Baldwinsville Backyard Wedding

This big backyard wedding in Baldwinsville, NY still had an intimate feel. When I asked Katie how they incorporated their love story in their day, she responded:  “Baldwinsville is our home. It has the roots of our relationship here. We wanted our wedding to reflect that home isn’t just the location, but also the people that mean the very most to us.”

When I look back- their entire day was based on this idea and made it all the more special!

They toured venues throughout Upstate New York and NYC but ultimately decided on the place Katie’s parents got married, and her grandparents, and great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents! For their reception- they chose Katie’s parent’s house. A place that Katie’s grandfather built, she grew up in, and later- the couple spent much of their time together.

“We wanted a venue that was not only beautiful and could accommodate our family and friends but a place that held a special place in our hearts. After going to multiple venues… no other place felt like home…”

Katie’s favorite moments: “Marrying Eric of course! Right behind that, finding out my mom had sewn the lace from her wedding dress into the lace near my heart on mine, the first look with my dad, the moment Eric and I shared together on the dock, and of course, the spice girl karaoke and icing!”

They had their dog Harvey greet guests at the church! SO CUTE!

Eric said his favorite parts of the day were: seeing Katie walk down the aisle, and their first dance. Followed by dancing to the band all night!

 

We ran around Baldwinsville for a change of scenery and I love love love all these portraits!

When asked the biggest challenge during wedding planning, they said: “Planning a backyard wedding we had to essentially bring EVERYTHING in and coordinate all vendors and decor etc., that a normal venue would already have taken care of. Figuring and planning out the logistics was a challenge. Also, praying for good weather!”

While it was a larger wedding, they hoped to make it still feel intimate. I think that’s the best part of backyard weddings- they instantly feel more intimate to me! Plus, they had little touches like dog treats for guests to bring home to their doggos, and adirondack chairs as their guest book… things that felt so personal and so much like them!

Eric being a cop, they entered in true officer fashion.

Their advice for other couples was to “Enjoy every moment. There will be stressful times and some things out of your control but nothing will ever beat the moment you and your significant other look into each others eyes and say I Do. Also-work with Bridget, the moments she captures are priceless.”

I can’t imagine Katie and Eric’s day being any different. The traditions, the personal touches- it all felt so authentic to them! This is exactly what a backyard wedding should feel like!

Getting to know them both through the wedding process has been such a gift! We wish them many more years of love and celebrations as special and beautiful as this one!

XOXO
Bridget + Mark

Vendors:
Photography: Bridget and Mark of By Bridget Photography
Band: Cryin Out Loud
Catering: Karen’s Catering of Syracuse / Attilios
Rentals: Taylor Rental
Hair and MakeUp (Bride): Ellen Guhin Bridal
Hair and MakeUp (Bridal Party): Port City Day Spa
Florist: North Country Florist
Transportation: Fitzgerald Brothers
Dress (Bride + Bridesmaids): Dress Your Fancy
Videography: Kyle Ridlon Productions

If you want to see more of Katie and Eric, check out their NYC engagement here!