Kaylie + Zach’s Backyard Wedding Celebration in Clay, NY

Like many couples who planned to get married in 2020, Kaylie and Zach decided to go ahead with the official marriage and hold off on the celebration until the following year. So when their first anniversary rolled around in 2021, they hosted a DIY backyard wedding reception with all their family and friends.

Kaylie and Zach didn’t get a chance to have professional photos taken the year before, so I met up with them just down the road for photos with their wedding party, family, and plenty of just the two of them. 3 Rivers Park was a great spot for photos, with lush greenery, a glistening river, and plenty of privacy. The park was so gracious in letting us rent out one of their new gazebos as well, especially since there was a chance of rain. We not only dodged the rain, but it made for some awesome dramatic skies in their photos and some killer golden-hour-like light. 

Once we got back to the house, we snapped a few more photos of Kaylie and Zach, along with their extended family. The happy couple snuck back inside the house to wait while their guests arrived. I spent some time chatting with family and taking candid photos. Everyone was so happy to be there celebrating in person, and it showed. Thankfully they had tents set up for their backyard wedding because the rain finally caught up with us! All of the guests sheltered underneath until the sun showers passed.

The wedding guests circled around the yard as Kaylie and Zach made a boisterous entrance underneath their arch and into the middle of the crowd. They jumped straight into their first dance, and the guests loved it. Everywhere I turned, the newlyweds were surrounded by the smiling faces of their loved ones. Kaylie and her Dad shared a dance afterward, which was very touching.

Kaylie’s Maid of Honor and Zach’s Best Man both gave long-overdue speeches, then guests were left to enjoy the rest of the evening. I took a few more candids and group photos, then grabbed a couple of slices from the Via Napoli Express food truck and headed out.

Kaylie and Zach, I wish you both so much happiness as your marriage continues to age and grow. Thank you for letting me take part in it!