June 3, 2020

Amy + Kirk’s Intimate Backyard Wedding Elopement

2020 has uprooted the plans and dreams of so many people globally, so it makes my heart so happy to share stories of persistent joy and love that refuses to be stopped – like the day Amy & Kirk were married in an intimate wedding elopement at her parents’ home, just outside of Boston.

acton ma elopement in backyard wedding at parent's house.

Beautiful details from a sweet backyard wedding with 10 guests in the Greater Boston area.

This sweet family has so much style & grace and the wedding day started so calm. Amy kept saying “I just feel so zen!” She later elaborated that being in the home she grew up in, and felt so at home in, was helping put her in the best, calm mood. While elopement preparations went on downstairs, Amy and her sweet sister Grace laughed and shared stories upstairs, with mom on standby for anything they needed.

Intimate weddings and elopements have a special magic, like Amy & Kirk's backyard wedding in Acton.

The intimate wedding ceremony happened on the back deck, and was officiated by Amy’s brother who did an incredible job. There were readings and prayers and beautiful sentiment for these two, who’s original dreams for May 23, 2020 was to be married in a church and celebrate with their wedding reception at Liberty Hotel in Boston. That party will still happen, but this day was, in the end, an unexpected gift.

They were married in her parents' backyard during the pandemic in Acton MA.

Married! And here’s everyone who came together to make the day happen.

Family portraits during a small backyard wedding in Acton MA.

The wedding celebration moved inside to her dad’s office-turned-mini-ballroom. I love that they chose to celebrate some of the wedding traditions – they enjoyed a first dance together as husband and wife, into a short father/daughter and mother/son dance, and then everyone present, dancing and laughing together. As I watched from an outside perspective, this was the moment that moved me most. There was so much joy in that room, and so much love as these two families officially became one. The magic I felt was very different from a big wedding.

Toasts to the newlyweds were given, with stories about their meeting and journey together shared. Grace whipped up the signature drink – cosmopolitans – a favorite of the bride, groom and both their moms! In the end, everyone said a few words of love and well-wishes for these two as they start married life together.

And before the moment had passed, Amy’s sweet mom turned and toasted to me. It was so kind and unexpected and I was pretty close to tears, if we’re being honest, but I kept it together. Catherine, your words meant so much to me and I will forever be honored by the memory of that moment. Thank you.

The day continued with an incredible dinner & cake prepared by Commonwealth in Cambridge, dancing and video chats with best friends and cousins.

Each person at the wedding came together to make this day happen:

Wedding Venue: Amy’s childhood home

Wedding Planning & Catering Manager: Amy’s mom

Officiant: Amy’s brother

Ceremony readers: Amy’s sister  + Kirk’s brother

Florist: a friend of Kirk’s mom – they were gorgeous!

DJ & Bartender: Amy’s sister

Photographer’s Assistant: Kirk’s dad, Amy’s dad, Amy’s brother’s sweet girlfriend (I had so much help! It was the best.)

Wedding Gown: Vera Wang via David’s Bridal just weeks before the day

Seamstress: not needed – fit literally fit perfect straight off the rack!

Catering & Cake: Commonwealth Cambridge

Cookies: Kirk’s dad (SO good!)

Lastly – a plea to 2020 couples: if you had plans for a big wedding that were foiled by the pandemic, please consider planning something special on your original wedding date. This intimate wedding elopement created so much joy and moments they otherwise wouldn’t have together. From witnessing it all, it feels tragic to think that they might not have had this day.

Amy & Kirk, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your celebration…I can’t wait to celebrate again at Liberty Hotel!!

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