» Private Residence Delaware Wedding Photographer
During a sunny day in Delaware, Carmelita and Neonta were two of the most warm-hearted people I’ve ever met, and their wedding perfectly reflected that. The couple’s backyard ceremony was intimate, romantic and full of laughter. Their reception space was decorated with simple touches that reminded me of a colorful 30’s themed flapper era with a New Orleans twist. The bright peacock feathers stole the show on the cake and the beautiful outfits both brides wore at this under-the-tent event!
I first met the couple at their Engagement session with me last year at Ridley Creek State Park. We met on a beautiful autumn day surrounded by fall foliage where these two cozied together and got snuggly for pictures beneath the trees and over by the waterfall. Autumn always makes for the best Engagement photos, and seeing as it’s right around the corner, I always encourage couples to book around that time period. It makes jumping right into the Engagement session easier during fall.
I was ecstatic when the day finally came for the pair to tie the knot with friends and family at their home Smyrna, Delaware. It was my first time doing a private residence wedding as most of my weddings take place at venues. Private residence weddings have a different feel because the guests feel at ease since they’re familiar with their surroundings. Why am I noting that? Simple! When people are at ease and feel comfortable, it shines through in the photographs. People are more willing to laugh, smile, and be their entire selves without me having to encourage or force it. In fact, 90% of the time, I found myself just capturing the events as they flowed without any guidance for me. This made for a full body of documenting candid moments between friends and family where the entire day was replayed with pictures. Is it a good replacement for videography? Not quite! Videography has its place too alongside photography, but I feel like photography stands better over time.
I was happy when the day finally arrived for these two to wed and was in love with how their family and friends came together to create what felt like a beautiful 30’s inspired flapper period wedding with lace, frills, and bold colored feathers. It was my first time doing a private residence wedding, so I was excited to use my experience with at-home lifestyle sessions in the past and use it on this wedding day. My approach was a bit what I always do: blend in the background, be a fly on the wall, and have the occasional interaction and reaction shots.
I’m beginning to appreciate the in-between moments where guests are caught interacting and engaging with one another. For me, it’s an artistic way of capturing the events where the couple can explain what was happening down the line and have a visual retelling for others to follow along easily. Neonta and her friends did a fun Karaoke type rap event where classics and current songs were played for everyone to rap the verses or enjoy the song’s vibes. The reception is my favorite and probably one of the overlooked glances into wedding photography. It’s rich storytelling where you feel part of it all and can visualize yourself there again and again.
Here are some of my favorite highlights from their intimate backyard wedding in Delaware.
As always, it’s a joy to be what I feel is a thoughtful glance into the lives of two people and be able to capture their love story in a way they can appreciate for a lifetime. Thank you for allowing me to celebrate your wedding and capture your day!