Vintage-Inspired Backyard Wedding in Kentucky | Dee & Alex

Held on the summer solstice, Dee & Alex’s vintage-inspired backyard wedding was dreamy, intimate, homey and quaint–just like them. Having met in college, the Kentucky natives now live in Chicago with their cat Fig, who was found on their porch step and now makes the perfect companion.

Ever the travelers, the couple got engaged in Scotland, where Dee attended grad school for a master’s in anthropology. Alex flew across the Atlantic (in a pandemic, no less!) and quarantined for two weeks to propose to Dee, backdropped by the gorgeous scenery of Cairngorms National Park.

Getting Ready at Their Childhood Home

The ceremony unfolded just a short walk from Dee’s childhood home in Villa Hills, Kentucky at a neighbor’s lake house, where she played as a child. The day started by getting ready at her parent’s home. As Alex got fixed up with his best friend, Dee did the same with hers–all while playing the Twilight soundtrack (if you know her, you know that her day wouldn’t be complete without at least one nod to Twilight). Dee’s grandma sat with them as they got ready for the day. Since she did not have a daughter of her own, she told me this was the first time experiencing a moment like this.

In-Home Photo Session with Their Cat

We did a pre-ceremony in-home photoshoot session before the day’s main event. Their rental home represented their style perfectly, so I’m so glad we chose to shoot there. Of course, this meant Fig was also able to be included!

Wedding Ceremony on Summer Solstice

The ceremony and reception were kept small among close friends and family. As early evening settled in, the couple made their way down the aisle to a gazebo framed with summer flowers situated on the water’s edge. Bluegrass artist Blakeley Burger & her band soundtracked the moment with folksy tunes.

Afterwards, we took photos across the property just in time for golden hour!

How They Add Their Twist to their Vintage-Inspired Backyard Wedding

Film photography is one of Alex’s many hobbies; he even snapped a few on their wedding day! I was happy to capture their style preferences by including film photos, a detail both were passionate about.

Many of Dee’s hobbies also shined through. Every place setting included a one-of-a-kind vintage plate hand-thrifted by Dee herself. Small details like this made their wedding magical, and wholly representative of who they are: intentional, community-orientated and cozy. Their friends and family all came together to make their wedding happen, a testament to how many hold the couple dear.

How I Can Serve You Too!

“Mary was the perfect photographer for my wedding! She was so professional and took special care to clarify our aesthetic preferences and confirm the hourly itinerary for the day. My husband and I have a love of film photography and were so thrilled that Mary was able to take many film photos in addition to digital ones. Everything she did had a personal touch, including delivering prints of the film photos herself! I can’t recommend her enough and am so happy with how my photos turned out.”
Dee Owens

I first met Dee & Alex while attending the same college, Northern Kentucky University. Knowing them personally, and getting to know one another better through the shoot, made the experience extra special. I was honored to help the pair figure out a timeline that worked best for them all while maintaining clear communication. Their wedding perfectly encapsulates the importance of celebrating your love, your way.

This is exactly the kind of experience I’m passionate about providing. If this post resonates with you, I’d be honored to work for you and your partner. Contact me here.