Does every wedding need to be this crazy event at a ballroom or at a rustic venue? Nope! You are all unique and your wedding day should feel the same. I was super amped after meeting Liz & Kip who live together in Florida and hearing about their local Moorestown, New Jersey backyard wedding.
They even had a fantastic GTKY session down in Ocean City New Jersey where they spent a lot of their early relationship together. I have stories from this crazy session. You can view the BTS video here:YouTube
The layout of a New Jersey backyard wedding
At most backyard weddings, we have to split up the boys and the girls like it’s an 8th-grade dance. Haha! But in reality, they take separate sides of the house.
The weather was super hot and iffy all week, so they decided to get another tent for the ceremony. It wound up being a beautiful day. They had cute little wooden hand made signs directing the guests to the outdoor cocktail hour where the live band was playing.
The main event took place under the big tent. It had a stage for the band and a wooden dancefloor that was used very thoroughly!
First Looky here!
Who likes to see an emotional bride and groom first look? I do and hope you do too as this one was beautiful! We used this rustic shed for their backdrop and made sure it was entirely private for them. 
New Jersey backyard wedding portraits
We had the bridal party all join us by this gorgeous rustic shed which was the size of an entire home. It was so rustic and framed everyone exceptionally well. We finished with Liz & Kip in front of their wide-open field as the sun lowered in the sky to kiss the back of their heads.
The Vintage Porsche!
“Porsche, there is no substitute!” Tom Cruise said this famous line in the movie Risky Business. But let’s all be honest, it’s true! Once Liz’s dad got his 1956 Porsche Speedster started and moved to the most glorious location, we shot the hell out of it. They told me about this car over a year ago, and it did not disappoint!
New Jersey Backyard wedding ceremony
Who doesn’t love 15-minute ceremonies filled with love and emotion? I certainly do! Kip is a big tough guy externally but very sensitive and shed at least a few tears marrying the love of his life. They kissed and exited triumphantly to bustle that dress and get the cocktails flowing!
Mister Softee Arrived!
After rocking out to their band for a while, there was a secret surprise — that familiar tune playing in the midnight air. It was Mister Softee! People go bananas for soft-serve, and I was saddened that I couldn’t get any with my hands full of fireworks…
Time for explosives!
Liz told me she really wanted to have fireworks, but they were getting pushback from the township. I told her not to worry and brought two of my 5-minute sparkler canons. The sparklers were set equally on each side of the pool, and she got her little mini fireworks display she always dreamed about. I knew this wedding was going to end with a huge bang!
Check out their wedding Cinematic Reel:
Ceremony & Reception: Private Estate
Florist: Flowers by Elizabeth
Band: Jem & The Vibe
Bride’s Dress: Jane Hill
Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale
Groom’s Tux: The Black Tux
Cake: Mr. Softee
Camera: Contax 645 and Canon Digital
Film: Portra 400 & Acros 100