Vintage Backyard Wedding in New Jersey
Briana and Scott decided to cancel their 130-guests wedding upstate New York in Lake George about 2 months prior to their wedding date and plan an intimate, woodsy Backyard Wedding in New Jersey instead. They went for a vintage, free-spirited, whimsical, and boho vibe. Which represented these two lovers so well. Briana and Scott DIYed and thrifted most of their wedding decor. Keeping in mind their earthy neutrals color palette. Briana is a yoga teacher and graphic designer so she even designed her own invitations and paper goods! Their friends also helped make their day even more special, by adding their touch to the signage and painting a badass leather jacket for Briana. As Briana described it it was a labor of love as their family and friends made sure every detail was in place.
We started the day at the hotel where everybody got ready together, before heading to Hemlock Falls, South Mountain Reservation for their first look before their backyard ceremony. We made sure to have the woodsy vibe throughout her day while capturing their love story. Briana and Scott’s used Scott’s backyard for their ceremony and reception to celebrate their love in the most intimate way.
Briana said the ceremony was her favorite part of the day and, to be honest, it was mine as well. I loved that her friend started her ceremony by meditating and making sure everybody was truly present for their day. Their vows were beautifully written and full of emotions. I love that they created their own little tradition by closing their vows in a wine box that they will, later on, reopen on their wedding anniversary. They really focused on what this day meant to them and how they want to start this new chapter of life together. It wasn’t only a gorgeous day, but it also was true to them, honest and personal.
Advice from Briana and Scott for future couples:
“My biggest piece of advice to future brides is to stay true to who you are as a couple. Let that be the thread to guide you in planning. I think sometimes people get so caught up in tradition and what they think they “should” do, that they forget they have the power to make their day anything they want it to be. Also, have fun! Planning is inevitably stressful so lean into the support you have around you and don’t take it all so seriously 🙂 “
