Backyard Wedding in Bloomington, Illinois | Lucy + Josh

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Lucy + Josh’s backyard wedding in Bloomington Illinois was everything they had hoped for and more. They wanted their day to feel intimate “think elopement with 80ish people!” Lucy said as we were talking about their day. They wanted everyone to leave feeling like they knew them better while also celebrating the start of their life together, and that is exactly what their wedding day was.

Their Backyard Wedding in Bloomington Illinois

This backyard wedding in Bloomington Illinois was everything that I love about a backyard wedding. Lucy + Josh integrated SO many unique and special details that made me smile all day long. Lucy’s dad and Josh both wore these hilarious socks with Lucy’s face all over them. They took time to hand-write the vows that they shared during their ceremony, and Lucy honored her great-grandma Poppy, by putting poppies in her bouquet. Friends came in from out of town and they gathered all of their people together to celebrate their amazing wedding day.

Their intimate ceremony took place outside, surrounded by their closest family and friends. Josh lost it as Lucy walked down the aisle and there were so many more sweet moments throughout. Then, after the ceremony, I stole Josh + Lucy for a few. We took a golf cart down to the pasture and woods near their ceremony location while guests went up to the reception. I love giving couples a moment to spend alone together after they tie the knot. They were able to spend some quality time with one another and really just have the best time taking some wedding portraits.

Their Backyard Wedding Reception

Much like their ceremony, their backyard wedding reception in Bloomington was just as sweet and intimate. Friends shared stories about the happy couple, they celebrated with dancing and food and had the best time catching up with their loved ones. Similar to the rest of their day, they also incorporated many small details into their reception. Pie is “their thing” as they had pie & coffee on their first date, they had pie at the picnic where they got engaged, so it only made sense they had it as a dessert at their wedding! They also changed into coordinating comfy sweats at 8 pm for bonfire time so they could be cozy and comfy together.

Josh + Lucy’s wedding day was filled with so many sweet and intimate moments. I usually find myself getting closer to the family members on intimate wedding days, with the smaller number of people it’s easier it is to get to know everyone involved. Everyone there invited by Lucy + Josh was kind, funny, helpful, and just overall great folks, so hugging everyone goodbye at the end of the night was so bittersweet for me. I hate goodbyes, but I loved this wedding.

If you’re looking to plan a backyard wedding yourself check out this blog post with all of my top tips for planning a backyard wedding! And if you’re ready for the next steps in planning your epic intimate wedding, head to my contact page and we can start planning your day!