The Bray's Beautiful Back Yard Wedding
When I tell you this was one of the most fun weddings I've photographed in my 12 years as a photographer, I mean it.
Just stick around to the end, and you'll see why...
I had the pleasure of meeting this couple and photographing their engagement session in September 2023 at the same place that they were to be married a little over a year later - their house! This couple invested in a beautiful plot of land, perfectly tucked away in Hamilton, Ohio and made it their own little slice of heaven.
From the ground up, this family built their home overlooking a beautiful pond surrounded by a line of trees that provides a peek at the local wildlife, and the perfect place for their children to actually have a childhood, fishing and playing outside. While I was amazed at their little slice of heaven at their engagement session, they told me about all the work they still had to do, and what their dreams were for the big day. We talked about their plans to build a dock over the pond where they wanted to say their vows on the big day, and how they wanted to add a bar to the pool area.
Let me tell you - they did just that, and so much more.
No detail overlooked.
As part of their renovations to their property for their wedding, they added a small pond to the side of their house. A quiet area, close to the house, that provides a home to a few cute little fishes and frogs, and offered me a bit of shade from the mid-September residual heat in Ohio.
It seemed like the perfect opportunity to get some creative pictures of their rings with the lily pads. I got down on my stomach and reached out over the water to carefully placed a rock on the lily pad to first make sure it wouldn't sink with the rings on them. Then I was able to place the rings, and grab a few shots, including a piece of their home that they've worked so hard on.
Simple & Elegant.
This Bride kept it simple and sleek, adding flair with her jewelry, like the beautiful pearl necklace that draped down the middle of her back (probably my favorite detail), and a beautiful and classic low bun, with wind swept pieces of hair framing her face.
Everything about Mindy's whole Bridal look screamed effortless beauty.
Ready to go.
I kept checking in with the groom, Jeff throughout the morning before the wedding, asking how he felt and if he was nervous. At one point he had a more serious look on his face when it came down to crunch time. But mostly, I could sense he was just ready.
Ready to see his Bride, and ready to hang out with his family & friends.
A home-grown "I do".
Part of this couple renovating their property over the past year in preparation for their wedding included the construction of where they would say "I do" to each other. They told me they wanted to build a dock for their pond. I had envisioned a simple floating dock, but they stepped it up about 100 notches and built this beautiful deck that was surrounded by hundreds of home-grown wild flowers that Mindy planted and took special care of in the months before the wedding.
And on September 15th, 2024, Jeff & Mindy said their vows to each other, officially blending their 2 families together in front of all their family & friends, at their beautiful home that they've lovingly and painstakingly built together.
I honestly couldn't think of a better or more special way to throw a wedding.
Home.
A bridal party, close to the heart.
This unique and heartfelt bridal party was made even more special by the fact that it consisted of the bride and groom's children. Instead of a traditional group of bridesmaids and groomsmen, the couple chose to include their own kids, creating a beautiful family-centered celebration. Each child played an important role, standing by their parents' side on this momentous day, adding a personal and touching element to the ceremony that symbolized the blending of two families into one.
Taking a few moments as newlyweds.
Once all the chaos of family and bridal party pictures, we take a few moments, just the newly weds, and grab a few pictures before the party starts.
This is not only my favorite part of the wedding day (for obvious reasons), but a special part. It allows me to kinda step back for a little bit and capture the couple being themselves. They're away from all the commotion, usually for the first time since saying their vows, and walking back down the aisle together. Seeing them banter back and forth and laugh, talking about how the ceremony went, is so endearing and perfect to capture intimate, candid moments to remember their special day by.
Time to celebrate!
The weather on this gorgeous day truly couldn't have been more perfect. With not a cloud in the sky, the sun beamed down, casting a warm and inviting glow over the entire celebration. The elegant white tents, provided cool shade for their guests while they ate, and gave off the perfect amount of light once the sun went down that evening.
It was the kind of day that made you want to be outside, and the couple couldn’t have asked for better conditions to host their backyard wedding. The stunning blue sky, gentle breeze, and golden sunlight set the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable celebration with so many family & friends surrounding them.
They shared their first dance under the pool cabana and bar area that they had just recently added to their back yard paradise, as their guests watched and cheered them on from across the pool. The whole scene felt so genuine and heartfelt.
...and then the real party started.
As the night went on, the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the backyard, and the drinks started flowing freely. The dance floor buzzed with energy as the real party kicked into high gear, with everyone celebrating the newlyweds in full swing.
The heat of the late Ohio summer night was no match for the excitement building up, and guests quickly began jumping into the pool to cool off, laughing and splashing under the twinkling lights. Then, in a moment of pure spontaneity and joy, the Bride and Groom decided to join in—wedding dress and all!
Their dive into the pool was a true reflection of their carefree spirit and willingness to embrace every moment of their lives together.
But wait, there's more!
The fun and individuality didn’t stop there. As if the night needed any more excitement, the couple topped off the celebration by surprising everyone with a late-night treat—White Castle sliders, delivered straight to the party! It was the perfect end to an unforgettable evening, filled with laughter, love, and delicious comfort food.
In Review:
This couple truly spared no detail when planning their wedding, and it was clear from the start that every aspect of their big day was a reflection of who they are and the love they share. Their wedding was not just an event—it was a celebration of family, togetherness, and the beautiful life they’ve built together. From the moment the day began, it was evident that their priorities were centered around creating lasting memories with their loved ones.
They invested so much into their property, transforming it into a stunning space for lakeside days, pool parties, and family gatherings. These incredible improvements not only provided the perfect setting for their wedding but also symbolized their commitment to building a future where family and fun come first. Their backyard, with its breathtaking views and vibrant energy, became a true reflection of their shared vision for life together.
The couple made the day even more personal by involving all of their children in the bridal party, making it a true family affair. Their kids stood proudly by their side, sharing in the joy and significance of this beautiful occasion. It was the chillest wedding day I’ve ever been a part of—no pressure, no stress, just a relaxed and joyful atmosphere where the focus was all on love and family.
It was an honor and privilege to be able to document and be a part of such a momentous day with such lovely and genuine humans.
I am grateful every day for families like The Bray's.
