Backyard Wedding at Family Lake House in South Jersey | Kate & Brett

Last weekend, I photographed Kate and Brett’s backyard wedding at Brett’s family lake house in South Jersey. Kate and Brett were supposed to be married on June 13, 2020, but their original date was rescheduled to August 7, 2020 due to COVID-19. As their second wedding day approached, my couple quickly realized that their Center City Philadelphia wedding was not going to be a reality so they flawlessly moved their entire wedding to Brett’s family lake house and they planned a tented backyard wedding!

Kate and Brett ‘s first date was on July 19, 2018, they had drinks on the patio of a bar in Center City. They were engaged a year later on Addison Street, one of the prettiest streets in Philadelphia that was also a few blocks away from their apartment.

Kate and Brett’s “Pandemic Chic” wedding was perfect. All week leading up to their backyard wedding, there was a threat for thunderstorms. Every day I checked the weather hoping that the weather would improve, since their original day was affected by COVID-19, I wanted their “Plan B” to be perfect and it truly was. The morning began for Kate at a lake Airbnb, it was one of the prettiest locations I have ever had for bride prep and the room she got ready in was stunning, it had the dreamiest natural light and a beautiful rustic fireplace that we were able to use as a backdrop while she dressed. I was able to take Kate and her bridesmaids outside for photos while Brett got ready at the lake house. Before Kate departed for their outdoor ceremony, Brett gifted her one of the sweetest and most unique gifts I have ever seen on the wedding day, he came up with 52 reasons why he loved her and wrote each one on a playing card.

Once it was time for their backyard wedding ceremony, Brett arrived by boat from across the lake! It was a surprise to the guests and it was so fun watching each guests clap and cheer for his arrival. After Kate made her way down the aisle, the rest of their ceremony was short and sweet, but still highly personal with the help of their friend who was the officiant. There was light rain on and off all day, but we were lucky and able to photograph their outdoor ceremony and all portraits before a strong thunderstorm arrived just in time for their first dance, which made for an epic first dance for my couple! Kate and Brett flawlessly executed a small “Pandemic Chic” rustic backyard wedding in place of their large classic Philadelphia ballroom wedding. While this wasn’t their initial plan, it was a memorable day and absolutely perfect!

Now that these two are married, they are taking a honeymoon to New England and plan to eventually go to France, their original honeymoon destination. Thank you to Kate and Brett for allowing me to capture your backyard wedding!

Are you planning a backyard wedding in New Jersey? If so I would love to capture it, click here to fill out my contact form to request more info!

Contributing Vendors:

Photography: Susan Hennessey Photography

Wedding Dress: Jay West – Essense of Australia

Bridesmaid Dresses: Jay West – Bill Levkoff

Menswear: Enzo Custom

Hair Stylist: Happily Ever After Hair

Makeup: Ruthie’s Eyes

Florist: United Floral Service

Cake: Bredenbeck’s Bakery

Band: Lost in Paris

Officiant: Katie Charleston (friend)

Caterer: Foodwerx