Candace & Derek | Backyard Garden Ceremony
From the start of wedding planning, Candace and Derek sat down and had a conversation with each other about their values and what they wanted their wedding to represent. They wrote a vision statement that stated their commitment to celebrate their relationship, their family, and their friends, and to let go of materialism and patriarchal customs. They had all the main elements of their July, 2020 wedding planned. And then, of course, a global pandemic hit, uprooting all of the careful plans they had made.
But then again, nothing about their wedding vision statement had actually changed. Faced with plenty of uncertainty, they began making new plans, but the root of their celebration remained steadfast. Instead of a large celebration in a restaurant, they pivoted to a small backyard gathering with just a few guests, everyone wearing masks and keeping six feet away from each other. Their families joined from afar on videochat. Their dog was able to walk down the aisle with them. Their friend Adrienne was still able to officiate.
A lot of things looked different from how they initially planned it, but the core of the day never wavered: a heartfelt affirmation of love and community. What a joy to celebrate alongside these two!
These welcome bags had all the covid supplies guests would need, including hand sanitizer and a very clever, personality-filled zine designed by the bride.
So much thought went into the safety and design of the space, including demarcated six-feet zones for each of the guests, plus a staggered arrival schedule so that everyone loaded the space from the back to the front. I especially appreciated the twelve foot aisle that ensured I could keep six feet away from guests on both sides throughout the ceremony.
Candace is an avid cake baker, so of course she made her own wedding cake. Plus cupcakes as favors.
Beautiful florals by Natalie of belle flower.
A tea ceremony for the parents watching through the cell phones!
Confetti!
Checking in with family again.
A warm hello to Adrienne and Jenton, whose wedding I photographed six years ago.
Social distanced greetings, with masks on!
Congratulations, Candace & Derek!
Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Anna Wu Photography
Venue: Couple’s home
Hair: Hung Tran, Project XO Salon
Makeup: Janesa Simmons
Florist: Natalie Marvin, Belle-Flower
Stationery, Signage, Cake, Cupcakes: Bride
Dress: Ted Baker
Videographer: Jenton, friend of the couple
Officiant: Adrienne, friend of the couple
Anna Wu is a wedding and portrait photographer based in San Francisco, California. She is now available to photograph outdoor sessions from six feet away with her mask on. Follow her daily adventures on instagram and view more of her work at annawu.com.
