BACKYARD MICROWEDDING IN SOUTH MOUNTAIN, ONTARIO
Microweddings…it’s the new buzzword for the 2020 wedding season, right next to ‘social distancing’ and ‘homemade bread’ (…thanks COVID-19). But you know what? I kind of like it…Actually…I love it! To plan a day that feels slower-paced, intimate, and with only the very closest people in your lives by your side 6 feet away, is honestly such an unexpectedly special thing to come from this pandemic. This was a day that Olivia and Mackenzie had been organizing for over a year, with a planned gathering of over 100 people on a family property in rural South Mountain. Of course, given the mandates currently in effect of limiting social gatherings to under 50 people for wedding ceremonies, that big dream was forced to condense into a ‘microwedding’ or ‘petite wedding’ with just over 20 guests in attendance.
What came from this day was not only a newfound appreciation for smaller weddings (tho I’ve always loved backyard weddings) but an appreciation for weddings in itself. For months now, the wedding industry has been forced to shut down and over 90% of weddings have been postponed to 2021. To see things open up again just in time for Olivia and Kenzie’s wedding this June was somewhat of a miracle! Cute signage around the backyard showed that these high school sweethearts had been dating for exactly 4144 days (…that level of accuracy is amazing) and it was clear that they didn’t want to wait even another day to tie the knot as the McMillans.
We laughed, we cried, and we celebrated the marriage of these two high school sweethearts and world travel partners on one of the warmest and sunniest days of the year. Some of my very favourite details from their day was Olivia’s cathedral veil – edged with lace from her mother’s wedding dress; the picture wall, made from rustic doors and a custom calligraphy sign; the long harvest tables that decorated the small outdoor reception, which – fun fact! – were made by Kenzie; and the fact that the girls all YouTubed their own makeup (I mean if that isn’t a sign of the times…)! The truth is, this wedding didn’t need to be huge to be a success; it was perfect just the way it was.
Congratulations Olivia and Mackenzie! Your story is one to be passed on to generations, much like these photographs. We hope you’re loving every minute of your ‘minimoon’ and – if we’re resetting the clock – loving your 6th day of married life! Enjoy this sneak peek!
This next series of of daddy-daughter first look photos between Olivia and her dad…cue the tears!
Want to see even more backyard weddings? Check out Katie and Matt’s Backyard Wedding on an Alpaca Farm or Emily and Alex’s Backyard and Byward Market wedding in Ottawa!
Special thanks to the following vendors:
Ceremony Venue: Microwedding in South Mountain
Hair: Devon Turcotte Hair Design
Florist: Flowers by Jenna
Jewellery: JoaillerieDaisy
Jewellery: Bob Thompson Jewellers
Wedding Dress Designer: Truvelle
Wedding Dress Store: Revelle Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids Dress Store: Azazie
Suit Rental: Jimmy the Suit Guy
Caterer: Simply Baked Catering
Supplier: Chez Lili
Photography: Amy Pinder Photography
PS. I love hearing your thoughts and kind words for my couples! If Olivia and Kenzie’s Backyard microwedding photos get 10 or more comments, I’ll give them a surprise gift with a favourite wedding image! Comment below :)
13 Comments
Love everything about this!! Amy, you were the perfect gal for capturing everything special about this wedding. These pictures are amazing 💕
Such a beautiful wedding! Such a lovely couple inside and out. Amazing photos!
Even though Olivia went through so much getting thrown at her during the pandemic she always kept her cool and saw the positive of things. The micro wedding ended up to be perfect and something you can’t do with a large group. And thank you to Amy for capturing the bride and grooms magical day! Amy was so kind and knew exactly how to make the pictures look amazing! Thanks again Amy, you were awesome!
A perfect wedding on a perfect day for a perfect couple. All captured by these perfect pictures.
So so beautiful! I love them all ❤️
These photos are spectacular! Really makes up for not being able to be present when my beautiful friends got married. Love this! Amazing job
Xx
Micro Wedding for the win. Olivia & Mackenzie this is the most beautiful. If you ask me it was well worth the wait (specifically 4144 days!). Great read. Even better photos. Thanks for sharing! xx
The perfect day, captured perfectly by Amy! Thank you so much, I’m already so in love with all these pictures. And the best part of the micro wedding?.. we get to do the party all over again next year with the rest of our friends and family <3. I can’t wait to work with you again next year Amy!
These photos are absolutely beautiful!!!! Such an amazing job. You look so gorgeous, Olivia!
I can’t believe how amazing these pics turned out!! Honestly the best day of my entire life. Also 100% stealing the “sorority pose”!!!!
Xoxo,
Blythe
Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs.! Although we could not be there from Alberta these photos are the next best thing! We knew this couple in High School and its great to see the Knot finally tied! You captured all the special moments that will be treasured for a lifetime of happiness!!
Amazing! Olivia you look stunning!
Congrats!
Thank you for posting these absolutely lovely wedding pictures. Olivia, you looked very beautiful and the whole wedding party looked so happy. Trish and Tony, you both looked great and your home and grounds were perfect for this wonderful wedding day!
Thanks so much for sharing
Best Regards, Mary Lou