What could be more enchanting than a backyard wedding filled with laughter, love, and a sprinkle of magic? That’s precisely what Emmy and Owen experienced on their beautiful garden wedding day, June '23! With a captivating Disney theme that brought out the inner child in all of us and personal vows that were Oscar-worthy, their celebration was filled with joy and delightful surprises.
In this blog post, I'll take you through the picturesque journey of Emmy and Owen's wedding, highlighting how they turned a sudden rain shower into a day full of unforgettable memories.
A Dreamy Venue for a Backyard Wedding in Surrey
Nestled in the heart of Surrey, the couple chose to celebrate their love at the family home. This made for a gorgeous, intimate ceremony. Surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and charming décor, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical.
As I arrived to capture the day’s moments, I could feel the excitement in the air. Emmy and Owen had envisioned a garden wedding that was as beautiful as their love story—simple, yet breathtaking. The couple's choice of a venue, with its stand-out floral arch and elegant seating, perfectly set the tone for a dreamy celebration.
The Calm Before the Storm
Emmy and her girls were gathered in the furthest bedroom, all hair curlers and makeup brushes. My team and I started by photographing the getting ready and all of the special details. The room had a huge balcony overlooking the set-up of the day. We used the balcony to have some fun and capture Emmy with her girls before the 'getting the dress on'.
Moments before the ceremony was set to begin, a surprise rain shower fell like a curtain over their dreams. Emmy’s heart sank as she watched dark clouds roll in, and her visions began to fade with each drop. I could sense her nervousness, but I reassured her that the rain would soon pass, and sunshine awaited just beyond the clouds. I checked my phone, making sure my promises weren't empty.
As guests rushed to bring the chairs inside, I could see Emmy muster her spirits. She took a deep breath, raised a glass of bubbly, and for that moment, her resilience shone through.
A Ray of Hope
Just as I had promised (I thanked my lucky stars!), the sun broke through the clouds, and the patio space which was awaiting the ceremony dried up within minutes. The team quickly moved chairs back outside, and all of a sudden, it was show time.
There’s a lesson here: While we may not control the weather, we can certainly control the joy and love we bring into each moment. My advice is to ALWAYS lean into every moment of your day, even if it's not what you envisioned. When you look back at your wedding, you want to remember that feeling of being fully present and enjoying every second, even if it's not going quite to plan!
Seeing Emmy in her stunning dress awaiting the first look with her Dad is a moment I won't forget. She radiated happiness, and Owen’s eyes lit up with admiration as he caught his first glimpse of her. It was a powerful reminder that love can shine even brighter when facing challenges.
The Ceremony of Love
As the ceremony began, laughter and happy tears filled the air as they exchanged AWESOME vows. Their love story, echoing the spirit of a classic Disney tale mixed with Marvel and Superheroes, overflowed with emotions that resonated with every guest present. My favourite moment of course, was the delivery of the rings - the family pup! Everyone loves a wedding with dogs!
As I captured the couple’s beautiful moments shared during the ceremony, it was clear that the love line between them grew stronger. It was evident that their bond was not just about the wedding day, but about building a future together, filled with love, laughter, and support.
Celebration in the Garden
After the ceremony, the celebration sprang to life! The garden transformed into a lively space as guests danced to the music from the band, mingled, and enjoyed refreshing Aperol Spritz —an absolute summer essential. Emmy and Owen embraced the DIY wedding spirit, incorporating décor elements like handmade centrepieces and fairy-tale-inspired table settings that truly reflected their personalities.
Capturing the Magic
One of the most rewarding parts of being a wedding photographer is capturing moments that couples will cherish for a lifetime. During the reception, we took a quiet moment to sneak away with Emmy and Owen for some breathtaking couple photos amid the garden’s beautiful backdrop.
The air was hot and muggy, and I could tell Emmy was getting warm in all those layers. She had a second look planned for dinner and dancing, so we wanted to capture photos in her gorgeous gown before the big change.
Every shot seemed to celebrate their love in a different light, reflecting how their unique personalities intertwined.
A Night to Remember
Emmy ducked inside for her outfit change ahead of dinner and dancing. The guests danced away in the garden before being seated ahead of the couples' grand entrance.
Emmy and Owen danced their way into the Marquee to Chris Brown - Forever. Every time I hear this song, I am taken right back. to this moment, high-fiving their guests and bringing their energy to the dance floor for a little routine! I do love a bit of choreography.
Dinner got underway, and we took a moment to let the guests enjoy their food and drink. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the Greek-themed meze board. We then set up for the truly heartfelt speeches, and of course, all the best speeches include props! The photo I remember Emmy's dad showing around was of little Emmy as a child wearing cute Minnie Mouse ears.
As the sun began to set, the atmosphere warmed with gentle laughter and engaging chatter. This summer evening in Surrey embodied everything a backyard wedding should be. Emmy and Owen had crafted a space where guests felt free to share happiness, whether it was by dancing on the grass, sitting by the fire, playing garden games or enjoying each other’s company as they exchanged heartfelt stories.
It would have been rude not to make the most of the glowing sun, my favourite time of day to take pictures! We took a walk around the pond/lake, finally getting some snaps on the love swing that Emmy and Owen had made for their wedding. DIY wedding decor at its best!
The Power of Love and Perseverance
Emmy and Owen’s wedding reminds us that even when things don’t go as planned, it doesn’t have to overshadow the joy of the day. Adapting to the unexpected can lead to cherished memories. A sudden rain shower can transform into a beautiful backdrop for your love story.
At the end of the night, as I packed up my gear, I felt immense gratitude. I was honored to have been part of such a special occasion, capturing the bond between two incredible individuals. Their backyard wedding in Surrey became a story of resilience, laughter, and beauty that will live on in their hearts forever.
Embrace Whatever Comes
Whether you're planning a backyard wedding or dreaming of a grand celebration, remember to embrace the unexpected. Like Emmy and Owen, every couple has the opportunity to create a unique experience that reflects their love story.
Consider incorporating DIY elements that add personal touches, especially when surrounded by family and friends who support you. The beauty of a wedding lies in the love shared between couples and their guests.
As you embark on your wedding journey, keep that magic alive. Even if clouds loom overhead, let your love shine through. Thank you, Emmy and Owen, for allowing me to be part of your beautiful day!
Danielle Chambers, Dorset-based wedding photographer + videographer
@danielleweddingphotography
Comments