Alicia and Coen didn't need a venue, a planner or a guest list in the hundreds. On a Sunday afternoon in September 2026 they got married in their own backyard in Para Hills, in Adelaide's north, surrounded by the people closest to them, and they organised every bit of it themselves. I was there to capture the day alongside the celebrant: my wife Grace, from Gathering With Grace.
A wedding made at home
Every detail was the couple's own work. The pergola was dressed with soft white fabric, a timber "Alicia & Coen" sign stood by the garden bed, and a little white marquee went up beside the pool. There was a "LOVE" sign and a cake table, and a basket of rose petal cones ready for after the ceremony. It felt relaxed and personal from the moment I walked in.
Remembering the people who couldn't be there
One of the most meaningful touches was a memorial table. Alicia and Coen set aside a small table for framed photos of special family members who have passed away, under an "In Loving Memory" sign, so they had a place in the day too. It's a simple idea, and it meant a lot to everyone in the backyard.
The ceremony
Grace led the ceremony under the pergola with the couple's family gathered on the lawn. It was warm, funny and completely theirs: Coen read his vows, there were a few happy tears, and then came the kiss.
Signed, sealed and celebrated
After the signing, the newlyweds held up their certificate, then it was straight into hugs from family and friends. With no schedule to keep, nobody was rushing anywhere.
A few portraits
We finished with a handful of portraits around the garden and the pergola, plus photos with their loved ones.
Thinking about a backyard wedding?
If a big venue wedding isn't you, a backyard elopement is worth a look:
- It's your space. No venue rules, no rush to clear out, and everyone already knows where the bathroom is.
- Make it personal. Touches like a memorial table, your own signs and DIY confetti are what people remember.
- Book a celebrant and photographer together. Grace and I are married and often work as a team, which keeps things simple when you're organising everything yourself.
Venue: the couple's backyard, Para Hills. Celebrant: Grace, Gathering With Grace. Photography: Dylan Sanders, Sanderism.
Planning a small wedding or elopement?
I photograph elopements, backyard weddings and big days across Adelaide and South Australia, and you can book Grace and me together as a celebrant + photographer package.
Check my availability Weddings & elopements