Some wedding days just feel like they were designed with my heart in mind. I love intimate, intentional, joy-filled, days that are centered on what matters most. Sara & Rachel’s queer Atlanta backyard elopement was exactly that. They celebrated at the home of a close friend, who generously opened their home to them. A handful of family and loved ones gathered, with dogs weaving in and out of the scene. Sara and Rachel set the tone for the day, as they both are incredibly warm, open-hearted, very funny, and easygoing and just overall wonderful human beings. It has been a complete delight to work with them, as they are absolutely my kind of people.
Planning something like this? See how elopement photography with me works.
When I arrived, Sara and Rachel were still getting ready in different rooms, each with a friend by their side. For their first look, Rachel waited on the porch while Sara came through the front door to meet her. Those few minutes they shared together were so sweet and it was a wonderful reminder of what a “first look” really is about: time together, just the two of you, before everything else unfolds.
From there, everyone joined on the porch for a Ketubah reading and signing, and that was really lovely. Then everyone moved to the beautifully manicured backyard for the ceremony. Sara and Rachel walked down opposite sides of the house, Sara with her mom and dad (who flew in all the way from Alaska!), and Rachel with her mom and brother.
Queer Atlanta Backyard Elopement
Two close friends officiated, weaving in both personal touches and Jewish traditions. Then they exchanged heartfelt vows, which were really beautiful and meaningful, and the breaking of the glass. The shatter was exciting and dramatic because they attempted to do it at the same time, which is actually very hard to do.
And yes, Taylor Swift was there too. Not in person, but in cardboard cutout form who’s traveled many miles with these two. The music for the day stood out as it included tons of Taylor Swift, alongside other feel-good music.
After the ceremony, things flowed seamlessly as everyone gathered inside for Aperol spritzes (both boozy and non), Topo Chico, and a gorgeous charcuterie spread. Eventually, everyone made their way to one of Sara & Rachel’s favorite restaurants, Ela, a Mediterranean restaurant in Atlanta.
The day was chock full of meaningful moments, no rushing, no shot list, just intentionality and what meant the most to them. That’s what I loved most about this day. It wasn’t about checking boxes; it was about Sara & Rachel creating a wedding that felt like them, which was intentional, easygoing, filled with laughter and music, and surrounded by the people they love most.
This is the way.
