Lord of the Rings Themed Wedding | October 14th, 2023

Lyss and Shudder hosted their intimate Lord of the Rings themed wedding during peak foliage in their backyard--turning a lovely garden space into a reflection of the Shire. The couple planned a relaxing day filled with moments among their family, friends, and their dog Hazel. From their long tables decorated with natural elements and colored bottles, to hand-painted signage depicting quotes from the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings--their day was a collection of all of their favorite things coming together to celebrate their love amongst the peak foliage of Vermont fall.

Lord of the Rings Themed Wedding | The Story

"It began with the forging of the Great Rings." Well...something similar! Lyss and Shudder began their day getting ready in separate rooms at their home in the tiny town of Tinmouth, Vermont. Their home was once owned by Lyss' grandparents, and was passed down to her after their passing, making it an even more special location to make their union official. Shudder donned his green suit and had his sister braid his long hair for the occasion. Lyss got ready with the help of her mom, tying up the back of her corset top dress and shared a special moment together before the couple's first look in the backyard.

The ceremony took place in the lower corner of their backyard, under a handmade arch decorated with whimsical fabric and ornaments. Lyss walked down the aisle—a hedgerow of bushes and trees—with a dried flower bouquet and a charm with her grandparents photos, with her dad on her arm. Their family and friends—all wearing attire fit for the Shire—were filled with happy tears and laughter as the ceremony was opened with a few lines from The Hobbit. Lyss and Shudder held hands and pronounced their love and handwritten vows to each other with their family and closest friends as witnesses. They processed back up the aisle to music from Lord of the Rings soundtrack and confetti of dried lavender tossed in the air.

The reception was a feast fit for a hobbit--centered around a family-style potluck meal with everything from vegan saag to chaga mushroom chai. Long tables were decorated with beautiful glass bottles, moss, sticks, and dried florals. Their cake was a decadent carrot cake with intricate frosting decorations and topped with two clay statues of the bride and groom--made by the bride herself! After food was finished, we took a walk up the street to the Tinmouth Fire Department—where Lyss and her father are volunteer firefighters—and had a fun photo op with the lead fire engine. The couple ended their evening with sparklers, photos in their floating picture frame, and pictures with their dog Hazel.

Congratulations, Lyss and Shudder, on your beautiful backyard Vermont wedding. Wishing you endless happiness and love in your journey together through the Shire and beyond!

Vermont Backyard Wedding Photography

Backyard weddings are an intimate and unique way to celebrate your special day. Get some fun inspiration for how your day could look by taking a peek at the photos below and get in touch with me if you're looking to book a photographer for your upcoming wedding!