Molly and Alex celebrated their union in a sweet, romantic fall backyard micro wedding in White Plains, NY. Though it may not have been the day they initially envisioned, these two decided to forge ahead with their White Plains wedding. Despite the challenges that the pandemic created, couples like Molly and Alex chose to forgo traditional venues in favor of more intimate, relaxed celebrations at home. Their Hudson Valley wedding photos perfectly captured the cozy, colorful charm of the season.

Family History in a Hudson Valley Backyard Wedding

Most couples don’t envision planning their wedding at home, but for Molly and Alex, it felt natural. Molly’s grandmother and mother had both been married in this same family home, adding beautiful legacy to the day. It felt special to bring another generation’s love story into this space. What started as a postponed wedding due to COVID-19 turned into a heartfelt Westchester wedding celebration filled with deep meaning and tradition.

Getting Ready for an Intimate At Home Wedding

The day began with the couple getting ready in separate rooms, with Kenneth photographing the groom and Megan photographing the bride. Working as a team allows us to capture both perspectives simultaneously, making sure the couple doesn’t see each other before their first look. We started with a first look between Molly and her father on the family staircase, the same spot where her mother and grandmother were photographed decades earlier. It was such a sweet way to connect generations through wedding photos.

Fall Foliage and First Look in White Plains, NY

Next, Molly and Alex shared their first look under a beautiful backyard tree surrounded by vivid autumn colors. The golden light and vibrant leaves made for magical Hudson Valley fall wedding photos. After the first look, they took family photos before guests arrived to keep the day relaxed. When friends and relatives began to gather, everyone kept a comfortable distance and wore masks. The couple even created a mask and sanitizer station, a thoughtful touch for this COVID-era wedding in White Plains.

Choosing a Hudson Valley Backyard Wedding Venue

There are so many beautiful wedding venues in Westchester and beyond, but hosting at home was the perfect decision for this couple. Surrounded by close family and lifelong friends, their backyard wedding had all the warmth of an intimate Hudson Valley micro wedding. The couple made sure to follow health guidelines and local noise ordinances while creating a relaxed, joyful celebration. Their family home was transformed into a charming event space filled with love and laughter.

Personalized Ceremony for a Westchester Micro Wedding

The bride’s mother officiated the ceremony, creating a deeply personal and emotional moment. We filmed a full single-angle ceremony video so the couple could share their day with friends who couldn’t attend. The ability to include loved ones virtually is one of the best parts of small weddings. Molly and Alex exchanged intimate vows surrounded by family, while guests watched the moment unfold in person and on a live Zoom stream for those tuning in from afar.

Backyard Wedding Reception Ideas in New York

Their backyard wedding reception felt perfectly autumnal and cozy. Cocktail hour began with a home bar setup where guests mingled in small groups as string lights glowed overhead. The deep orange and plum tones of the décor complemented the colorful foliage in the yard. Molly wore a flowing gown with a soft train, and Alex’s plum suit matched the season beautifully. Every detail of their celebration reflected the warmth of an upstate New York wedding.

Speeches and First Dance Moments in Westchester

As night fell, a few close family members gave heartfelt speeches during dinner. Molly and Alex shared their first dance under the tent, spinning and laughing as the string lights twinkled. Even without a formal dance floor, their joy filled the space. To close out the night, we captured their sparkler exit in the cool autumn air. It was a glowing finale that perfectly wrapped up their backyard wedding in Westchester County.

Tips for Planning a Backyard Wedding in the Hudson Valley

When you host your own backyard wedding, planning ahead is key. One of the first things to consider is tenting. A large tent ensures your celebration goes smoothly rain or shine. Plan for flooring options if your lawn could get soft from weather, and be sure to include lighting for evening events. Don’t forget to consider the layout of your space, including areas for dining, dancing, and lounging.

Logistics and Rentals for Backyard Weddings in NY

You’ll also need to plan for bathrooms if your guest list extends beyond close family. Many couples rent portable restrooms designed for events, which are discreet and stylish. Coordinate with your caterer to determine where the food prep area will be, and make sure electrical outlets and extension cords are available. If you’re hiring vendors like DJs or musicians, confirm that power access is simple and safe.

Hudson Valley Wedding Noise Ordinances and Neighbors

Check with your town or city about noise ordinances before finalizing your timeline. In many parts of the Hudson Valley, outdoor music must end at a specific hour, typically around 10 or 11 p.m. Touch base with your neighbors before the big day to let them know about your plans. A friendly conversation or small gift like a bottle of wine or invitation to dessert goes a long way in keeping everyone happy.

When to Start Planning a Backyard Wedding in New York

Backyard weddings can require as much planning as traditional venues, so start early. Ideally, begin planning at least 6 to 9 months ahead of time to secure rentals and vendors. If you’re hiring a Hudson Valley wedding planner, they can help coordinate logistics and layout for your home space. With thoughtful planning, your backyard can feel like a private venue made just for you.

Plan Your Own Hudson Valley Backyard Wedding

Thinking about planning a backyard wedding in New York? We’d love to help capture it. As Hudson Valley wedding photographers, we specialize in documenting cozy, heartfelt celebrations like Molly and Alex’s. Backyard weddings offer flexibility, personality, and endless creative possibilities. Reach out to us to start planning your intimate Hudson Valley wedding photos. We can’t wait to help bring your story to life.