A SUMMER WEDDING ON BLOCK ISLAND

Backyard weddings have such a unique feeling. The memories held in the place make everything feel important. I find myself wanting to photograph every detail; family photos on the walls, the dogs bounding around the yard, the flowers hanging under the deck; once planted and cared for in the yard by Jill's mother, then cut and arranged for her daughters wedding day.

This was the house that Jill’s family owned on Block Island for most of her life. It then became a special place in a different sense for Jill and George as they fell in love and the place they chose to have their wedding.

Here’s a little glimpse into the details and moments of their day and a reminder of the magic of backyard weddings.

JILL & GEORGE

The couple both attended RISD, had tons of mutual friends, and graduated the same year, but they didn’t meet until a New Years Eve party in Cambridge years later and they didn’t get together until a couple of New Years Eves later in 2017. George was living across the country in California but that didn’t stop them from trying to be together.

After hours and hours of phone conversations they decided to meet in the middle of their two cities, booking a getaway together in Cuba. George had already been thinking about moving back to Boston but it was through their shared collaborative mentality of 'we might not know what we’re getting into, but let’s figure this out together' that inspired their relationship. Two months later, George packed up his apartment in San Francisco and road his motorcycle cross country back to Boston.

GETTING READY AT HOME

Seeing the old photos on the walls of Jill and her sister as kids and Jill’s parents as a young couple enjoying time on Block Island showed me just how special this place is to them all. We packed into a bedroom where Jill and her mom and sister had their hair and makeup done. This wedding was filled with DIY touches made by Jill and her family and friends. Speaking of....let’s talk about Jill’s gown. The fabric was selected by Jill and she had the dress of her dreams created by a friend. She then hand sewed some additional flowers to the dress to add more of a 3D effect. SO amazing.

CEREMONY WITH A VIEW

Jill and George’s ceremony was held on a scenic overlook in a neighbor’s backyard. The dress code was “Colorful, Flamboyant, Be Somebody” which made for a great mix of color and unique accessories. Guests gathered around a large rock that the couple and their officiant stood on; the ocean and the cloudless blue sky as their backdrop. Guests tossed dried flower petals as the couple recessed and then walked or drove back up the road to Jillian’s family home for the reception.

LAID BACK, DIY BACKYARD RECEPTION

The reception was hosted at Jillian’s family’s home on the island. The space was already lush and beautifully landscaped by Jillian’s parents but colorful furniture and boho touches made it even more cozy and inviting. Jillian’s mother created amazing floral installments beneath the eaves of the deck along with Jillian’s bouquet. So much talent in one family!

George, his friends, and dad cooked a whole lamb for dinner. It was quite a spectacle and drew a crowd as it was roasted, taken off the spit and cut up.

Guests enjoyed yard games and a delicious, greek dinner buffet accompanied by George’s roasted lamb. There were also some traditional Armenian desserts (George’s family is Armenian). It was such a beautiful evening and I wish only the best for these two!