A Backyard Wedding during COVID19 // Ann Arbor, Michigan

I’m so honored to share this beautiful story and it’s images with you all. This was my first wedding post-quarantine during this crazy time of COVID19 pandemic. Like most of us I was suddenly out of work and readjusting to being at home, suddenly being without a job, and supervising my children’s education.

I received a message and story of this couple getting married here in Ann Arbor and I was over the moon to document their day. Let me tell you about their pandemic affected tale….

This lovely couple resides in New York City where they met at Columbia University both pursuing a masters in education and now teach in the same district in Harlem. From the moment we video chatted I knew they were beautiful people - living lives full of purpose and intention - the change makers.

When COVID hit New York City hard and schools closed down they came to the bride’s childhood home to wait out the storm and work remotely.

In the midst of all the chaos - the biggest plan on the horizon was a beautiful June wedding in NYC with all their family and friends. (LE SIGH). As time passed and they realized that plan was not going to be possible they came up with a new plan that turned out to be quite meaningful. You see, the bride’s parents were also married in their backyard many moons ago - and not only that but in the backyard of her childhood home grows a very special apple tree that was planted by the bride’s grandfather. And if that wasn’t enough serendipity - the tree was about to blossom and so formulated their plan to get married under the apple blossom tree making the best of the difficult to swallow circumstances. (and YES, her tattoo is an apple blossom displaying that special connection to her family and that tree)

So in her parent’s backyard with a childhood best friend to officiate, the bride’s parents and brother this couple began their life together - partners for life. It can be difficult to photograph through tears - but that’s what I had to do - as I listened to their beautiful vows that were so heartfelt and genuine and later as the the groom’s parents were able to toast well wishes to the couple via zoom. I know we’ve all had our share of ZOOM this spring - but how wonderful to have this tool for this wedding day. So many people gathered to gather virtually to watch this wedding, toast the newlyweds and then were even able to break out into rooms to be greeted by the couple in a more personal manner.

I’ll finish this story with the best part of all - this beautiful love story in images - and note that after being pulled away from working and doing what I love this wedding will always hold a very special place in my heart. It was like being reunited with a long lost best friend. It was pure JOY to be capturing LOVE again and seeing that hope and new beginnings that I’m so accustomed to being a part of my life.

If you’re finding yourself shifting to an intimate wedding and need coverage, let me know! CONTACT ME

MELANIE REYES PHOTOGRAPHY // ANN ARBOR AND DETROIT WEDDING AND EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER