Photographing a backyard surprise wedding has always been on my wedding photographer’s “bucket list” because I knew the reaction shots would be priceless and it all tells a pretty amazing story – plus who doesn’t love being let in on a huge secret like that!?

I finally had the pleasure at Sam & Mike’s engagement-party-turned-wedding this past summer in Kitchener and not only was it a surprise wedding, but it was all pulled together in little over a month (which is all kinds of impressive in itself!)

We started the afternoon with photos of just the couple and their adorable puppy before any of the guests showed up.  We did this so they could personally greet every guest who arrived to their backyard “engagement party” and announce what was really going to happen.  I spent the next hour before their ceremony capturing so many reaction shots (too many to post!).  Once all the guests arrived, we took a few family photos and then got these two crazy-fun kids married!

One of my favourite moments of the day was running into the lovely and talented Lorna Heidt, a cellist from Kitchener-Waterloo who plays like an rock and roll angel.  Trust me, you need to check her out and then email her for your event at lornaheidt@gmail.com

Something I learned from this wedding:  Put things into perspective and only focus on including only the elements that mean the most to you.  For Sam and Mike it was about keeping it simple and fun, surrounded by family and close friends, having the element of surprise and I think it’s fair to say they flawlessly pulled it off – proof that weddings are a lot of fluff and it’s easy to get lost in it all.

I hope this wedding inspires other future brides and grooms to plan their day around the things, people or events that mean something to them as a couple.  It’ll be more memorable, less stressful and tons more fun!