Backyard weddings are always great fun to photograph. None more so than Kate & John’s nuptials at their new home in north Raleigh. With the sun shining and the autumn foliage on full display, the house and grounds provided a beautiful backdrop for the day. And so it was that, surrounded by their closest friends and family, Kate & John got ready, got married and partied together under their own roof, though we did also manage to get up on top of it for some cool pictures of the couple and their spectacularly lit garden. It was a fabulous day!
Here are a few of my picks of the pics from their day. Happy Holidays, everyone!!
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A rustic building with an American flag draped outside. A wooden signpost points in multiple directions with various labels. The surrounding trees display vibrant autumn colors, and a path leads into a wooded area.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-1.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A close-up of vibrant red maple leaves on branches, highlighted by sunlight. The blurred background and soft lighting create a warm, autumnal atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-2.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A close-up of two rings on a wooden surface. One is a simple gold band, and the other is ornate with a central red gemstone and surrounding diamonds. The blurred background includes a candle and a sparkling shoe.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-3.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A round mirror reflecting a wooden closet with a pink dress and various clothing items. Nearby, a bathroom counter with toiletries, set against a backdrop of glass block walls and hanging lights.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-1-3.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding Four people in a room with large windows, two of them seated while being attended to by others. The room is filled with natural light from outside. One person is holding a makeup brush, suggesting a makeup session.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-4-1.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A black and white image of a woman having makeup applied. She gazes upward as a makeup artist uses a brush near her eye. The artists hand gently supports her chin, creating an intimate, focused atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-1-2.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A person is applying red lipstick to another persons lips. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the lips and hand with a lip brush. The scene conveys an intimate and artistic moment.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-9.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A woman sitting at a desk with a laptop in a cozy room. A wooden staircase with a railing ascends on the right side, and decorative items are placed at the bottom of the stairs. The image is in black and white.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-10.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A young girl with Flower Girl on her shirt sits on a bed with her eyes closed as a woman applies makeup to her eyelids. Another child watches nearby. The setting appears to be a cozy room with soft lighting.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-11.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A group of people preparing in a sunlit room. Two women have their hair styled, one in a shimmering dress. Others focus on makeup. The room has large windows, and a table with beauty products is in the foreground.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-13.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A couple stands outdoors, surrounded by sunlight and foliage, sharing an intimate moment. The bride in a textured dress touches the grooms face, while he holds her waist. Both appear happy and content. The scene is captured in black and white.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-14.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A couple stands close, smiling at each other in an outdoor setting. They are dressed formally, with the woman in a white dress and the man in a dark suit. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-15.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A black and white photo of a couple sharing a kiss outdoors. The groom is in a suit, and the bride is in a wedding dress. The background is softly blurred, creating a romantic atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-16.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A bride and groom share a tender moment in a sunlit forest. The bride wears a white dress with floral details and a flower in her hair. The groom is in a navy suit. Autumn leaves surround them, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-17.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A smiling adult in a suit carries a laughing child dressed in formal clothes along a stone path. The setting appears to be a garden or outdoor area with greenery and fallen leaves.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-19.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A bride in a fur stole, holding a colorful bouquet, smiles with two companions beside her. They stand near wooden signs pointing to various wedding locations. The setting has a warm, outdoor autumn ambiance.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-20.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A bride walks down an outdoor aisle, decorated with sunflowers and greenery, toward a tent with guests seated on either side. The scene is set under trees with autumn leaves, creating a vibrant, warm atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-21.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A smiling bride in a white gown walks down the aisle with an older man in a suit. She holds a vibrant bouquet of orange, yellow, and purple flowers. Guests stand around them, witnessing the ceremony.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-22.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A black and white image of a wedding ceremony. The bride and groom stand facing each other under a decorated canopy. Two officiants are present, one holding a folder. Guests are seated in the foreground, viewing the ceremony.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-23.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A bride in a white gown hugs an older man in a suit at a wedding ceremony. Bridesmaids holding bouquets stand in the background, and a groomsman in a dark suit looks on, smiling. The setting appears elegant with draped fabric decorations.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-24.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A wedding ceremony under a transparent tent with string lights. The bride and groom stand facing each other, surrounded by bridesmaids holding bouquets of sunflowers and groomsmen in suits. The background features autumn trees.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-25.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A black and white photo of a formal outdoor gathering. Adults, dressed formally, sit on chairs. Two children are playfully interacting, one sitting on a mans lap and the other in a womans lap. Trees and a canopy are visible in the background.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-27.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding An outdoor wedding ceremony under a transparent tent surrounded by autumn trees. Guests are seated facing a couple standing at the altar. The scene is warmly lit, creating a cozy atmosphere amid the fall foliage.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-30.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A black and white photo of a small child standing between two adults holding flower bouquets. The child is reaching up, touching the head and arm of one adult, and looking upwards with a playful expression. The setting suggests a formal event.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-29.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A black and white photo of four men in suits standing in a row, smiling. The background is decorated with sheer fabric and string lights.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-31.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding Three people in dark blue dresses hold colorful floral bouquets. Each wears a beige shawl. The setting appears to be outdoors, with blurred trees in the background.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-26.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony. A bride in a lace dress and veil reads vows to the groom in a suit. A man stands beside the groom. Draped fabric and twinkling lights are in the background. An officiant is partially visible on the left.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-32.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A bride in a textured white dress and a groom in a dark suit hold hands. A person in the background, wearing a scarf, holds a document, likely performing a ceremony.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-33.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A happy brown dog with a colorful flower collar is being petted by a person. The dogs mouth is open, appearing to smile, as it enjoys the attention. The setting seems to be outdoors.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-34.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding View of a wedding ceremony framed by vibrant flowers, with a bride and groom at an altar, guests seated on either side, and a flower-petal aisle leading to the front.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-35.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A bride and groom are kissing at their wedding ceremony. The scene is framed by blurred foreground elements. A bridesmaid stands nearby holding a bouquet, while a child in a suit approaches the couple.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-36.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A bride and groom walk down an outdoor aisle under a clear tent, surrounded by guests clapping. The ground is decorated with colorful petals and sunflowers. Trees with autumn leaves are visible in the background.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-37.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A group photo of elegantly dressed people at an outdoor wedding. The bride, in a white gown, and the groom stand in the center, surrounded by family. The autumn trees form a colorful backdrop, and two children are dressed in formal attire.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-38.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A nighttime forest scene illuminated with colorful lights in shades of red, orange, and green, enhancing the foliage. A small structure is visible among the trees, creating a vibrant and mystical atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-39.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A woman smiling and holding a wine glass while standing under twinkling fairy lights. She is speaking into a microphone, wearing a shawl. Black and white photo with a backdrop of sheer curtains and festive ambiance.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-40.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A man in a suit stands on stage holding a microphone and a piece of paper, speaking to an audience. Behind him is a drum set with the words the dickens. The setting is dimly lit with decorative lights and draped fabric.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-41.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A person in a suit holds a microphone and a glass, standing against a backdrop of blurred lights. The scene is in black and white, conveying a formal atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-42.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A black and white image of a couple standing together, holding glasses and microphones, smiling at each other. The woman is in a fur stole, and the man is in a suit with a tie. Twinkling lights and draped fabric create a festive background.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-43.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A couple dances under a tent adorned with string lights during a wedding reception. The stage behind them features musical equipment, including drums and speakers. The atmosphere is lively and romantic.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-44.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A bride and groom share a joyful dance at their wedding, surrounded by blurred guests in the background. The bride has a floral hairpiece and both are laughing, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-45.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A black and white photo of a wedding reception. A couple is dancing in the foreground, with the bride smiling to the left, wrapped in a fur shawl. Several guests are in the background, some watching the dance.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-46.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A vocalist passionately sings into a microphone on stage under purple and blue lighting, while a drummer plays in the background. String lights create a soft, ambient atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-47.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A young girl in a patterned dress and white cardigan dances joyfully at an outdoor event. Adults around her are also enjoying the music. The scene is warmly lit, suggesting a lively and festive atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-48.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A couple sits on a roof at night, the woman wrapped in a floral-patterned coat and the man in a suit. They are surrounded by autumn leaves. In the background, trees are illuminated in red and a purple-lit tent is visible.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-49.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A couple sits on a slope, the man in a dark suit and the woman in a white dress and shawl. They embrace under a canopy of fall foliage, brightly illuminated in warm hues of red, orange, and yellow.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-50.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A woman in a gray dress smiles while a man in a black jacket holds a drink with an orange slice. Colorful lights streak in the background, creating a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-51.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A group of people in formal attire dance enthusiastically under dim lighting at a party. The atmosphere is lively, with some guests raising their arms and smiling. The background shows a tent with warm, ambient lights.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-52.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A woman in a white dress is playfully interacting with a young boy in a dark vest. They are surrounded by people at a lively outdoor event, some holding drinks and one using a phone. The atmosphere is joyful and festive.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-54.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A woman in a red dress dances under a tent at night, holding a drink in one hand and gesturing with the other. The light creates a dynamic blur, adding motion to the festive atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-55.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A woman in a white dress and a man in a suit are singing passionately on a dimly lit stage. A drummer plays in the background. The woman gestures energetically with two fingers, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-56.jpg)
![raleigh wedding photography - kate & john's backyard wedding A vintage blue truck leaves a nighttime event, surrounded by people holding sparklers. The scene is festive, with dim lighting and a background of trees.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Raleigh-Wedding-Photography-Kate-John-57.jpg)
Ceremony & Reception: Private Residence, Raleigh, NC, Event Planner: Red Bird Events, Raleigh, NC, Band: The Dickens, Greensboro, NC, Florist: Fallon’s Flowers, Raleigh, NC, Cake: Ambrosia Cake Creations, Raleigh, NC, Catering: Rocky Top Catering, Raleigh, NC, Lighting: Total Production Services, Raleigh, NC, Hair & Make-Up: The Makeup Culture, Durham, NC, Assistant Photographer: Erin Costa, Wilmington, NC