Intimate Backyard Wedding In Bellingham

Amber and Zach’s intimate backyard wedding will always feel extra close to my heart. I’ve known Amber since she was a senior in high school, so standing beside her on her wedding day—camera in hand—felt a little surreal. Watching someone you’ve photographed as a teenager now walk down the aisle to marry the love of her life is such a full-circle moment, and I’m still so grateful I got to be there for it.

The Look

For hair and makeup, Amber worked with the talented team at Symmetrie Studios, who created a look that was polished yet soft and romantic—perfect for an outdoor celebration. Her gown from Belle Bridal could not have suited her more. It was elegant and timeless, with just the right amount of detail to stand out against the greenery in the yard. Watching her step into that dress in her childhood home was such a sweet, emotional moment.

The Details

Their intimate backyard wedding took place at her parents’ home, and you could immediately see how much love and effort went into transforming the space. The yard was completely reimagined for the celebration—freshly landscaped, carefully styled, and filled with thoughtful, elegant details. There was this beautiful balance of simplicity and intention: nothing felt overdone, yet every corner had something special to notice. It was warm, welcoming, and felt exactly like them.

One of my favorite things about backyard weddings is how personal they are, and Amber and Zach’s day was the perfect example. They got ready inside the home she grew up in, surrounded by family bustling around in that happy pre-ceremony chaos—steaming dresses, pinning boutonnières, touching up makeup, and sneaking in hugs every chance they could. You could feel how proud Amber’s parents were, not just of how beautiful the day looked, but of the life she’s built and the man she was marrying.

The Ceremony

The ceremony space was set up right in the backyard, framed by trees and soft natural light. Guests gathered in close, seated on rows of chairs that made the whole thing feel intimate and cozy. There’s something so special about hearing vows spoken in a place that already holds so many memories. Amber and Zach promised forever in the same yard where countless family gatherings, holidays, and ordinary days have unfolded, and that history gave their ceremony an extra layer of sweetness and depth.

After they said “I do,” we took advantage of the golden light and wandered around the property for portraits. The house, the trees, the garden corners—everything became part of the story. Amber and Zach are such an easygoing couple, and that translated into their photos: lots of laughter, gentle hugs, and quiet little moments when they forgot anyone else was around. It’s so clear how much they adore each other, and that kind of connection is a dream to photograph.

The Reception

The reception carried that same relaxed, heartfelt energy. Guests mingled in the yard, clinking glasses and chatting under open sky as the sun slowly dipped lower. The tables were beautifully set but never stuffy—simple, elegant décor that matched the tone of the day perfectly. The whole evening felt like the most elevated version of a family gathering: delicious food, meaningful toasts, and so much joy.

As the night went on, the backyard transformed yet again. String lights and candles created a soft, romantic glow, and the space that had seen so many ordinary days became the setting for one of the most important days of Amber and Zach’s lives. Their first dance, surrounded by family and friends, felt so tender and genuine. There were quiet tears, big laughs, and the kind of dancing that only happens when people feel completely at home.

Looking Back

Looking back on Amber and Zach’s intimate backyard wedding, what stands out to me isn’t just how beautiful everything looked (though it truly was stunning). It’s the feeling of it all—the sweetness of watching someone I’ve known since her senior photos step into marriage; the love and effort her parents poured into their home; the way their closest people gathered in a space that already meant so much to them and turned it into something unforgettable.

It was personal, elegant, cozy, and full of heart—everything an intimate backyard wedding should be, and such an honor for me to capture from beginning to end.