Intimate Backyard Wedding With Kaleb Norman James

This wedding was such a special one for me to photograph. I first met Chelsea and Daniel a couple of years ago at my assistant Kelsey’s wedding, and I still remember how sweet and genuine they were even then. So when Chelsea reached out and asked if I would photograph their wedding, I was absolutely ecstatic. It’s always an honor to be chosen as someone’s photographer, but when it’s a couple you already adore—and a best friend of your assistant—it feels extra meaningful.

This intimate backyard wedding truly captured the essence of love and togetherness.

From the moment I arrived, the whole day felt full of warmth and intention. Chelsea and Daniel are the kind of couple who make everyone around them feel at ease. They were relaxed, joyful, and completely present, and it showed in every single photo. The light was soft, the air was a little crisp, and everything about the day just felt… right. It was one of those weddings where you can feel the love in the air—not just between the bride and groom, but radiating out from their families and friends too.

Everything about this celebration was stunning. Can we talk about the details? Everywhere I turned, there was some thoughtful, beautiful touch that reflected who they are. I love working at private venues because they’re always so personal and intimate, and this intimate backyard wedding was the perfect example of that. The entire day took place at Chelsea’s childhood home, which added such a deep layer of meaning. The house, the yard, the steps she once ran down as a kid—now the same place where she said “I do.” You could feel the history and love wrapped up in that space.

The intimate backyard wedding atmosphere allowed guests to relax and feel at home.

One of the dreams I got to fulfill on this wedding day was working with the incredibly talented Kaleb Norman James. I had admired his work for so long, and getting to finally collaborate with him did not disappoint. The florals were out-of-this-world gorgeous—lush, layered, and completely romantic. Every arrangement looked like it belonged in a magazine, and yet it all still felt very natural and effortless. Paired with all of the thoughtful decor, it truly made the day feel like pure magic.

The bride and groom were literally glowing the entire day. Chelsea has this classic, graceful beauty, and on her wedding day she was absolutely radiant. Daniel couldn’t stop smiling at her, and I lost count of how many times I caught them sneaking little looks and laughs when they thought no one else was watching. We had so much fun during portraits—nothing felt stiff or forced, just two best friends in love, soaking in the day they had been waiting for.

Every moment of their intimate backyard wedding was filled with laughter and joy.

Now I’ll let Kelsey’s perspective fill in a bit of their story, because no one tells it quite like your best friend.

Chelsea is Kelsey’s best friend from eighth grade, and being part of her day was such a huge honor for her. Chelsea and Daniel first met in high school, but their love story really began later, when they went off to university—Chelsea in British Columbia and Daniel in Oregon. Their relationship had to grow and strengthen across long distances, late-night Skype calls, and all the ups and downs that come with that season of life. They’ve already weathered so much together, and their love has only deepened because of it.

The planning for their intimate backyard wedding was a labor of love.

Kelsey talks about how they have such a sweet, tender love for one another in everyday life—but she had never seen them more radiant than on their wedding day, just as it should be. There was a lightness and joy about them that made it so clear they were stepping into exactly what they were meant for.

They said their vows on the front steps of Chelsea’s childhood home, surrounded by people who had watched their story unfold for years. It doesn’t get more personal or meaningful than that. After the ceremony, everyone moved into the backyard, where the evening turned into this dreamy, joy-filled celebration. We danced under the stars, toasted the happy couple, and ended the night by the fire making s’mores—a perfect, cozy finishing touch to a day that had been years in the making.

Guests cherishing the intimate backyard wedding vibe as they celebrated.

It was one of those weddings that felt both deeply rooted and beautifully simple: a love story that started in high school, strengthened across state lines, and culminated in a heartfelt backyard celebration at home. Chelsea and Daniel truly are God’s perfect gift to each other, and I feel so lucky I got to be there to witness and capture their day.

This intimate backyard wedding will always be remembered by all who attended.

I hope you enjoy this little glimpse into their celebration. It’s one I’ll always carry with me.

The love shared during this intimate backyard wedding was palpable.