lauren + adrian | intimate backyard wedding at home


I met Lauren and Adrian on the morning of their wedding. That almost NEVER happens. But from her thorough emails (with photos!), Lauren made me feel like a friend right from day one. Every time she'd send me a wedding update, I had something new to look forward to. From the J Crew tulle skirt she'd wear, to the hand painted wedding invitations, it was safe to say I was looking forward to September 25th.

Let this be a warning. 

Lauren and Adrian's wedding will make you want to throw away all your plans for the big, glamorous wedding you've been planning since you were 10, and start from scratch. With a $5,000 budget, they stripped away the tradition and created an event that was perfectly them. I am so excited to share a few photos from their backyard wedding that focused on three things: good food, great friends, and a celebration of the romance between a man and his new wife.  








Lauren found this skirt on Kijiji, along with a simple silk white top to match. The top felt a little bit too "fussy," needing constant adjustment to be just right. That was so not the feel that Lauren wanted on her wedding day. Ultimately she paired the skirt with the most perfect black ballerina top. 







Lauren & Adrian's handpainted wedding invitation was one of my favourite elements from the morning's details. It was painted by Lauren's best friend (& sister-in-law), Chantale. She acted as a bridesmaid of sorts, while also managing to do Lauren's hair. So much love for this girl -- she was my go-to person all day when I needed help.  





Adrian carried Lauren's grandfather's pocket watch in his jacket that day. This next photo is one of my favourites because it was the last one I took before we left for their first look. 1:10pm, that was my cue. 



Beneath an apple tree by the river, Lauren and Adrian had their first look. It was one of the sweetest moments I've documented this year. When creating this blog post, I knew I couldn't leave out a single photo from the set.










Have you ever seen a more radiant bride? This is what it looks like to be the happiest you've ever been.














Back at the house, the guests were starting to arrive. Following the ceremony the white tent would be filled with their favourite people while they enjoyed sandwiches, wine, cheese, and little goodies from The Crusty Baker in Kemptville. 













This next part is one of my favourites. Lauren & Adrian chose to sign the registry in the kitchen with their parents as witnesses. They did this in the hopes of creating an intimate moment, while also avoiding the formality of signing during the ceremony. 

Friends, this is the stuff I'm talking about. Who says you have to sign the registry during the ceremony? Who says you can't sign it in the kitchen and use your parents as witnesses? I'm all for tradition, but I love when couples make their own rules. 























Lauren told me she didn't want formal portraits. She dreamed of happy candids and photos that were filled with life. By having such a small guest list, I was really able to capture everyone who attended.  




And as the sun was starting to set, I left them to enjoy the rest of their celebration. I asked Lauren if it was everything she had dreamed of. With the biggest smile on her face she said, "and more."


Lauren & Adrian -- it has been a pleasure having you on my calendar 
for the last year, never having met you but feeling as if I had known you for years. You trusted me to capture your intimate celebration and I'm honoured. I have no doubt that you will continue making each other happy for the rest of your lives while turning your amazing house into a home. 

Every time I drive by, I'll think of you and the white tent 
with two peaks that sat in the backyard on September 25th. All my love! 

THE CREATIVE TEAM:

Bride's top: Aritzia

Bride's skirt: J Crew
Groom's suit: Banana Republic
Florals: Blumenstudio
Invitation: Hand painted by the bride's bestie
Photography: Laura Kelly Photography
Catering: The Crusty Baker (Kemptville)
Cake: Homemade by the bride
Tent Rental: Rebel Tents

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1 comment :

  1. This is so spectacular. Fabulous photos as ever, Laura!

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