A Backyard Wedding That Belongs in a Magazine


Some weddings just radiate warmth and intention—and Natalie and Andrew’s celebration was the perfect example. Set at a family friend’s private home in Southern California, this wedding felt like a luxury venue, even though it was technically someone’s backyard (yes, really). The kind of space that makes you go, “Wait... this isn’t a wedding venue?!”


With over 150 guests, the day was beautifully designed but still incredibly personal. Natalie got ready at her family home, surrounded by love, laughter, and meaningful moments—including stepping into her mother’s wedding dress. That detail alone added so much heart to an already emotional day.


My second shooter was with Andrew as he got ready, capturing the quiet anticipation before he saw his bride. Meanwhile, guests gathered in the front yard for a sweet, heartfelt ceremony, surrounded by lush greenery and the kind of light photographers dream about.


Cocktail hour happened poolside (casual perfection), and the reception? On the tennis court turned elegant party space. Think twinkle lights, great music, and a packed dance floor. It was effortlessly classy and laid-back in the best way—a perfect reflection of who Natalie and Andrew are.

Backyard weddings always have a special kind of magic, and this one? Next level.

Wedding details flatlay with invitation, vow books, jewelry, and orange rose on cream background.
An elegant diamond ring nestled in the center of a vibrant orange rose with baby's breath flowers in the background.
Wedding vows book in navy blue with gold text beside a red ring box and delicate baby's breath flowers.
Close-up of delicate gold pearl earrings against wedding stationery.
Elegant white wedding heels and dried flowers arranged on a light background with dramatic shadows.
Elegant wedding invitation with marble vow book, orange rose, and delicate gold rings on light textured background.
White wedding dress and red bridesmaid dresses hanging from a tree in a backyard garden setting.
A white lace wedding dress hangs from a decorative hanger under green tree branches against a blurred background.
Custom wedding dress hanger with 'Mrs. Edelson' text displayed against green foliage.
A black and white photograph shows a group of people gathered outdoors in front of palm trees on a sunny day.
A group in matching coral-colored satin robes share drinks and laughter under palm trees at an outdoor celebration.
A celebratory group in red dresses and white attire sprays confetti in a sunny backyard garden setting.
A picture of someone wearing heart-shaped sunglasses and a white shirt while posing against a white wall.
Black suit jacket hanging on a personalized wooden hanger against silhouetted window blinds.
Professional in white dress shirt adjusts red necktie while standing near bright corner windows.
Three people in white dress shirts and red ties play pool together in a bright room with framed artwork.
Two men in white dress shirts share a candid moment while adjusting a tie in a bright sunlit room.
A tender moment as someone helps adjust a young boy's navy suit tie near a bright window.
Two people in formal attire with red ties and vests prepare for a special occasion indoors.
A person in business attire adjusts their tie while standing in a lush garden setting with trees and plants.
Two groomsmen sharing a lighthearted moment on a patio surrounded by lush garden greenery.
A boutonniere is being pinned onto a navy suit jacket with a red tie during a wedding preparation moment.
A group of groomsmen in suits toasting and laughing together outdoors on a sunny day.
Groomsmen in navy suits taking celebratory shots together on a sunny lawn.
Groom in navy suit with red tie and boutonniere poses in garden setting.
Two groomsmen in matching navy suits pose playfully on the lawn under large trees.
A group of silhouetted people walking together on a hillside path beneath an overhanging tree branch in black and white.
Two people in navy suits share an intimate embrace during wedding photos in a lush garden.
Two people in navy blue suits share a joyful embrace in a sunny garden setting.
A tender moment captured in black and white as someone helps adjust a formal tie or boutonniere.
A radiant bride in an off-shoulder white gown stands in a sunlit hallway.
A bride in an elegant off-shoulder lace wedding dress smiles warmly while standing in a bright hallway.
A bride in an elegant off-shoulder white wedding gown stands with wedding party members in a bright indoor setting.
Candid moment of wedding party members having animated conversation in bright indoor venue.
An elegant mature couple sharing a joyful laugh during a formal event in evening attire.
Emotional wedding moment as parents embrace their daughter in her beautiful white bridal gown.
A bride in a white wedding dress shares an emotional moment with two women wearing navy lace dresses.
A woman in a navy blue dress helps adjust a white wedding gown on a bride in a brightly lit room.
Two women share an intimate moment before a wedding, with one wearing a navy lace gown and the other in white bridal dress.
Two women in formal attire taking a selfie together at a wedding celebration event.
Wedding party wearing burgundy dresses reacts joyfully to the bride in a backyard setting with palm trees.
Four people in red dresses share reactions and emotions while standing together at an outdoor event.
Bridesmaids in long dark dresses stand in line on a lawn with palm trees during a wedding.
Bridesmaids help adjust a flowing white wedding veil during preparation in a warmly lit room.
Two people wearing light-colored dresses share a joyful moment in a backyard with palm trees.
Elegant bride getting ready while wearing a delicate lace wedding dress for her special day.
A joyful candid moment between a bride in white dress and veil dancing with a guest in blue at a wedding reception.
Close-up shot of someone putting on earrings while getting ready for a special occasion.
Close up portrait of a bride in lace off-shoulder wedding dress with natural makeup and dark updo hairstyle.
Wedding reception decor with a photo display stand and metal buckets on a white tablecloth in a garden setting.
Garden wedding venue with rows of wooden chairs and flower petals along a grassy aisle.
Outdoor garden wedding ceremony setup with white rose petals lining an aisle between gold chairs and tall cypress trees.
Ornate tiered water fountain flowing in front of Spanish-style stucco building with terracotta roof.
A vibrant floral arrangement with yellow roses and greenery adorns an outdoor chair at a sunny garden event.
Customized water bottles with elegant floral labels featuring navy blue roses and decorative text for a wedding celebration.
An elegant framed audio guestbook sign at a wedding with decorative details in a garden setting.
A groom waits in a Mediterranean-style courtyard with stone arches and lush landscaping.
A bride in an elegant white dress stands on a sunlit path holding a vibrant floral bouquet.
Wedding couple in formal attire standing in front of Mediterranean-style stone archway with lush garden.
A romantic first look between newlyweds outside a rustic stone and stucco venue.
Wedding attire featuring a navy suit with red tie and floral boutonniere against an archway.
A wedding couple stands together under Mediterranean-style arches surrounded by lush landscaping and Spanish tile roof details.
A wedding couple poses in front of a stone archway surrounded by lush garden foliage in black and white.
Newlyweds share a romantic moment by a stone archway surrounded by autumn foliage.
A wedding portrait in front of a Spanish colonial building with arched colonnade and tropical garden landscaping.
Newlywed couple poses with colorful bouquet against Spanish-style architecture and tropical plants.
A wedding portrait captured in front of a Spanish-style building with stone archways and tropical landscaping.
Two laughing people holding beautiful bouquets of peach roses and eucalyptus against a green outdoor background.
A bridesmaid in burgundy and bride in white holding matching floral bouquets pose together in a garden setting.
Groomsmen in navy suits with red ties sharing a laugh together outdoors.
Two people stand together outdoors with lush bouquets featuring bright summer flowers against a green garden background.
Two people in wedding attire share a joyful moment outdoors while holding a beautiful floral bouquet with roses.
Wedding party in burgundy dresses and black suits poses together outside Spanish-style venue.
Wedding party in navy suits and burgundy dresses posed together outside Spanish-style venue.
Joyful wedding party in burgundy attire celebrates under Spanish-style arches with bright sunlight and flowers.
Wedding party poses in terracotta-colored dresses with vibrant bouquets against a Spanish-style backdrop.
Wedding party celebrating with raised bouquets under Spanish-style architecture.
Beautiful floral frame with orange roses, red blooms, and eucalyptus surrounds a joyful celebratory portrait against warm background.
Groomsmen in dark suits with red ties pose together at an outdoor venue.
A celebratory moment at a wedding reception with guests sharing drinks and laughter.
Attendees share warm embraces during an outdoor wedding reception.
A person holds a decorative white parasol at an outdoor garden wedding with floral decorations.
Wedding guests smile and gesture while walking together through a Spanish-style stone archway with sunny courtyard.
A sunlit outdoor wedding ceremony takes place in a garden setting with floral arrangements along the grassy aisle.
An emotional moment shared between guests at an outdoor wedding venue with Spanish architecture.
Wedding processional walking down outdoor aisle with burgundy bridesmaids dresses and gold chairs.
A couple walks together outside a Mediterranean-style stone building with arched entryway and terra cotta roof tiles.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony with guests watching the couple from rows of chairs outdoors.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place on a sunny lawn with gold chairs and floral decorations.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated on white chairs along a grassy aisle lined with flower petals.
An outdoor wedding ceremony with guests watching under bright sunlight and autumn foliage.
An outdoor wedding ceremony takes place in a garden setting with guests seated on gold chairs during golden hour.
A smiling bride in a white dress holds a peach and orange bouquet while being escorted down an outdoor aisle.
Wedding ceremony in a garden setting with white petals scattered on lush green grass.
A joyful wedding processional moment outdoors on a sunny autumn day with trees in the background.
An outdoor wedding ceremony taking place on a sunny lawn with guests looking on.
A joyful wedding ceremony takes place in front of a rustic Mediterranean villa with landscaped gardens.
Outdoor wedding ceremony set against tall cypress trees with scattered white petals along the aisle.
Garden wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs arranged outdoors among lush greenery and palm trees.
Wedding welcome sign with calligraphy surrounded by tropical plants and yucca leaves.
Bridesmaids in coral dresses hold yellow flower bouquets during an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Wedding guests seated in wooden chairs watch ceremony while holding programs in an outdoor garden.
Wedding guests in formal attire share a joyful moment during an outdoor celebration.
A couple in formal navy blue attire enjoying an outdoor celebration on a sunny day.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors with attendees gathered under natural lighting.
A tender moment between newlyweds during their outdoor wedding ceremony with a microphone stand visible.
Wedding guests seated outdoors in formal attire at a garden ceremony with lush greenery in the background.
Wedding guests enjoying a sunny outdoor celebration in summer garden attire.
Black and white photo of hands holding delicate pearl strands at a formal event.
A wedding guest in a navy suit stands outdoors during a ceremony with white drapery and floral decorations.
Wedding guests and family members sharing an intimate moment during an outdoor celebration.
Close-up of hands wearing wedding rings against a white lace dress.
Close-up black and white detail of a wedding dress being adjusted, showing delicate lace and fabric details.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with cypress trees and floral arch in garden setting.
Wedding ceremony moment shows newlyweds and officiant under parasol during outdoor garden celebration.
Romantic wedding kiss under white fabric draped archway in outdoor garden setting.
A happy couple walking down the aisle while wedding guests cheer during an outdoor ceremony.
Happy newlyweds exit their outdoor wedding ceremony while guests shower them with flower petals.
Happy newlyweds celebrate during their outdoor garden wedding ceremony with scattered flower petals.
A joyful outdoor wedding ceremony with flower petals scattered on the grass under cypress trees.
Wedding party members in navy blue attire walk across a lawn scattered with white petals.
Elegant white tent reception setup with round tables and blue carpet runner.
Elegant wedding reception setup with white draped tent ceiling, round tables, and gold charger plates on white linens.
Elegant wedding table setting with gold charger plates and colorful floral centerpiece.
Wedding seating chart display board set up outdoors with palm trees and garden setting.
Vintage-style gold frames display cherished family photos on a decorated wedding reception table.
White place cards with black text and small animal icons displayed on a table setting.
A beverage station with glass dispensers and decorative greenery set up for an outdoor wedding reception.
Mariachi violinist in traditional black suit performing by a pool with flowering garden.
Couple signing their marriage license at wedding with floral decorations in background.
Group of wedding guests posing together with fun props at a photo booth.
Wedding guests serve themselves from ornate tiered platters at a buffet under Mediterranean-style arches.
Mediterranean-style venue with terra cotta building, outdoor patio, umbrellas and decorative water feature.
Wedding celebration at a Mediterranean-style venue with guests gathering around a swimming pool.
Newlyweds walk together on artificial turf in front of a Spanish-style venue at sunset.
Clear acrylic wedding welcome sign with floral decorations displaying wedding date and names.
A romantic sunset wedding photo of a couple walking through a tropical paradise garden path.
A newlywed couple share an intimate moment in a garden setting with golden sunlight filtering through trees.
A romantic wedding couple embraces outdoors in a sunlit garden setting with golden foliage in the background.
Close-up of hands showing wedding rings against white lace dress.
Black and white portrait captures tender embrace between newlyweds in outdoor setting.
Decorative wedding mirror sign with palm trees reflection stands in tropical outdoor setting.
Wedding couple stands on stone bridge with weeping willow tree in romantic garden setting.
Bridesmaids in burgundy dresses gather for a celebratory moment.
A romantic silhouette at a grand staircase under an ornate ceiling with chandelier in warm ambient lighting.
Black and white photo of couple on elegant spiral staircase with ornate chandelier and iron railing.
Black and white photo of an elegant outdoor wedding reception under a white tent.
An elegant crystal chandelier hangs from draped white fabric ceiling at an indoor wedding venue.
Wedding party celebrates with raised bouquets during outdoor ceremony with wooden chairs.
Wedding reception under white tent with guests celebrating on blue dance floor.
A joyful couple dances together on a blue floor at an outdoor wedding reception with yellow willow trees in background.
Wedding party dancing together on a blue dance floor under an outdoor tent.
Bridesmaids in burgundy dresses embrace while holding yellow sunflower bouquets at outdoor reception.
Couple shares joyful moment while dancing together at outdoor wedding reception.
Two figures share an intimate slow dance together on a wooden dance floor under an elegant reception tent at an outdoor event.
Wedding celebration under a floral arch with cascading white flowers and bright yellow accents.
Guests enjoying a photo booth station with props at an outdoor wedding reception.
White wedding favor tags with 'Thank you for being a Key part of our lives' text and heart cutout.
Wedding party gathered on green carpet in front of Spanish-style building with hanging lights and palm trees.
Wedding party poses for a formal photo outside a Spanish-style venue with string lights.
Outdoor wedding celebration with string lights and terracotta-colored Mediterranean architecture.
Guest in navy blue dress speaks at evening outdoor reception.
Speaker in blue suit giving animated speech at outdoor evening reception.
Evening wedding reception with guests dancing under floral arch and string lights.
A woman in a navy evening gown dances under twinkling lights at an outdoor evening reception with floral decorations.
Two people speaking at an evening outdoor event with string lights and greenery in the background.
Wedding guest laughs while sitting at decorated reception table with string lights overhead.
A joyful wedding guest enjoying dinner at an elegantly decorated outdoor reception under string lights.
A candlelit wedding reception table with laughter and joy shared between guests.
Evening wedding reception speech being given outdoors under string lights.
Candid moment of newlyweds laughing together at their reception dinner table.
A speaker in white shirt and red tie addresses guests during an evening wedding reception.
Wedding guests share laughter around an elegantly decorated candlelit dinner table.
Wedding guests sharing a joyful embrace during evening reception celebration.
Emotional embrace shared during wedding reception celebrations under evening string lights.
Couple sharing first dance under tent at evening wedding reception with string lights.
A celebratory dance moment on a blue-floored reception area under an elegant white tent.
Couple shares a romantic dance moment under evening lights at outdoor reception.
Wedding couple dancing energetically at nighttime outdoor reception.
A joyful dance moment at an elegant tented wedding reception with chandeliers overhead.
A joyful dance moment between a bride and another guest under an elegant tented reception with purple lighting.
Wedding reception dance under white tent with purple lighting at night.
Reception dance moment captured under purple-lit tent with white draping and chandelier.
Couple shares an intimate dance under an elegant white tent at their evening wedding reception.
Black and white photo captures joyful couple dancing together at their wedding reception.
Elegant couple dances together at evening reception with string lights in background.
A person in formal attire laughs enthusiastically during a reception in an elegantly decorated tent venue.
Wedding guests celebrate by lifting people on chairs during an energetic reception dance party.
A celebration at a wedding reception with guests lifting the couple on chairs under a tent at night.
Wedding celebration with the bride being lifted up by guests during reception festivities.
Night reception celebration with guests lifting bride and groom on dance floor.
Black and white photo of wedding guests celebrating with crowd surfing during a lively reception party.
Wedding reception dance floor filled with energetic guests celebrating with bride in strapless gown.
Evening wedding reception with purple floral decor and string lights creating a romantic ambiance.
Elegant three-tiered dessert stand with chocolate covered strawberries and pink desserts at an outdoor reception.
Dancing and celebration on a dimly lit dance floor at wedding reception.
Night wedding reception with guests dancing under colorful lights and white tent.
Wedding reception dance floor filled with guests enjoying lively celebration under tent.
Guests dancing with glow sticks under white tent at nighttime wedding reception.
Bride tossing bouquet to waiting crowd of guests on dance floor at wedding reception.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating on an outdoor dance floor under a white tent at night.
Nighttime wedding celebration with guests dancing and socializing under string lights.
Wedding guests dancing together under string lights at nighttime celebration.
Couple sharing dessert together at nighttime outdoor reception with string lights.
A couple shares a playful dance moment at their outdoor evening wedding reception with string lights.
Wedding guests dancing under white tents at night in black and white photography.
Wedding celebration on dance floor with festive lighting and energetic dancing.
Wedding reception dance party with guests holding light sticks under string lights at night.
Party guests dance and celebrate on a wooden dance floor under a white tent at an evening event.
Bride dancing energetically on blue dance floor at outdoor evening reception.
Festive wedding reception scene with dancing under colorful lights and glowsticks in a tented venue.
A close-up of white block heel sandals and tulle dress hem on a parquet dance floor.
Black and white photo of couple sharing playful moment as groom lifts bride on outdoor walkway.
A groom carries his bride while dancing during their wedding celebration at night.
Rows of elegant gold chairs line a grass aisle scattered with white rose petals.
An outdoor wedding ceremony under a flowing white fabric canopy in a garden setting.
Two women in white dresses share an emotional embrace during a wedding celebration.
Wedding reception table details with heart-shaped sunglasses and coral roses on white linens.
Elegant crystal chandelier hanging in dark tent ceiling with string lights creating ambient glow.