Last week we were singing the praises of Irving Berlin. This week, it's Lerner and Loewe and  My Fair Lady, because nothing seems more appropriate than "On the Street Where You Live."

A couple of posts ago, I mentioned how some of the best pictures we take as photographers occur only three feet from our front door. I was referring, of course, to the picture of Alexandra running on the front lawn. But this past weekend that maxim proved true for weddings as well, as I photographed the incredible backyard wedding of Kate Alden and Andy. Not three feet from my front door--more like three hundred--but that's close enough for me. It's the first wedding I can remember walking to, let's put it that way.

I've said it before and I'll say it once more for effect: There's nothing like a daytime wedding  at home to eliminate all the stress and drama that we have come to associate with weddings today. You're home, after all. And for the same reason we long for stuffing and sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving, a wedding at home just says comfort. Brides and grooms are comfortable, guests are comfortable and even us wedding photographers are more comfortable. (As long as you don't count the 158 times I sneezed during the day. Paging Dr. Claritin.)

With a backyard wedding, it's the little things that make one smile. Earlier in the day, I laughed as I looked out the window and Kate Alden's father carefully cleaning and individually adjusting the rocks in the creek for better water flow. If that's not true love I don't know what is. A little bit later, Kate Alden looked beautiful as she descended the back porch steps with her dad and over the little footbridge that crosses the backyard creek. Just as she started that descent, a huge breeze rumbled in out of nowhere and I remember whispering to one of Andy's groomsmen, "That's was pretty cool."

More little things:  During the communion portion of the service, Kate and Andy sat on a bench that was covered with a quilt made by a great-grandmother. (I may be off my a generation or two here, I'm certain someone will correct me.) Even watching guests pass the wine and communion wafers down the line seemed, as opposed to getting up, a bit more neighborly. And finally, Kate Alden's sister, Maegen, who is expecting and always seems happy, singing beautifully under all those trees.

And the little things didn't stop there. After the wedding, complete with a sword arch departure, courtesy of Andy's Naval Academy buddies, Kate Alden and Andy drove around North Arlington in a vintage car. As we drove down my block, just steps from the Kate Alden's house, we were greeted by the neighborhood kids selling lemonade on the corner. Who could resist? Andy and Kate Alden gave all the kids a thrill as they bought a few cups. The kids won't forget that and neither will bride and groom.

As usual, I've posted a mini gallery of images from Andy and Kate Alden's wedding here. I love this portrait of them on the balcony at Washington Golf and County Club. Just more perfect weather and atmosphere on a gorgeous day on the street where I live.

Take care,

Matt