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My galleries, my journals, my mess.

From travel to weddings to analog DOCUMENTATION, there's much to dig through.

Naturally for a gal as stunning as Molly, she’d be matched with an equally stunning partner. Joseph is a charming guy who oozes warmth and style. I loved getting to know them both throughout their wedding planning and witnessing their partnership throughout the day. Witnessing patient and earnest love stories is what makes my job so goddamn cool.

Oregon wedding photographer Raina Virginia captures Molly & Joseph’s modern & timeless “middle earth” inspired day on 35mm and medium format film in a documentary style.

“Middle-Earth” Inspired Wedding

Documentary wedding photographer, Raina Virginia, lists tips and overlooked elements for organizing your sweet and seamless backyard wedding.

The trade-off, however, is less built-in guidance and support from coordinators or vendors. After capturing a handful of sweet small weddings from folk’s yards, I’ve noticed a few patterns or afterthoughts.

Tips for Your Backyard Wedding

One of my favorite details was their effort to reinvent the traditions in a way that worked for them. Rosie’s folks were titled “Goblins of Honor” rather than a “Bridal Party” and their wedding day was filled with personal details that spoke to their theatrical background: a poem performed by Rosie’s mom at the ceremony and a joyous choreographed routine to get the dance floor started.

Documentary Film Wedding Photographer Raina Virginia documents Rosie & Ryan's renaissance inspired celebration in Solvang, CA on 35mm film, medium format, and digital.

Renaissance Solvang Wedding

Documentary Wedding Photographer Raina Virginia captures a stylish and unconventional couples’ destination Palm Springs wedding on film and digital.

There was a short drizzle as guests arrived; softening the sunlight and glittering the pool, but quickly it cleared, and the energy is this yard was so fun. Polaroid selfies, margaritas, iPhone portraits, laughter, and lots of hugs.

Backyard Palm Springs Micro Wedding

Their wedding venue was at the Fort Mason Firehouse. A small, but bright building with incredible views. I was so excited to explore the docks for some cute, campy, and dramatic couple’s photos.

LGBTQ Documentary Wedding Photographer Raina Virginia documents two brides at their diy firehouse wedding in fort mason, san francisco on 35mm and medium format film.

DIY San Francisco Firehouse Wedding

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