Stacey and Jonas celebrated a beautiful backyard wedding in Butler PA at Stacey’s childhood home. Their closest family and friends surrounded the couple. After growing up in this home for nearly three decades, Stacey always knew that if she ever got married, there was one place that felt right — beneath the massive tree in the back corner of the yard.
A Love Story Inspired by the Philadelphia Eagles
You could say the Philadelphia Eagles are responsible for this love story. Stacey and Jonas first met in Ohio in 2012. After losing touch for a while — aside from birthday wishes and sports banter — the Eagles’ Super Bowl win brought them back together. A congratulatory Facebook message turned into coffee in Cincinnati… and they never stopped talking (or having coffee).
Getting Ready at Home
There’s something incredibly special about getting ready in the home where you grew up. The familiarity, the memories, and the comfort made the morning feel calm and joyful.
Stacey wore a sleek Mon Cheri gown from The Winner that fit her beautifully.
Sondra Davenport from Prima Capelli handled both hair and makeup, creating a look that felt elegant and timeless.
Her puppy Kiwi served as flower girl — complete with her own little gown — and absolutely stole hearts. She even helped her mom get ready.
The emotional father-daughter first look was one of those moments that never gets old. There were tears, laughter, and so much love.
Portraits & Traditional Moments
Before the ceremony, we photographed Stacey with her family and bridesmaids, then tucked her away so Jonas wouldn’t see her — they chose to keep things traditional.
The bridal party was joyful and playful, which always makes portraits even more fun.
After we hid Stacy away, we focused on capturing some beautiful photos of Jonas, his family, and his groomsmen.
Jonas’s nephew served as the ring bearer. I love his little bow tie!!
Ceremony Beneath the Tree
The ceremony took place under Stacey’s favorite tree — the very heart of the property. It could not have been more fitting.
Music played a central role in their day. The ceremony featured:
- A saxophone rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow
- A flutist and string quartet
Father-of-the-Groom Hollis Thoms composed original pieces performed by siblings Sonja and Jason Thoms.
As the bride walked down the aisle, a portion of “Alpine Symphony” by Richard Strauss was played.
“It was a big brassy moment, which fits since Jonas plays the French Horn”. -Stacey
Jonas could not keep his eyes off his beautiful bride.
Stacey’s father sang a moving rendition of Reckless Love by Cory Asbury. There were very few dry eyes.
The bridal party joined the couple in a group prayer, creating a powerful and intimate moment.
Post-Ceremony Portraits in the Backyard
After the ceremony, we transitioned right into photos around the property. One of the best parts of a beautiful backyard wedding is having meaningful, familiar spaces just steps away from the ceremony.
We started with full bridal party portraits, and this group brought such great energy. There was laughter, playful moments, and genuine joy — the kind that makes images feel alive.
Of course, Kiwi had to make an appearance in portraits as well. She proudly fulfilled her flower girl duties and added so much personality to the day.
Once the bridal party photos were complete, we focused on portraits of just Stacey and Jonas. The backyard setting provided beautiful natural light, greenery, and soft summer skies. Because this property holds so many memories for Stacey, these portraits felt especially personal.
There’s something incredibly meaningful about capturing wedding portraits in a place that has been part of someone’s story for decades.
Before heading into the reception, we had to snag one last fun photo with the bridal party. I love this!
A Reception Made Possible by Community
This beautiful backyard wedding in Butler PA would not have been possible without the guidance of coordinator Beth Burchill, who ensured everything ran smoothly. The backyard reception blended sparkle and metallic elements with rustic charm. So many details were lovingly created by family and friends. More than anything, this day reflected who Stacey and Jonas are — joyful, musical, sentimental, and deeply loved.
The reception kicked off with some wonderful speeches.
Just after the cake cutting, a storm briefly rolled in, but instead of dampening spirits, the couple carried on with their formal dances, celebrating fully.
The best sunsets truly do come after the rain.
To end the night, family and friends lined the driveway with sparklers for a magical send-off.
Planning Your Very Own Beautiful Backyard Wedding?
Backyard weddings offer something truly unique — personal meaning, flexibility, and the ability to create a celebration that feels completely your own. If you’re planning a beautiful backyard wedding in Butler, PA or anywhere in the US, we would love to help you document every heartfelt, joyful, sparkler-lit moment.
Let’s tell your story in a place that means something.
Vendors.
Wedding Planner: Beth Burchill
Gown: Mon Cheri Bridals
Men’s Formal Wear: Men’s Warehouse
Hair & Makeup: Sondra Davenport from Prima Capelli
Florist: All About Reclaimed
Catering: Medure´s Catering
DJ: Cabaret Karaoke and DJ – Rikki Woodling
Wedding Photographer: Weddings by Sal & Bella
Weddings by Sal & Bella: Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers
