If you follow the blog then you KNOW how crazy I am about backyard wedding photography near DC. Nothing gets me giddy like hearing a bride or groom say, “We’re getting married in the backyard!” (Okay. Not “nothing”, but I do get super jazzed about intimate, outdoor weddings.)

Samantha matches my enthusiasm about outdoor weddings and was completely over the moon when she found out my package names matched her wedding theme. . . GEEK! Samantha planned some pretty cool wedding touches that incorporated their favorite love stories. And obviously, she chose the Westley+Buttercup wedding package to match her romantic wedding. 😉

This was the first of many tearful episodes. Samantha lost her beloved cousin recently, and her aunt made a handkerchief from one of his shirts. Samantha carried this gift and her cousin with her on her wedding day. Samantha and Jason also created a “Remembrance Tree” to honor those who could not be with them on their wedding day. The tree overlooked the ceremony site, so they had all of their loved ones surrounding them on their big day.

The final hair and make-up touches! Eep!

Jason gifted her a pair of earrings as her wedding day present.

Samantha had a first look with her parents as well as her soon-to-be-husband. First up was dad! I adore his smiles and how much he loves his daughter. (And again with the tears, Samantha!) 😉

Overcome with joy again with her mom. THIS is what wedding photography is about. These moments are the ones you want to remember. This day won’t happen again, so I’m sure to capture these emotionally-charged embraces so you can cherish them forever.

Jason was so surprised and in complete shock when he first saw his bride-to-be. So glam!

This fun bridal party went on a small adventure into the woods to capture some candid shots together.

CEREMONY TIME!  Near sunset everyone gathered in chairs in Samantha’s parents’ front yard. Lots of laughter, tears of joy, and REAL emotion during this wedding.

FAVORITE!

Her only request was a few shots with these antique cars. The sun had set, but we squeezed a few more shots out of the day in front of the cars. Love these ones!

A major high-five to Samantha for her hard work for this wedding. She handcrafted these amazing tree cookie center pieces with her and Jason’s favorite movie and show couples, like the Doctor+River Song and Khaleesi+Drogo. If you don’t follow, maybe Aladdin+Jasmine is more your speed.

She burned her favorite quotes into the wood and found trinkets, books, figures, and other items that matched the theme of each table. She poured her heart into these DIY centerpieces and now proudly displays them in her home.

Scroll down to see these amazing pieces!

This. is. REAL. It’s rare that a guy smashes the cake first. He doesn’t want to spend the first night in the doghouse. MOST retaliate once the bride smashes cake. BUT, Jason merely smiled and kissed his wife.

This new little family bonds during a dance. Jason’s daughter was brought to the tears and was comforted by her new step-mom. What a sweet family! <3

Another favorite . . .Thank you, Samantha and Jason, for trusting me to capture your story and for such nice words about our experience together.

Ready to capture your love and create heirlooms that you can share with your children? You betcha! Book your date with me!

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Jacqie Q Photography specializes in wedding photography and lifestyle family photography in Frederick, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and the surrounding metro areas including Urbana, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Columbia, Laurel, and Rockville.