A Sentimental Backyard Wedding in Whitefish Bay

A backyard wedding can be the perfect compromise between an elopement and a big party. That’s how Madeline and Dillon approached their backyard wedding in Whitefish Bay. While they liked the idea of an elopement, they knew they wanted their most important people there. Their backyard celebration was all the more special because Madeline’s parents got married in the same spot decades before. Check out their warm, tender wedding photos. 

Vintage-Inspired Wedding Details

Madeline and Dillon’s backyard wedding in Whitefish Bay had vintage-inspired details. Their invitation suite was gorgeous. The pink and orange palette and fonts were worthy of a 1970s soiree. 

Their decor tied in the colors from the invitation suite, too. Brass candleholders held white tapers on the reception tables. Muted marigolds sat between sprigs of dried grasses and little orange flowers in vases. It was all perfect for an October wedding.

I love that even though they opted for a backyard wedding in Whitefish Bay, Madeline and Dillon obviously put a lot of care into their day. The whole experience was such a treat for their guests. It goes to show that with some planning, your celebration at home can be just as magical as one at a wedding venue.

Here are some thoughtful details that helped this backyard wedding run smoothly and look beautiful:

• Ceremony setup: Madeline and Dillon exchanged vows on the deck with a vintage rug and potted plants to make the space feel special.
• Table assignments: Table assignments hung printed on cards on an antique window.
• Stunning tablescapes: They elevated the reception in a big way.
• A tent: No one stressed about the weather. Luckily, it ended up being gorgeous.

Madeline and Dillon even put thought into details that most people didn’t see. On the lining of her wedding dress, Madeline embroidered Dillon’s and her initials in blue thread. It was a sweet detail that made her dress even more personal.

A Sentimental Backyard Wedding in Whitefish Bay

Of course, it helped that this house is right on Lake Michigan. Whitefish Bay is a fun town just fifteen minutes north of downtown Milwaukee. Madeline and Dillon feel at home there. As a Milwaukee wedding photographer, it’s easier for me to create photos that feel like home when people are so at ease in their surroundings.

Like I mentioned earlier, this wasn’t just any backyard wedding in Whitefish Bay. Madeline’s parents got married here, too! It set the tone for a sentimental day with lots of warmth and connection. The day’s emotions were as tangible in the moment as they are in the photos. 

Having a backyard wedding in Whitefish Bay also gave Madeline and Dillon the freedom to choose their favorite vendors for their wedding day. They treated guests to tacos from their favorite local restaurant at the reception. Everyone loved it!

The speeches at Madeline and Dillon’s wedding were a highlight for me. I loved hearing everyone’s sweet words and documenting the reactions. Everyone was so present with Madeline and Dillon in the “just married” feelings.

After dinner and speeches were over, everyone headed to the lawn for dancing. It didn’t take long for everyone to kick off their shoes. Dillon spun Madeline across the lawn with the grass between their toes. It was the kind of night people will tell stories about for years.

Warm, Tender Wedding Photos

As a wedding photographer, this backyard wedding in Whitefish Bay was a dream for me. I love creating lived-in wedding photos to preserve warm, tender moments. That’s exactly what I was able to do at Madeline and Dillon’s wedding.

The pre-ceremony portraits from this wedding have a quiet, intimate feeling. In the photos  beside the lake, Madeline and Dillon look like they’re in their own world. 

Madeline and Dillon’s wedding photography coverage included Polaroid photos. I specialize in film photography. It’s my favorite way to document once-in-a-lifetime moments in a timeless medium. For this wedding, I primarily used it for portraits. It’s easy to imagine them holding these Polaroids years from now and reminiscing on their anniversary.

Are you interested in having me photograph your wedding? I’m Lauren, a Milwaukee wedding photographer. I’ll document your wedding day with film photos you can feel. Inquire with me here!