Johnson City, TN: Rachel + Ryan's Intimate Backyard Wedding

Intimate Wedding

Jul 16

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36° 19' 15'' N 82° 20' 30'' W

Rachel and Ryan are married! Yep- you read it correctly- these two became husband and wife during a global pandemic—and it was absolutely beautiful.

When I had first met up with Rachel to talk about her wedding day, the original plan was to have a full wedding with plenty of friends and family to celebrate! I also found out that Rachel and I have something unique in common- her fiance (at the time, now husband) and my husband are both drummers and had worked at the same music store in the area! It’s such a small world sometimes!

We met up for their engagement session in late March when Covid-19 had really started to gain speed (I promise that we distanced during our session and hiked at a less-traveled trail). We talked about other options as their wedding day was quickly approaching, and I told them that I was willing to be as flexible as I could— that if they wanted to have a more intimate wedding day, that I was totally game. As the date soon approached, Rachel notified me that they had changed their plans and decided to still get married on their original date, but would host a super small ceremony at Ryan’s family’s backyard and that she would love for me to be there.

When I arrived at their home in Johnson City, the weather was absolutely perfect and the HUGE rhododendron in the front yard was blooming— I just knew that it would be such a special day. As Rachel put on her dress, she couldn’t contain her smile and excitement and it was certainly contagious (no terrible virus pun intended, seriously.. just caught this as I was re-reading what I typed, oof!). Only Ryan and Rachel’s parents and their two best friends were physically present, but other family members were able to join virtually through Zoom on Rachel’s laptop to witness them saying their vows! After officially becoming husband and wife, we took some portraits in the front yard and their happiness was literally RADIATING.

Congratulations, Rachel and Ryan! It was truly an honor to capture such a special wedding day, and especially during this crazy and historical time. I’ll never forget your day and the pure happiness that surrounded us.

Huge thanks to everyone who made Rachel and Ryan’s day so special, and to both families who welcomed me in like part of the family that day!