Some wedding day celebrations don’t need a large guest list or a big venue. They just need you two, the people who matter most, and a place that feels just like you. That is exactly what is shown in this backyard elopement styled shoot at the Holmstead Studio with Madi and Sam.
I had an absolute joy photographing this backyard elopement styled shoot, hosted by Leigha Gray Photography. From the moment we started, this day had a quiet warmth to it. It was the kind that unfolds naturally, where everything around you feels intentional, and nothing feels hurried or forced. If you’ve been dreaming about a backyard elopement in Knoxville, Tennessee, and wondering exactly what it could look like, then keep reading. This blog is for you.
Why more couples are choosing a backyard elopement – and why it might be the most meaningful decision you make.
There is a reason that more and more couples are choosing to have a backyard elopement for their wedding day in the past few years. It has nothing to do with “settling” and everything to do with making their wedding day theirs.
When you choose a backyard elopement for your wedding day, you are choosing to make your day your own. There’s no strict timeline, no rushing from one thing to the next, no long guest list. It’s just you, your person, your closest friends and family, and the moments that matter the most.
There’s something deeply special and personal about saying your vows in a place that feels just like you. Whether it’s a family property, a space you love, or a venue like The Holmstead Studio that carries its own quiet character. The space you choose becomes a part of your story and helps set the tone for the day.
There’s also so much intimacy in choosing to have a backyard elopement. Your partners face when they see you for the first time. Your mom’s eyes are filling with tears before you’ve even said a word. Your best friend is squeezing your hand before you walk out. A backyard elopement gives you the chance to have those intimate moments with your closest people.
What you can actually include in a backyard elopement (hint: it’s way more than you think)
One of the biggest misconceptions about elopements is that they’re somehow less than a traditional wedding. This gallery is proof that that statement couldn’t be further from the actual truth. Here’s everything that was woven into this shoot – and just know that this doesn’t even touch the surface on what’s available to you.
A dress that makes you feel like yourself.
Madi wore a beautiful gown from White Lace and Promises, and it was perfect in every way. The dress photographed beautifully from every angle and felt both romantic and effortless. Even for an elopement, your wedding dress matters. You want something that makes you feel like yourself. Something that when you look in a mirror, you think “I’m a bride!”
Florals that help set the entire mood.
The floral arrangements from Halls Flower Shop were the perfect addition to the day. Good florals don’t just look pretty in photos; they help the whole space feel alive and tell the full story of your day.
A cake that absolutely deserves its own moment.
Kakes by Keely created a special cake just for this shoot. A beautiful cake isn’t just a dessert – it’s one of the first things you share as husband and wife.
Hair and makeup that make you feel like a bride.
The team at Studio Haze made Madi absolutely glow. Great hair and makeup for your elopement isn’t about making you look different – it’s about making you feel like the most beautiful bride in the world.
An effortless, sun-kissed look.
Madi’s spray tan from Spray Studio Knox gave her a warm, natural glow that had her radiating all day long.
Vintage details that add a personal touch.
It Girl Vintage brought the kinds of details that really curated the entire shoot. Their small touches that catch your eye in the photos help set the mood for the day.
Beyond the vendors, a backyard elopement can include all the moments you love about a traditional wedding – a ceremony, a first look, portraits together, a first dance, toasts, cake cutting, and more. Just at a smaller scale that feels entirely like you. See more elopement galleries here to get a feel for how these days can unfold.
The Incredible Vendors Who Made This Day Possible
This styled shoot came together because of an extraordinary group of Knoxville vendors who each brought their full heart and talent into the day.
- Photographer: Savannah Edwards Photography
- Host & Creative Direction: Leigha Gray Photography
- Venue: The Holmstead Studio
- Hair & Makeup: Studio Haze
- Spray Tan: Spray Studio Knox
- Wedding Dress: White Lace and Promises
- Florals: Halls Flower Shop
- Cake: Kakes by Keely
- Vintage Details: It Girl Vintage
If you’re planning your own backyard elopement in the Knoxville area, I can’t recommend this vendor team enough!
Ready to plan yours? Here’s how I can be there for every moment of it.
I believe that your wedding photos should feel like how your wedding day actually felt. I’m here to capture all the emotion and the events of your day as they naturally unfold. Every one of my elopement packages is built around this.
Every package includes a custom USB drive, an elopement planning guide, a one-on-one planning meeting with me, your online digital gallery, access to a print shop, 24-hour sneak peeks, and a one-month turnaround time.
There are three package options in which we can work together:
The Essential Elopement
A two-hour package designed for the couple who just want the essentials of their day captured, their ceremony, and time for portraits. Everything above is included, along with photos that last forever.
The Half-Day Elopement
This is my most popular elopement package! For the couples who want more room to let their day unfold naturally. This package includes up to five hours of coverage, everything that’s listed above, and same-day polaroids.
The Full Day Elopement
From getting ready, to your ceremony, to your portraits, and plenty of time for activities in the day. For the couples who want every single moment of their day captured. This package includes up to ten hours of coverage, everything that’s listed in the above packages, and a fine-art wedding album.
View my elopement packages here for all the details.
Let’s capture your backyard elopement!
If Madi and Sam’s day has you dreaming about your own, I would genuinely love to hear about it. Just know that I’ve got your back through every part of this – the planning, the day itself, and the photos you’ll hold onto forever.
