B + C Wedding

Why Backyard Weddings Might Be My Favorite | Madison Gale Studio

There’s something so special about a backyard wedding. Maybe it’s the way the couple’s story is woven into every corner of the space, or how guests feel more like family than just attendees. Whatever it is, this recent wedding reminded me exactly why I adore intimate celebrations like this.


From the moment I arrived, I could tell this day was deeply personal. Every detail—from the handmade archway to the family-style dinner setup—felt like a reflection of the couple. The backyard was filled with laughter, happy tears, and all the little imperfect moments that make a wedding day truly perfect.


One of my favorite things about this day? We had done bridals beforehand, which meant we didn’t have to spend too much time on formal portraits during the ceremony. Instead, the couple got to live in the moment—hug grandparents, dance barefoot on the lawn, and soak in the joy of their day. And for me, it meant more time capturing the genuine, unfiltered moments that happen when people are just being themselves.


I’m always honored to be invited into these kinds of days—the ones that are less about the spectacle and more about connection. Whether it’s a grand ballroom or a cozy backyard, love is love—but there’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you're surrounded by home.

If you're dreaming of a wedding day that feels like you, a backyard wedding might just be the perfect fit. And I’d love to be there to capture every little moment.

Intimate moment between newlyweds as they share dessert during their wedding celebration.
Close up of white and green cascading bridal bouquet against wedding attire.
A joyful wedding couple shares a candid moment as the groom lifts the bride in her white dress.
A touching wedding ceremony moment at an outdoor garden venue with floral arch decorations and stone pathway.
Wedding rings nestled in the center of a cream-colored rose bloom surrounded by green foliage in soft focus.
Cream roses and greenery arranged above wooden frame containing vintage photographs on white surface.
A couple holding hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by white floral arrangements and a brick wall backdrop.
A couple embraces on a walkway surrounded by vibrant red fall foliage and a large evergreen tree.
Romantic dip kiss between newlyweds showcasing bride's detailed lace dress and groom's brown leather shoes.
A romantic black and white wedding photograph taken with a dreamy blurred vignette effect in a garden setting.
Couple exits outdoor wedding ceremony on lush grass holding hands while guests sit in rows of white chairs.
Rows of chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with swirled white frosting displayed in a clear container.
A tender moment shared between an elderly person and baby against a soft bokeh background.
A romantic wedding portrait through red autumn foliage against a white house exterior.
An appetizer platter with assorted cookies and snacks arranged on white plates.

Want to see the bridals?

Bridal Portraits Before the “I Do”

There’s something so special about setting aside time before the big day to capture bridal portraits. For this session, we split our time between two stunning locations—Studio Elevn, with its clean, modern indoor space and dreamy natural light, and the Utah State Capitol, offering timeless architecture and sweeping views.

Shooting ahead of the wedding gave us the chance to slow down, focus on the details, and create a gallery full of calm, elegant moments—without the rush of the ceremony timeline. From soft, romantic indoor shots to grand, dramatic portraits on the Capitol steps, every image tells a piece of her story.

Here’s a small sample of those images below.

Formal portrait in dark suit with red tie and white boutonniere against light background.
Close up of hands touching gently over white lace detail of a wedding dress in an elegant interior setting.
Minimalist bridal portraits in a bright white studio space with natural window light.
A close-up wedding photo showing hands holding a white floral bouquet with beaded dress detail in the frame.
Black and white artistic photo of newlyweds posed by classical stone columns in architectural setting.
A candid wedding moment in a bright white room as an emotional groom reacts to seeing the bride holding her bouquet.
A couple in wedding attire rests together on a dark blue velvet couch in moody lighting.
A couple in wedding attire stands in a minimalist white room with dramatic window lighting casting shadows.
Two figures stand together in a bright white room with large windows creating dramatic natural lighting.
A white wedding dress with floral details and blue denim contrasts against a stark white background.
A couple embraces in a bright white room wearing wedding attire, with sunlight streaming through windows.
Romantic moment captured in an industrial elevator hallway with gold lighting.
A white bridal bouquet lies on concrete floor next to feet wearing elegant bridal shoes and black dress shoes.
A romantic couple sharing an intimate moment, with the bride wearing a delicate beaded gown with pearls.
Groom wearing dark suit with red tie and boutonniere poses against white wall with dramatic window lighting.