Pam and Shawn’s story is one for the books. They met during a night out with friends, and there was an instant connection. They ended up leaving together and spending the whole night talking on a park bench. It was one of those magical moments you only hear about or see in the movies.
Fast forward 11 years – they’ve built a beautiful life together. Three wonderful kids, and they just bought their dream home in North Jersey. It felt only natural to have their wedding right there, in the place that represents everything they’ve built together. They kept their home wedding intimate, inviting just their closest family and friends to celebrate with them. It was perfect, really – a true reflection of their journey and their love.
A Beautiful Home Wedding With Family & Friends
Getting Ready In Their Dream Home
Pam and Shawn got ready at home, but in separate areas to keep the surprise alive. Pam was surrounded by her bridesmaids, while Shawn hung out with his groomsmen. Their three kids moved between both areas, adding to the joyful atmosphere. Even though they were getting ready separately, there was still a sense of togetherness throughout the home.
I captured some amazing moments with the bridal party – makeup sessions, heartfelt chats, and those special first looks. There was so much love in the air. Over with the guys, I got shots of them exchanging gifts, playing with the kids, and sharing some drinks with the groom. The whole morning was just sweet and full of love. You could feel the excitement building as everyone got ready for the big moment.
An At-Home Wedding Ceremony To Remember
The ceremony took place in their front yard earlier in the day. It was a perfect August day – bright, warm sun, and not a cloud in sight. I got some shots of the decor before everything started. The whole setup was so elegant and understated. They went with blush pink, gold, and white for their colors, which looked amazing in the sunlight. I loved the welcome table – they even had custom fans for guests, which was such a thoughtful touch for a hot summer day.
The ceremony itself was pretty traditional. The bridesmaids and groomsmen walked down the aisle together, followed by one of their sons as the ring bearer, walking with the mother of the bride. Then came the sweetest moment – their other son walked Pam down the aisle.
At the altar, Pam & Shawn read their own vows to each other. The whole time, they held hands, totally intertwined. You could tell this was the most meaningful part for them. They even dried each other’s tears – it was just beautiful to watch. And talk about a fun exit – after being officially announced, Shawn scooped up his bride and carried her away!
Fun Portraits With The Wedding Party
After the ceremony, we headed to their backyard for portraits, and they turned out absolutely gorgeous. The backyard had these amazing pockets of light that we used to our advantage. We got some perfect shots playing around with the light and shadows.
The bridal party photos were a total blast. The girls had the trendy white paper parasols, which made for some great shots. And the guys came up with this crazy idea – they wanted to throw the bride up in the air! It was such a fun, spontaneous moment and was so much fun to capture.
A Lively Home Wedding Reception
We moved back to the front yard for the reception. They had a big white tent set up, and the entrance was something else. The bridal party walked in carrying these giant P&S letters, and right as they hit the dance floor, the groom popped champagne. It was such a fun way to kick things off!
Next came the first dances. Pam and Shawn had their moment together, then Pam danced with their two sons, and Shawn spun around with their daughter. It was really sweet to watch.
When the DJ changed up the music, the whole atmosphere shifted. The energy just exploded! The kids totally took over. They made this huge circle on the dance floor and started breakdancing right in the middle. Everyone’s faces were priceless – all smiles and wide eyes. I was snapping photos left and right, trying to catch all those amazing reactions!
A Review From Pam & Shawn
Here is a lovely review from the lovely couple:
“We couldn’t be happier with Chrissy as our wedding photographer! From the moment I reached out to her, she was warm, professional, and incredibly supportive. Leading up to the big day, she was always available to answer questions and help us feel at ease. On the wedding day, her energy was absolutely infectious—she kept everyone smiling and comfortable, even during the more hectic moments. My husband, who doesn’t often give compliments, was raving about her! Chrissy captured our special day perfectly, and we’ll cherish her beautiful work forever. Highly recommend!”
Chrissy Marie Photo Co. | Elopement & Intimate Wedding Photographer
Pam and Shawn’s beautiful home wedding is exactly the kind of celebration I love to capture. As an intimate wedding photographer, I specialize in these personal, heartfelt events – from backyard ceremonies to destination elopements. I understand that every couple’s vision is unique, which is why all my packages are fully customizable. Whether you’re planning a home wedding ceremony, a courthouse elopement, or both, I’m here to document your special day authentically.
My approach to intimate wedding photography is flexible – you can book me for just a few hours or the entire day, ensuring you get exactly what you need. If you’re looking for backyard wedding ideas or intimate wedding ideas, check out my Pinterest for inspiration!
If you’re ready to start planning your wedding or elopement, let’s chat about how we can bring your vision to life. Contact me today to discuss your wedding photography needs!
P.S. – I also offer film in some of my packages and film add-ons. See some stunning film photos of Pam & Shawn below!
