As a Bay Area wedding photographer, intimate backyard weddings have become one of my favorite things. Especially with all of the rescheduled weddings from earlier this year, it makes me SO happy that some people are choosing to get married still in 2020, including Lacey and Aaron. Their precious micro-wedding was somewhere between an elopement and a full blown shindig, it featured just 13 guests – their closest family members and friends (with Lacey’s brother tuning in via Skype all the way from New Zealand) to the quaint Bay Area city of Millbrae.

Just because they were choosing to do an at-home wedding does NOT mean they skipped out on all the little wedding details that visually bring the day together. One of my favorite parts of the wedding was all the floral design, created by my friend Allie of Bloomwell & Co. Lacey’s parents entryway, dining room and backyard were in bloom with stunning arrangements, an arch way, and precious bud vases. Even the sweet one-tier cake had a little floral magic.

The wedding was officiated by Lacey’s parents best friends who also married them 28 years earlier. Everyone laughed and teared up, hearing not only about how Lacey and Aaron met (because a family member swiped right – haha) but also how well they love one another. It was so much fun to see how close they each were with their families, Lacey’s dad even helped Aaron get ready before the whole day got started.

These intimate weddings really remind you what’s important: beginning your marriage on a steady foundation focused on what matters most.

Lacey shared a little bit about her favorite parts of their intimate wedding, too!

“Aaron and I took the whole COVID / wedding situation pretty well, it wasn’t something that happened just to us, it wasn’t our fault and we couldn’t do anything about it so there was really no reason to be brought down by it. With that said we knew we still wanted to legally marry as we had a long engagement (two years) and although pushing the party out another year was the best decision who knows how this whole COVID thing would play out. A very small wedding in my parents backyard with only immediate family was really the only option and it made sense!

I truly loved how laid back the day was, although there were a bunch of people around setting up or getting ready it still get natural and easygoing. Having chef (who was originally cooking everything for the big wedding, and still doing the party) there to cook was really special and took a huge weight off of my parents shoulders! 

I think my top moments have to have been getting ready with my mum, sister, officiant (mum’s best friend) and our vendors who are friends! Also I took a moment while we were all having drinks before the wedding and looked out to everyone and was just thankful for everything they do for us, and making that small ceremony so special!

Honestly I wouldn’t change a thing, I’m a “take things as they come and adapt” type of girl and it was great! 

If I had to give advice to other couples, I would say: let loose of the reins, it wasn’t the wedding we originally planned and it didn’t need to be! I loved giving up control and telling Allie (our florist) to do whatever she wanted! When you give the professionals the ability to do what they do best everything turns out so much better than you expect!”

Vendors:
Floral Design: Bloomwell & Co.
Hair and Makeup: Domenica Beauty

If you’re looking for a Bay Area wedding photographer or looking to host a Bay Area elopement, reach out, I’d love to work with you!

Looking for more pretty! Check out this floral-obsessed wedding inspiration!