Steff & Julia’s Backyard Wedding in Portland, ME

Steff and Julia have been long term clients of mine — I’ve had the honor of capturing their engagement session, legal ceremony, and now their wedding celebration with friends and family! It’s always so wonderful to spend so much time with the same clients since we really get to develop a rapport with each other and they become super comfortable being in front of the camera with me. I have had so much fun spending time with this lovely pair and was thrilled to be a part of their celebration!

Steff and Julia met while working on a farm several years ago, and clicked right away. Their personalities complemented each other perfectly, and steadily built a strong relationship together. They eventually got a dog and an apartment together, and knew it was time to take the next step! They got engaged at Independence Park in Beverly, MA, and had their legal ceremony a few months later. They then started planning for their wedding celebration with their closest loved ones next summer!

Backyard weddings hold a unique charm and intimate feel that perfectly encapsulated Steff and Julia’s vision for their wedding day. We started the day off in Julia’s parents’ house where the pair got ready in the same room separated by a divider. Steff had a gorgeous custom-tailored maroon suit and shoes, a tie and a pocket square that all had matching floral patterns. Julia dressed in an elegant white gown and maroon flats that matched Steff’s suit perfectly! Julia’s bouquet was picked freshly this morning from flowers growing in the beautiful garden outside the window. When the two had finished getting ready, they had a sweet first look moment when they stepped out from behind the divider to see each other for the first time in wedding attire!

From there, we moved outside to the beautiful backyard that was bursting in bloom and had chairs set up for the dozen of family members there to witness the micro ceremony about to unfold. Because Steff and Julia had already gotten legally married, they self-officiated their unofficial wedding ceremony in the backyard — something I’d never seen before and was delighted to witness! The two exchanged heartfelt personal vows describing their love and commitment to the each other, and had a few of their loved ones say a few words as well. They sealed the exchange with a ring exchange and a kiss, then poured champagne for everyone to enjoy in celebration! Steff and Julia even had a surprise for everyone that attended their backyard vow exchange — a beautifully crafted cocktail kit in a mason jar.

After a light lunch, we spent some time taking portraits with family and the couple. The backyard had a Victorian garden party atmosphere, and Julia and Steff had even brought props — a straw hat and parasol — to accentuate this theme! Julia’s mother had worked hard in the past few months to grow the most beautiful flowers in the garden, which were the perfect backdrop for the couple’s portraits.

Following the ceremony, we all got in our cars and drove to Sagamore Hill Lounge in Portland, ME for the larger reception! The couple made their entrance to the applause of 40 of their friends and family, and everyone enjoyed the drinks, food, and dessert that were offered as Steff and Julia made toasts. David Coffin, a well-known shantyman, even made an appearance and entertained the audience with a number of lively sea shanties! It was truly an evening to remember. I am so grateful to have been on this journey with Steff and Julia and am thrilled for their life together! Check out some of the photos from their beautiful backyard ceremony below: