I Always Will - Courtney and Michael's Beautiful Backyard Wedding on Shelter Island

We love a good backyard wedding. Courtney and Michael were married at the groom’s great grandmother’s house on Shelter Island. The day was sunny and perfect and On The Times Photography captured all the bright and happy details on camera, starting with the bride playfully posing for the cutest morning pictures ever with her girls in the pool. They all wore colorful floral robes and laughed as they splashed water with their toes after getting hair and makeup done by The House of Makeup. Courtney’s mother helped her into her stunning Tara Lauren wedding dress from Lovely Bride, a form fitted lace gown with drop sleeves that were removable for the dance party later in the night. Love this trend so much!! It’s one of our all time favorites. She was beautiful and absolutely glowing!

The groom and groomsmen wore navy suits from Suit Supply and blush ties from The Tie Bar. Katya’s Flowers designed the perfect white floral boutonnière and gorgeous bouquet packed with white, blush and bright pink flowers and greenery. Their first look was so romantic, Michael could barely keep his eyes off Courtney as they walked, hand and hand, up and down the pathway that lined the ocean.

After the first look, Courtney met her ladies for bridesmaid photos. The girls rocked blush dresses in all shapes and shades. We love that they had beads, lace and ruffles which adds so much texture to photos! Each held a smaller version of the bride’s incredible bouquet with long flowing ribbon tied around the flower’s stems. The bride spent moments alone with her father, pinning on his boutonnière and giving us a great shot of his Father of the Groom tie clip.

The guys also met for photos and to blow bubbles (yes, we’re a bit confused too but the photos are adorbs). A few family and wedding party pictures and these two were ready to say I Do. We think they were smart to get photos out of the way before the ceremony so they could spend the hours afterwards partying with their guests!

The ceremony space was stunning. A birch arbor was accented with florals and had a picture perfect waterfront backdrop. The couple made a sign that showed where all of their guests traveled from to come to their wedding. This is such a cool and unique piece of wedding decor and is sure to have everyone talking!

The bride’s parents walked her down the aisle after wedding party, five flower girls, and the cutest ring bearer. Courtney and Michael locked eyes and smiled the entire time. After vows they shared not one but two first kisses and snuck off for quick sunset photos on the dock before joining family and friends for cocktail hour.

The reception space was breathtaking. A large wooden escort card display held keys and tags with each guest’s name on them. Sperry Tents provided a stunning sailcloth tent covered in market lighting. Each table had overflowing floral centerpieces in gold compotes, lace runners and wooden name cards. The bar sign read “Happily Forever After Starts Here.” Amen to that! Speeches, first dances and a cake with multiple cupcake tiers got the celebration started and a dance party and magical sparkler exit ended the night.

Congratulations Courtney and Michael!! We wish you a lifetime of backyard parties, sunset walks on the beach, and raspberry lemonade margaritas. Welcome to Married Life!