The scent of incense and green grass in the air; the sounds of classical music and adult laughter and children’s giggles; the warm sun filtering through leaves, slowly waning to be replaced by a ring of bistro lights. It was in this enchanted backyard setting that Bushra and Sam celebrated their Cambridge wedding.

In our first conversation, Bushra and Sam told me they wanted their wedding to feel like home. They wanted a comfortable environment that would provide opportunities for real connections between their guests. And after searching for a venue, they chose to get married in the backyard of Sam’s childhood home. The backyard where he had gardened with his father and acquired a green thumb – which would later come in handy as he wooed Bushra by helping with her houseplants.

Under a chuppah made from a traditional Sudanese cloth, the ceremony was led by a family friend and included readings from their respective faith traditions by each of their mothers. The ceremony ended with a stomp and a kiss, and Bushra and Sam walked up the aisle and out to the street. The strolled together, fingers intertwined, waving to neighbors before returning for hugs with family.

In the backyard, guests enjoyed Campari spritzes and seasonal Mediterranean fare while catching up and offering congratulations. With arms draped around each other’s waists, Bushra and Sam laughed and cried as they were toasted by family and friends. And as dusk settled, Bushra and Sam shared their first dance. After an outfit change for Bushra, there was Sudanese dancing followed later by the hora. It was joyful blending of customs.

Bushra and Sam share a sparkling chemistry and deep connection that was a delight to witness. They also share a deep love for their families and friends, and it was a true joy to document their wedding.

flowers in a garden

groom entering house

groom tying tie

groom getting ready

bride laughing before wedding

bride getting ready

backyard first look photos | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

backyard first look photos | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

backyard first look photos | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding portraits in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding portraits in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding portraits in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

details of a backyard wedding in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

details of a backyard wedding in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

details of a backyard wedding in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

backyard wedding ceremony in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

backyard wedding ceremony in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

backyard wedding ceremony in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

backyard wedding ceremony in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

backyard Cambridge wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

multicultural backyard wedding ceremony  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

multicultural backyard wedding ceremony  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

multicultural backyard wedding ceremony  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

multicultural backyard wedding ceremony  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

emotional backyard wedding ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

multicultural backyard wedding ceremony  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

backyard wedding ceremony

backyard wedding ceremony  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

multicultural backyard wedding ceremony  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

multicultural Cambridge backyard wedding ceremony  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

bride smiles at groom after recessional at a backyard wedding ceremony

bride and groom walk and wave  to neighbors in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

detail of bride and groom holding hands | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

emotional bride and groom return to greet guests | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

bride and groom greet family after their ceremony | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

family portraits at a Cambridge backyard wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

family portraits at a Cambridge backyard wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

groom greets guests

guests at a backyard Cambridge wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

scenes from a backyard wedding in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

guests at a backyard wedding in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

guests at a backyard wedding in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

guests at a backyard wedding in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

guests at a backyard wedding in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

guests at a backyard wedding in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Cambridge wedding portrait | | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

toasts in the backyard at a Cambridge wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

toasts in the backyard at a Cambridge wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

toasts in the backyard at a Cambridge wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

toasts in the backyard at a Cambridge wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

emotional reactions to toasts at a backyard Cambridge wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

guests listen to toasts at a backyard wedding in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

guests listen to toasts at a backyard wedding in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

weddings toasts in the backyard, Cambridge MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding toasts in the backyard, Cambridge MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

wedding toasts in the backyard, Cambridge MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

emotional wedding toasts in the backyard, Cambridge MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

emotional wedding toasts in the backyard, Cambridge MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Cambridge wedding photography | a first dance in the backyard at twilight | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Cambridge wedding photography | a first dance in the backyard at twilight | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

A Sudanese-Jewish backyard wedding reception in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

A Sudanese-Jewish backyard wedding reception in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

A Sudanese-Jewish backyard wedding reception in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a backyard wedding  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a backyard wedding  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

A Sudanese-Jewish backyard wedding reception in Cambridge, MA | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a backyard wedding  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a backyard wedding  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a backyard wedding  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

dancing at a backyard wedding  | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Cambridge wedding | bride and groom dance under the stars late at night | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

simple and romantic night portrait | Cambridge wedding | Kelly Benvenuto Photography

Vendor Credits
Venue: family home
Planner: Tiffany of Detailed Engagements
Caterer: Woodland Catering
DJ: Meritage Entertainment
Bride’s Attire: Vow’s
Groom’s Attire: Drinkwater’s

If you like what you see, and are interested in having me photograph your backyard Cambridge wedding, please get in touch.

SHARE
COMMENTS