Emily & Chris’s garden backyard wedding in Glendale was absolutely amazing. Emily & Chris met through a mutual friend when they were in high school and they quickly became friends. They spent many nights hanging out and getting to know each other in Chris’s backyard and their friendship eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship throughout the years. So, it seemed only fitting that they were married in Chris’s parents gorgeous backyard garden!
I have known both Chris and Emily since high school, so this wedding was extra special for me to photograph. It was amazing being able to document how their relationship has grown since high school and how much love they have for each other. It was also great to see their families and how much they support these two and their new family.
As it is with DIY weddings, the morning of seemed a little hectic. So much to do and so little time. Chris and Emily were so thankful that we decided to do their First Look at another location. It gave them a chance to relax and take a moment to enjoy each other away from the busy house before their ceremony. We drove separately up to Thunderbird Mountain for their First Look. After we did their bride and groom photos, we all took a moment to enjoy the beautiful desert, fall breeze, and calm before heading back to the house.
After a short drive and a few minutes hiding in the house, it was time for their sunset ceremony. There is nothing I did not love about this ceremony! Emily was barefoot, as you do in a backyard garden ceremony. Emily’s son, Adonis, walked her down the aisle. When the officiant asked who gives this woman away, he responded, “to share”. Chris and Emily incorporated a Celtic red chord handfasting as part of their ceremony. Their vows were a reflection of each of them. Chris’s vows were written the morning of and transferred from his sketch book to note cards just before the ceremony. Emily’s vows were written over three months time and then transferred to stationary that was her grandmother’s. They asked their mother’s to be their witnesses to sign the wedding certificate. And that fall evening, surrounded by their closest family and friends, they sealed the ceremony with a kiss.
As the sun set, the garden was lit up by twinkly lights and the reception began. The star of the reception decor, was a favor tree. They hand crafted succulent terrarium favors and hung them from the tree with twinkle lights. It was simply amazing. Their mothers gave toasts and shared stories about how they loved watching their relationship grow together (and how they had been trying to get them to date for years!). Emily’s son shared a heart warming toast about how Chris has always been a strong figure in his life and he is happy that they are now a family. Then, Chris and his mother were accompanied by Emily and her son for the mother son dance. It was then time for me to put down the camera and enjoy the rest of the evening reminiscing about the nights in high school I spent with these two in that backyard.
I am so happy that Emily and Chris are finally married! If you spend just two minutes with these two, you can see how deeply they care for each other. I hope nothing but the best and most amazing life for their marriage and their new family.
The Creative Team (Vendors)
Thank you to the amazing creative team that came together to make the day truly memorable!
Venue – Groom’s Parent’s Backyard
Photographer – PMA Photography
Florist – DIY
Caterer – Pita Jungle
Stationary/Invitations – DIY
Hair Stylist – Groom’s Mother
Rings – WedgeWood Rings
Officiant – Friends of the couple
Transportation – My Prius 🙂
Want to check out more amazing weddings? Click here: Weddings by PMA Photography.
