By Maira Ochoa | Maira Ochoa Photography — Serving Palatine, Lake Villa, and the Greater Chicago Area
Some weddings stay with you long after the editing is done. This past summer, I had the honor of photographing one of those.
A high school classmate of mine, Ruby, reached out to book me for her wedding day. We hadn’t spoken since graduation, but she had been following my photography journey all these years — and when her big day came, she trusted me to capture it. That meant the world to me. I had already photographed her sister’s wedding, and now here we were, full circle. Every wedding I take on, I handle with care. But this one was especially close to my heart.
Ruby’s wedding was a beautiful backyard celebration — intimate, vibrant, and full of life. Think bold, saturated colors, an abundance of gorgeous Mexican-inspired décor, incredible food, and a live mariachi band that had everyone on their feet after the ceremony. The ceremony itself took place beneath a towering tree, surrounded by lush greenery and the warmth of a big, loving family gathered together. It was joyful, real, and completely unforgettable.
And in just three hours, we captured all of it.
You Don’t Need a Ballroom to Have a Beautiful Wedding
There’s a reason micro weddings and backyard celebrations are becoming more and more popular across Palatine, Lake Villa, and the greater Chicago area — and it’s not just about budget. When you skip the big venue, you free up money to invest in the things that actually make your day feel you: the décor, the food, the open bar, the details your guests will talk about for years. You can splurge on a stunning floral arrangement, hire a mariachi or a live band, order the most incredible food, or create a personalized photo book as a keepsake — because you’re not spending tens of thousands on a rental space.
Backyard weddings are also just more relaxed. There’s a laid-back energy that allows real moments to unfold naturally. Guests are comfortable. The couple is at ease. And as a photographer, that ease translates directly into stunning, authentic images.
What a 3-Hour Wedding Photography Session Looks Like
A lot of couples worry that a shorter session means missing out on important moments. It doesn’t — when you plan it well. Here’s how I typically structure a three-hour micro wedding session:
Getting Ready (45–60 minutes)
I arrive while the bride is in the final stages of getting ready. This is where I capture the detail shots — the dress, the rings, the florals, the little things you’ll want to remember. If the groom is nearby, I’ll include him too.
The Ceremony (30 minutes)
Most backyard ceremonies run around 30 minutes. I capture everything: the processional, the vows, the first kiss, the reactions from family.
Family Formals (30 minutes)
Right after the ceremony, we move into family formal portraits while everyone is together and still dressed beautifully.
Bride & Groom Portraits (30 minutes)
This is your time. We find the best light, the best backdrop — whether that’s the garden, a beautiful tree, or a styled corner of the backyard — and create images that are just about the two of you.
Special Moments
Whatever makes your wedding yours — like Ruby’s mariachi band — I’ll be there for it. These are often the most joyful, spontaneous images of the whole day.
Many of the backyard weddings I photograph also include meaningful family rituals like a unity sand ceremony — especially beautiful for blended families or celebrations where children are part of the day. These moments are some of the most emotional and memorable of the entire wedding, and I make sure every single one is captured.
And here is something I always tell my couples: micro weddings are not that different from traditional weddings. You still have the dress, the vows, the first kiss, the family, the tears, the laughter, and the dancing. The only difference is how intimate it feels. Every single person in that backyard is someone who truly matters to you — and that makes every photo more meaningful, more emotional, and more real.
Micro Wedding Photography — Q & A
Q: How much does micro wedding photography cost? My micro wedding packages start at $1,200 for a two-hour minimum. Each additional hour is $425. Most backyard weddings book two to three hours, which comfortably covers the ceremony, formals, and portraits.
Q: Is two hours enough for a micro wedding? It can be, depending on your timeline. Two hours works beautifully if the bride is already ready when I arrive and you want coverage of the ceremony and portraits only. Three hours allows for getting-ready photos, the ceremony, family formals, and bride and groom portraits — which I recommend for the most complete coverage.
Q: Can you capture everything in a backyard setting? Absolutely. Backyard weddings are actually some of my favorite to photograph. The natural light, the personal décor, the relaxed atmosphere — it all makes for stunning, authentic images. These settings also tend to offer more creative flexibility than traditional venues.
Q: Do you photograph culturally specific weddings? Yes, and I love it. Whether it’s a Mexican-themed celebration, a multicultural ceremony, or any cultural tradition, I’m there to honor and document what makes your wedding uniquely yours.
Q: What’s the benefit of keeping the guest list small? Fewer guests means more intimacy — and more intimacy means better photos. When people are relaxed and close to one another, genuine emotions come through. The laughter is louder. The tears are real. Those are the images that last a lifetime.
Q: Do you photograph blended families? Absolutely and it is one of my greatest honors. Whether it is children from a previous relationship, stepfamilies, or a big blended clan, I make sure every member of your new family feels seen, included, and celebrated in your wedding photos.
Q: Do you offer packages specifically for micro weddings? Yes. I work with couples to build a session that fits their day. Whether you need two focused hours or a fuller three-hour experience, we’ll create a plan that makes sure nothing important gets missed.
Q: How far in advance should I book? As soon as you have your date confirmed. Micro weddings are growing in popularity and my weekends fill up. Reaching out early ensures we can make it happen.
Ready to Book Your Backyard Wedding?
If you’re planning an intimate celebration and want photography that captures the heart of your day — the love, the laughter, the details, the family — I would love to be your photographer.
I’ve done many of these, and I can honestly say they are some of the most meaningful I’ve had the privilege of being a part of. Like Ruby’s wedding — a reconnection, a celebration, a reminder of why I love what I do.
Let’s talk. Reach out at mairaochoaphotography.com to check availability and book your session.
Maira Ochoa Photography — Backyard & Micro Wedding Photographer serving Palatine, Lake Villa, Waukegan, Gurnee, and the greater Chicago area.
