Zoe & Hunter: A Small Wedding, Done Their Way
Some couples want the big ballroom. Zoe and Hunter wanted something else. A backyard, about 40 of their favorite people, tacos, margaritas, and a dance floor.
And honestly, it was perfect.
When I asked Zoe what she was most looking forward to, she said:
"I'm so excited to be sharing the love I have for Hunter with all the people I hold nearest and dearest and dancing with my guests!!"
That's exactly what the day felt like. No stiff schedule. No pressure. Just love, sunshine, and a lot of dancing.
If you're planning a small wedding and wondering if it can still feel like a real wedding, keep reading. Zoe and Hunter's day is the best answer I can give you.
Why The Vintage House Was the Right Fit
The Vintage House is a charming little event house in historic downtown Overland Park. It's cozy, romantic, and has a lovely backyard. Here's how Zoe put it:
"I really wanted to have a small and intimate backyard wedding and The Vintage House was perfect. It has a lovely backyard and already has such a romantic vibe I feel like we dont even need a lot of decorating. It speaks for itself!"
She's right. When a venue already has this much charm, you don't need to spend a fortune on decor. A few flowers, a cake, and good light. That's it.
Same goes for the dress. Zoe found hers second hand, and Peppermint Stitchworks altered it to fit her perfectly. You would never know it wasn't made just for her. A pre-loved dress plus a great seamstress is smart, pretty, and budget friendly.
The weather was perfect too. Lots of sunshine, but not too hot. The kind of day you hope for when you plan an outdoor wedding.
A tip for backyard weddings: Always have a rain plan, even if the forecast looks great. A venue with an indoor space, like The Vintage House, takes so much stress off your shoulders. You can enjoy the backyard and still sleep well the night before.
Tacos, Margaritas & Happy Guests
No plated chicken dinner here. Zoe and Hunter brought in the Tiki Taco food truck.
"We are getting a food truck from Tiki Taco. We will be having tacos and margaritas. So yummy and I know all our guests will be happy."
And they were. There's something about a food truck that makes everyone relax. People grab their tacos, sit in the sun, and just talk. It fit their day perfectly.
Food truck tips: For a small wedding, I think a food truck is a great idea. A few things to ask before you book:
How many guests can they serve? One truck can usually handle 100 to 150 people. With around 40 guests, nobody waited long.
Where will it park? The truck needs a flat spot and sometimes power. Check with your venue first.
What's included? Ask about plates, napkins, utensils, and trash cans. Don't assume.
What if it rains? Guests will need a covered place to eat.
Bonus tip from me: a food truck is so fun to photograph. Ask your photographer to grab a few shots of your guests in line. Those candid moments end up being favorites.
How Much Photography Time a Small Wedding Needs
This is one of the questions I hear most. For Zoe and Hunter, 4 hours was perfect. That was enough time for:
Details (the dress, the flowers, the cake)
Greeting guests
Family photos
The ceremony
Couple portraits
The dance floor
We fit it all in because they did the day their own way.
They welcomed their guests together. Zoe and Hunter didn't hide before the ceremony. They greeted everyone as they arrived. I love this. You actually get to talk to your people instead of waiting in a back room.
We did family photos before the ceremony too. Everyone looked fresh, and nobody had to hunt down Grandma later. After the ceremony, the couple went straight to the party.
Their first dance wasn't a performance. Instead of dancing alone while everyone watched, they invited their guests to join them right away. If being the center of attention makes you nervous, steal this idea. It was such a joyful moment, and the photos show it.
If you're planning an intimate wedding or elopement, my 4-hour coverage starts at $2,400. I'll help you build a timeline that works. You get great photos and time to enjoy your day.
The Gallery
The Vendors Who Made It Happen
A small wedding still takes a great team. Thank you to everyone who made Zoe and Hunter's day so special.
PhotographyDenise Jambor Photography
Venue The Vintage House
Coordinator Austin Hovie
Food truck Tiki Taco
Cake Cakes by Cookie
Dress alterations Peppermint Stitchworks
Flowers Cathy's Flowers & Roses Only
Planning Your Own Intimate Wedding
Zoe and Hunter, thank you for letting me be part of your day. It was so full of love, and I'm still smiling about that dance floor.
If you're dreaming of a small wedding that feels like you, I'd love to hear about it. Tell me your love story and your wishes, and I'll help you make it happen.
