Planning a “Backyard Style” Wedding

When it came to planning their wedding, Emily + Max wanted the day to emulate a sweet, close-knit gathering – the kind you’d find at a family backyard wedding. However, creating a “backyard-style” wedding in the heart of Brooklyn proved to be no small feat. While they didn’t have a backyard of their own in their West Village apartment, every detail of their wedding from their venue choice down to the personal touches in their décor was chosen to create a warm and inviting family atmosphere. Their goal was to make sure their guests felt relaxed and welcome so they could simply celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. 

To bring this vision to life, Emily + Max chose the fabulous Frankies Spuntino restaurant in Brooklyn, a place most noted for its effortless warmth for their intimate ceremony and reception dinner surrounded by their loved ones. The result was a wedding that felt less like a formal event and more like a joyful gathering of family and friends focused on togetherness and the love Emily + Max had poured into planning their special day.

First Look in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Emily + Max’s wedding day started bright and early with Max getting ready at a friend’s nearby apartment and Emily at the beautiful, eco-friendly 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. After getting her hair and makeup done at the hotel’s [salon]718, Emily set out across the street to Brooklyn Bridge Park where Max was already waiting for their first look. 

At the park, the two had chosen for their first look to be along a hidden trail in a secluded, forested section of the park. With a canopy of trees blotting out the sky and dotting the foliage- lined pathway in mottled sunlight, Emily made her way to where Max was waiting for her. She gracefully ascended  a small staircase through the trees and tapped Max on the shoulder. In their quiet little section of the park, the moment was so intimate it felt like they were the only two people in the world. 

After their first look, the couple took portraits throughout the park. We wandered through the gardens where bright pink hydrangea bushes wonderfully complemented Emily’s wedding dress. Her unique dress featured embroidered pink flowers up the bodice and an underlayer of abstract pink and green florals in the long, flowing skirt. Then, we strolled along the waterfront for a spectacular view of Manhattan across the East River. Finally, they ended their portrait session and were joined by their immediate family for family portraits in the park.

A Backyard Wedding & Reception at Frankies Spuntino

As the time for their ceremony approached, Emily, Max, and their family traveled to Frankies Spuntino where guests were already arriving. With guests seated in rustic wooden chairs in the homey garden space, Max took his position with their officiant at the front of the aisle. Then, using one of the private entrances into the garden area, Emily with her parents on either side appeared just as the live music from Lucas Pullin reached a crescendo. With the garden filled with verdant trees and lined overhead with twinkling lights, the setting felt like a peaceful oasis, offering the cozy, backyard feel they envisioned to exchange their vows in. 

The outdoor wedding space at Frankies Spuntino consists of not only the garden but a 100-year-old blacksmith stable. In the Stable, long tables were already set up for the reception dinner. Emily + Max decided to skip most of the usual wedding traditions like first dances and an open dance floor in favor of creating a warm, inviting environment where their guests could mingle while the ceremony space was quickly rearranged into smaller, intimate seating areas. The intimate, family atmosphere also gave the couple the chance to personally thank each guest for joining them on their special day. 

After the ceremony, an array of appetizers was brought out and drinks were served, including the Penny Loafer cocktail in honor of the couple’s beloved cat. Then, when it came time for dinner, the entire celebration was treated to a delectable, family-style Southern Italian feast prepared by the Frankies chefs. Emily’s father and Max’s mother each gave heartfelt toasts to express the joy they felt for their children and the excitement to see where their new life together would take them. As the summer evening dimmed into nightfall, the newlyweds cut their cake before they and their guests headed off to continue the celebration at the after-party. 

Continuing the Party at Union Hall

Following their reception, Emily + Max took the celebration to Union Hall where the real party began. Union Hall, with its mix of downtown style and Brooklyn’s signature laidback friendliness, was the perfect backdrop for their ‘basement’ after-party. After skipping the dance floor during their reception, the couple and their guests were ready to let loose. They booked the downstairs bar for a full night of dancing and drinks. Emily even swapped out her flowing, floor-length wedding dress for a shorter bridal gown, giving her the freedom to fully enjoy the evening. 

As the night went on, the basement of Union Hall buzzed with thrumming energy as friends and family joined Emily + Max as they danced the night away to the upbeat tracks played by DJ Kevin Lim. The festive after-party was the perfect way to end Emily + Max’s wedding. After beginning the day with their  simple, sweet backyard-style ceremony, they ended the night on an amazing high note with an unforgettable after-party that reflected the unique blend of elegance and fun that’s woven throughout Emily + Max’s entire love story.

Emily + Max had such a unique idea for their wedding. I was so honored to be a small part of helping them see their ‘backyard-style’ wedding vision become a reality! I’d love to be there for you too!

Hi there! I’m Rachael Crowe of OkCrowe Photography. As a New York City wedding photographer, I’ve seen it all – from grand, luxury weddings to more intimate and personable celebrations like Emily + Max’s wedding. But no matter what type of wedding you’re dreaming up, I’d love to be there for you! I’ve shot hundreds of weddings across the country and internationally. I’d be honored to be chosen to shoot yours as well! Just fill out my contact form and let’s get started!