A Lush DIY Backyard Wedding in Rappahannock

Lexi is a sweet friend of mine — she was actually one of my bridesmaids — so getting to photograph her and Jarett’s wedding day was such a meaningful honor. Being trusted with moments like these never gets old, especially when the couple is as loved as these two.

Lexi had always dreamed of a backyard wedding — not a small one by any means, but one filled with all of their people. Between friends and family, their guest list was generous, and with careful planning and a shuttle service in place, they were able to host everyone right in Jarett’s parents’ backyard in Amissville, Virginia.

The property itself was stunning. Jarett’s dad is a skilled landscaper, and it showed — every corner of the yard felt lush, intentional, and well cared for. Their ceremony took place outdoors beneath a beautiful arch adorned with faux florals created by a relative, followed by a tented reception nearby.

The girls got ready in the farmhouse while the gentlemen spent the morning at the barn, keeping things relaxed and unhurried. Lexi and Jarett chose not to have a full bridal party — instead opting for just a maid of honor and best man. With so many meaningful relationships, narrowing it down felt nearly impossible, and this choice gave them more time and flexibility throughout the day.

Some of our favorite details included their hanging photo booth frame, antique getaway car, custom cake toppers, and a charming suitcase used as their card box. Every detail felt personal and thoughtfully chosen.

What made this wedding especially beautiful was how many people came together to make it happen. From the photography to the food, coffee bar, florals, and setup — every piece reflected the love and care poured into the day. It was truly a DIY backyard wedding done right. Looking at their photos, you’d never guess this wasn’t a full-service venue.

What Lexi & Jarett Booked

We like to share booking details in our blog posts so couples can get a realistic point of reference while browsing our work.

For Lexi and Jarett, we provided:

• 8 hours of wedding day coverage. This allowed us to capture everything from details and getting ready moments through their send-off.

• Over 750 images delivered in their final wedding gallery

  
  

Key Notes From Their Wedding Day

• Lexi and Jarett chose not to do a first look

• Skipping bridal party photos allowed for more time with couple and family portraits

• Since their wedding took place in the summer, we made sure to step away for golden-hour sunset portraits

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Lexi and Jarett’s wedding is proof that a backyard wedding can feel just as elevated and elegant as a traditional venue when it’s planned with care — and surrounded by people who love you deeply.

Enjoy a look at their gallery!

If you’re planning a wedding in or near the Shenandoah Valley and looking for timeless, genuine, and intentional photography to match your special day — we’d love to connect. At Rachel Dodson Photography, we specialize in classy, refined weddings with a timeless feel, crisp whites, natural colors that pop, and a relaxed but intentional photo experience. Reach out to me (Rachel) today so we can chat about your vision and craft a photo plan that supports it. Let’s make your wedding day as calm, beautiful, and unforgettable as you hope it will be.