navy suit with a soft bow tie and a beautiful boutonniere of white blooms, greenery, and delicate floral accents.
The bridesmaids wore neutral-toned dresses that complemented the natural landscape beautifully. Against the autumn foliage and deep greens of the property, the entire bridal party looked incredibly cohesive.
The outdoor ceremony on the lawn
The ceremony took place outdoors beneath a large tree with an incredible floral installation. Pampas grass, lush greenery, and soft neutral blooms framed the couple without competing with the landscape.
Everyone was so thrilled to see these two become husband and wife, and start the next chapter of their lives together. I don’t think there was a dry eye.
After they were officially married, we wandered down to the water for portraits while the guests enjoyed an elevated cocktail hour under the twinkle lights.
I loved all the quiet moments on the property. Like where Phillip twirled Ashton beneath the trees. They even took a little boat ride on the pond together. These are the kinds of photographs I love most because they feel like an extension of the day rather than putting a hold on it.
The reception was just as thoughtful. Long wooden tables, white chairs, dried grasses, greenery, and warm string lights created a beautiful outdoor dining experience. As evening settled in, the lights transformed the property into something completely magical.
It truly was exactly what these two envisioned when they planned their Southern backyard wedding.
Ending the evening with floating lanterns
The couple ended their evening with floating lanterns, which made for some truly beautiful photographs. It created a core memory for not just the newlyweds but all their guests. It’s a really is an elevated experience to add to your reception for your guests.
Side note: if you are considering something similar, it is important to plan carefully.
Traditional sky lanterns can create fire hazards, interfere with aircraft, and leave burning or non-biodegradable materials behind. Here is a list from the National Fire Protection Agency to check safety regulations to check if they would work for your reception or not!
For a more environmentally conscious alternative, consider LED lanterns as well! A stationary candlelit lantern installation could be a fun alternative if you still want that glowy look. Or a tethered lighting experience that creates the same glow without releasing anything into the sky.
So many ways to experience this moment at the end of your wedding depending on where you’re getting married & what the venue or State allows.
A Southern backyard wedding that I’ll remember for a long time to come!
From the quiet moments by the pond to dinner beneath the string lights and one last kiss beneath a sky full of glowing lanterns, this beautiful, intentional day was everything I love as a destination wedding photographer.
Vendors Team:
- Gown: Tiffinie Bleu Bridal
- Florals: Rags and Riches Flowers and Gifts
- Bridesmaids: Show Me Your Mumu
- Videography: Katherine & Tyler
