Aaron and Sara, had a wedding planned at a winery in Sonoma this past summer but were told they will not reopen in time for their date. Instead of waiting for Covid to release it’s grip on the last of wedding venues to reopen, they like many couples who are over the wait imposed made a memorable union in the backyards of their home and their neighbors, which happen to be their parents. Here is their story.

I found the backyards transformation for a wedding to be thought-out very well. The backyard fence between the two homes was removed and the couples side is where the cocktail hour and ceremony was set, and the parents side was set for the reception dinner. When you arrived you were greeted by a decorated breezeway with seating, as you entered the couples backyard and circle around through to the next yard you effortlessly walked past an hors d’oeuvre table, bar gathering area, the ceremony site and lastly the reception.

While Aaron was entertaining his family during cocktail hour, Sara was relaxing with her side of the wedding party next door at her parents house.

Sara’s mother made sure her daughters dress looked it’s best..

then it was time for the ceremony.. (4 photo panoramic, stitched in Photoshop)

Loved ones no longer with the couple were recognized during the wedding.

After the ceremony the entire wedding party along with wedding guests shared in a toast. (4 photo panoramic, stitched in Photoshop)

Dinner was served by a professional wait staff, everybody enjoyed the Mexican, Korean or Indian fusion meal that was cooked to order.

When I arrived at the beginning of the day and saw the Chinese lanterns in the breezeway I knew I wanted to use it’s festive décor for my evening portrait. Even though the sun was still out I had just enough control of the light to make it appear as if it was nighttime, all I needed was two powerful strobes.

Thank you Aaron and Sara for having me photograph your special day, in the town of Alameda which I called home for twelve years. The fact that it’s an East Bay “island,” has a variety of beautiful homes from Craftsman’s to Victorians, which are well kept I might add, make it a special place!