I will never stop thinking about this wedding because it truly was perfect in every way. The couple had an intimate wedding with just their families in the Outer Banks, North Carolina this past summer. Capturing their wedding was seriously such a joy! See how their entire day came together from the waterfront ceremony to a beach house wedding reception in the backyard.

A Peaceful Wedding Day Begins with the Couple

Days like this one make me so so grateful for my job as a wedding photographer. Abby and Ryan are just an easy couple to get along with. They’re so in love and kind to each other, but also very considerate to everyone else. The whole day felt so peaceful because these two were the biggest part of making that the case. I have found that when the bride and groom are calm–so is everyone else.

It was easy to photograph all of the love and fun that this couple had with their family from the waterfront ceremony to the wedding reception in the backyard. With my ongoing passion for capturing wedding film photography, I even shot about two rolls of film just to add a bit of nostalgia! The wedding photos were primarily digitally based, but these hints of film added an extra layer to their gallery.

A Love That Spreads to Every Wedding Guest

Family was very obviously the highest priority of their day since they wanted as much of their immediate family possible in attendance. The small number of guests at this outdoor wedding totaled at about 22.

I love that the couple found a way to also incorporate everyone into their partially DIY wedding day. From one of Abby’s sisters making the cake, to the grandparents reading Scripture at the ceremony, every part was so intentional. They had family play such a special role in the wedding ceremony readings and it could not have been sweeter!

Looking back, one of my favorite moments of this day was right after the ceremony before we made it over to the beach house wedding reception in the backyard. Abby and Ryan walked away from the ceremony and embraced as a newly married couple. Then, they almost immediately walked right back.

Their families were all hugging and laughing with each other to welcome the other side into their own. Even the grandparents from both sides of the family seemed to have become besties! Because of the smaller size of the wedding, Abby and Ryan were able to immediately show love to every single person present.

From Waterfront Ceremony to Wedding Reception in the Backyard

Abby is an elopement photographer and videographer herself, so when she got engaged to Ryan, she knew she wanted something a day that was a little less traditional. Abby shoots a lot of wedding elopement destinations, so she toyed with some options of getting married somewhere wild and unexpected.

But, with family as the priority and grandparents who couldn’t travel far, this also meant keeping the wedding day local. Abby’s parents own an Outer Banks, North Carolina beach house which became the perfect place to hold their wedding reception in the backyard.

The Outer Banks, North Carolina is a unique spot on the North Carolina coast. It feels quiet and peaceful, where life slows down as soon as you cross the bridge over the Currituck Sound. It’s such a meaningful place to Abby’s family who have been vacationing there for a long time.

The ladies got ready in the beach house and the groomsmen at a house down the street. Their wedding ceremony was held on a golf course overlooking the Currituck Sound itself. The wedding reception took place in the backyard of the beach house with everyone seated at one long table underneath glowing string lights.

Both Abby and Ryan have this ability to make you feel like you’re the most special person in the world. I know that all of their family felt so loved. The entire day was so purposeful and I loved every part of it!

I can’t wait to get started in planning yours!

Wedding Vendors

Photographer | Photos by Kmac
Dress | BHLDN
Venue | Bride’s Family Home
Florist | Honeysuckle Events
Rentals/Table Decor | Pretty Little Things
Videographer | Amanda Films