Don’t get wrong – I love weddings so much. It’s why I continue to photograph them. But I do love doing smaller, intimate weddings in between all of the traditional events. When Tim and Caitee asked me to photograph their Royal Oak backyard wedding, I jumped at the chance!

Tim and Caitee are two of the nicest people. Not only did we used to live in the same city (and love it!) but they also have a corgi. Her name is Pippa and of course she made an appearance in their wedding photos.

Tim’s aunt and uncle have a lovely backyard making this Royal Oak backyard wedding possible. Everything seemed to have a loving family or friend touch, which I think makes the day all the more special. My favorite part might have been Katie’s cape, which honestly more brides should opt for. No one’s pulling a veil out of your hair and you still get the loveliness of tulle blowing in the wind.

We did a first look down the street, famous in Royal Oak, Vinsetta Bolevard, and took a few portraits to start our day. After a very personal ceremony, lead by Katie’s dear friend who also did the flowers (and was amazing!), the crowd of family and friends had a short cocktail hour.

The main bulk of portraits for this Royal Oak backyard wedding were taken in Clawson, where we all lived (at the time, our family has since moved sadly). It had been my dream to photograph a couple in Clawson and Caitee and Tim made that come true! We even got to use the marquee at the Three Cats, which I’ve always wanted to do.

What may be most perfect about small intimate weddings is that I was done with my wedding coverage and then went off to dinner and a concert with my husband. Win-win!

Vendors:

florals: Flower Moxie | HMU: Salon Bliss | Invites: Zazzle | Wedding bands: Clawson Jewelers | Gown: Lulu’s | Groom’s Attire: Indochino