Elegant Backyard Wedding : Michelle + Will

What he remembers most is the Shamu the Whale blanket she'd wrap around her shoulders. Paired with slippers, Michelle rolled into school having looked like she just rolled out of bed. And, strangely, Will liked it. Of all the other girls at their high school, Michelle seemed the most low-maintence and carefree. Having just transferred, Will caught the eyes of most the girls, but when he was asked to prom by the most popular girl at school, Michelle's hopes were dashed. She–and her Shamu blanket–couldn't compete with that.

A few months later, Michelle and Will became friends and he soon found himself anxiously awaiting the sight of her slippers in the hallways. They graduated and dated through college, then life flipped upside down. One too many times. So they broke up and Michelle escaped to New York City. Years later, their paths crossed. That time, however, Michelle wasn't wearing slippers.

She didn't wear slippers when she walked down the aisle either. Donned in five-inch heels on her wedding day, Michelle walked toward Will, the boy who stole her teenage heart. During the ceremony, Will said to her, We made it, mama… and everyone knew they had. Made it. Happily and together.

Michelle and Will…how can I express my appreciation? You're two of the most amazing, giving, and generous people and seeing you marry was a true gift. Thank you. I hope you're enjoying every last minute of your time in Tahiti and you're able to relax and soak up time together. Again, thank you. Really. Much Love and Appreciation… j*

Michelle and Will planned a beautiful backyard wedding, but she made sure to keep a flair of elegance with her Maggie Sottero wedding gown…

While I was at the altar, JD was able to capture this moment of Michelle and her dad making their way to the ceremony site…

The wedding ceremony was personalized and beautiful in every way, keeping the entire backyard experience intimate and private…

Just moments after the ceremony, we were able to capture sunset and JD snapped this wedding photo…one of my favs from the day…

Michelle, you are gorgeous. Simply, stunning…really…

I admit this wasn't a usual backyard in any stretch of the imagination…it was huge and absolutely beautiful…

Michelle planned the entire wedding herself and I loved her DIY wedding details…

This gorgeous cake was made by one of my favorite bakeries, Sweet and Saucy…I addddore Melody's creations!

The Grand Entrance under strung Italian lights…it was such a romantic touch to the evening…

The First Dance…

I love wedding photo booth pictures…

Dancing the night away…

To see more of Michelle and Will's backyard wedding, feel free to CLICK HERE for a slideshow or watch it here…

Happy Monday!