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Backyard Wedding in Savannah GA // Sarah & Lucas

Sarah & Lucas are two of the kindest, most considerate, and stalwart human beings I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. Their wedding plans saw a lot of changes – AND I MEAN A LOT. Sarah & Lucas remained bastions of warmth and calm through it all, even down to the day before the wedding itself as things continued to change. They are truly some inspirational people and I will always treasure my time with them. Their backyard Savannah wedding day was as beautiful as the two of them and I’m forever grateful that I was the one to be there to capture it all. Though they currently live in Colorado, they held an intimate and breathtaking destination wedding in Savannah, GA {where Sarah grew up} in the backyard of Sarah’s parents. The view is seriously gorgeous and despite all the changes that led them to having the wedding day here, I’m glad this is how it worked out. It was a beautiful day! 

Details and Prep for Savannah Wedding

bride and groom's details for GA weddingrings in wooden box sit on wildflower bouquetwedding rings rest in wildflower bouquetbride's wildflower bouquet for backyard weddingwedding rings sit in wooden box by fernbride stands with parents before backyard wedding in Savannah GAbride hugs dad with mask on before backyard wedding in Savannah GA

First Look

Sarah and I met up with Lucas over at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium nearby the house where we had their first look and then explored for their portraits. The day was unbelievable, especially for New Year’s Eve: sunny, with a slight breeze off the water, and a pleasant 82 degrees! Sarah & Lucas had the chance to just relax and enjoy the view before their ceremony. It’s one of the reasons I love first looks so much – you get time to just be together! 

bride approaches groom for first lookbride and groom stand in grove of trees at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumgroom and bride hold hands walking through UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumnewlyweds stand in grove of trees in Savannah GAbride and groom pose among trees at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumbride and groom walk down wooden steps at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumbride and groom pose by wooden screened door at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium

What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?

“Do it how you want to do it.” There are pressures from all sides to have a certain kind of wedding or ceremony. Our advice is to stay true to you and design a wedding that reflects your relationship. You can combine traditional and more modern aspects, whatever you like.

bride and groom pose by wooden door at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumcouple walks down pier at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumbride and groom pose by large tree in Savannah GA

bride and groom sit on bench in UGA aquarium

bride and groom stand among trees in Savannah GA

bride and groom stand together by tree at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium

couple walks through grove of trees in Savannah GA

Wedding Portraits

bride smiles at groom during portraits at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium bride and groom pose on wooden pierbride and groom stand on wooden pier in Savannah GAcouple looks over edge of pier at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumbride and groom walk on pier at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumbride and groom hold hands walking on pier at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumbride and groom laugh during wedding portraits on piergroom kisses bride's forehead during portraits at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumbride kisses groom's cheek during portraits at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumbride and groom hold hands walking down pier at UGA Marine Education Center and Aquariumbride and groom have first look before Savannah wedding daybride leans on groom's shoulder during UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium wedding portraits Backyard Ceremony

Their backyard ceremony was officiated by Sarah’s mother, who was touching and hilarious by turns. They held it on the patio of the house, and everyone had a perfect view of their vows together.  When it comes to backyard weddings, I’ll always appreciate the flexibility and freedom we have to make the day everything you want as a couple: a short ceremony, extra portraits, whatever it is. 

peach home for Savannah GA wedding ceremony and reception lanterns along walkway for backyard wedding ceremonybride and groom stand in backyard during backyard wedding ceremonyguests stand in yard for wedding ceremony woman holds signature cocktail during backyard wedding ceremonywoman helps bride with train before backyard wedding ceremonygroom waits on steps for backyard wedding ceremonypeach house for backyard wedding ceremony in Savannah GAbride and groom look at guests on front steps of peach homebride and groom read vows during backyard wedding ceremonybride and groom stand on porch for backyard wedding ceremonymother officiates backyard wedding ceremony on porchbride and groom kiss during ceremony at childhood homebride and groom hold hands walking down steps from backyard wedding ceremony

What were you most anxious or nervous about regarding your wedding day and how did it turn out?

We were quite anxious about everyone having a good time with all the last minute changes and COVID restrictions. Turns out everyone was happy to wear a mask, sit at their table, and participate at their comfort level. We grew to appreciate that everyone was just there to celebrate us and would have a great time regardless.

bride and groom pose with wedding guestsWedding Reception

The reception included dancing, delicious food and stellar drinks, one of the best sunsets ever. I actually stole Sarah & Lucas away from their guests for more portraits on the dock in the backyard as the sun set. They’re some of my favorite images from the day! Afterwards, they surprised their guests with a barrage of incredible fireworks! Together, we played with some astrophotography to end the night. It was seriously the best way to end a beautiful day for two incredible people. 

table with pink and purple place settingswooden table and chairs with pink floral centerpiece guests sit at table in backyardbride stands with mom and daddad escorts mom into wedding receptionbride and groom welcome guests to backyard weddingdad speaks with guests before backyard wedding ceremonybar for backyard wedding ceremony bride takes photo with polaroid details on arbor for backyard wedding ceremonycouple takes shots during backyard wedding in Savannah GAguests stands on balcony during backyard wedding in Savannah GAcouple wipes tears during receptionguest gives speech during backyard wedding receptionbride and groom laugh among palm leaves during backyard wedding in Savannah GAguest in red gives toast during backyard wedding receptiondad gives toast during backyard wedding receptioncouple laughs during toasts for backyard wedding in Savannah GAman in mask gives speech on porch during backyard wedding receptionbride and groom sit listening to toasts during backyard wedding receptionbride speaks with guests wearing mask during backyard wedding in Savannah GAbride and groom dance with mom during backyard wedding receptionmom and bride dance in backyard during New Year's Eve weddingbride and mom dance during backyard wedding receptionbride and dad dance during backyard wedding reception under patio lightsbride dances with groom and dadbride dances with dad during backyard wedding receptionbride and groom dance under bistro lightsgroom twirls bride during backyard wedding receptionbride and groom dance under bistro lights during backyard wedding receptiongroom and bride lean heads together during first dancebride and groom dance together in backyardbride and groom dance under bistro lights during backyard wedding receptionbackyard wedding reception at childhood home in Savannahnighttime shot of backyard wedding receptionwedding cake topper for backyard reception

Most memorable moment from your wedding day?

The most memorable moment of the wedding was dancing under the café lights in the backyard of Sarah’s childhood home. Our friends and family surrounded us, and we felt absolutely loved. The song we danced to is an all time favorite with special significance in our lives.

bride and groom stand on wooden piernewlyweds hold hands walking down wooden piergroom kisses bride's head in front of Savannah marshnewlyweds hug with Savannah marsh behind thembride and groom dance with Savannah marsh behind themlace details on bride's wedding gowngroom twirls bride during portraits at Savannah marshbride and groom hold hands during wedding portraits bride and groom look at sunset over Savannah marshsunset portraits of bride and groom near Savannah marshbride and groom hold hands on pier above Savannah marshnewlyweds hug with Savannah marsh behind thembride and groom dance on wooden pierbride and groom pose under black skybride and groom make heart with sparklersbride and groom hold sparklers during wedding portraits at night nighttime wedding portraits in Savannah GAbride and groom walk by lanternsfireworks off pier in Savannah GA

Any tips for future couples on how to prepare for their wedding photos?

We would recommend you choose a location where you feel comfortable and have happy memories. The sounds, smells, and sights will be a source of comfort to you in the midst of a busy time.

Savannah Wedding Vendors

Planner: Weddings with Dana

Caterer/Bakery: Mahgniffe Catering

Beauty: Crystal Nicole Artistry 

Gown:  BHLDN

Jewelry: Doron Merav

Lighting: JLK Events

Rentals: Rancoe Events

Get In Touch to Plan Your Wedding Day

Raven is an Atlanta Wedding Photographer who captures real people on their totally unique and awesome wedding day, specializing in people who feel awkward in front of the camera. She travels throughout Georgia, including Athens, North Georgia, and beyond.

Get in touch!

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