Yolanda & Megan’s Backyard Wedding

Beautiful Mebane NC Wedding on Family Property

It was the Saturday before Halloween and the fall North Carolina weather was perfect. A cool breeze gently stirred the warm air. Yolanda Orellana and Megan O’Reilly invited a few dozen friends and family to their beautiful Mebane NC wedding on Oct. 30, 2021. The ceremony and reception both took place in Megan’s mother’s backyard - an intimate, natural setting with a colorful, fall forest backdrop. 

The October sky remained crystal clear as the brides prepared for their first look. Yolanda got ready at Megan’s brother’s house (conveniently located next door) and Megan got ready at her mom’s house. Everyone felt comfortable, laid back and happy to start the day. 

On Oct. 30, 2021 Yolanda Orellana and Megan O’Reilly said “I do” in Megan’s mother’s backyard.

Backyard Wedding Captured by Fancy This Photography

Although I give all couples some true photojournalistic aspects in their wedding gallery – a backyard wedding just screams photojournalism to me. I document the flow of the wedding dresses, guests interacting, and how comfortable the couple feels because they are at home. There is a wonderful feeling of ease at backyard weddings. I think this is because there is familiarity between the couple and the place.

Fancy This Photography doesn't care where you get married or who you get married to. Whether it's a beautiful backyard or a beach somewhere in the Bahamas. All this NC wedding photographer cares about is celebrating and capturing love in its most authentic and beautiful form for couples. We clicked with brides Yolanda and Megan at the first Zoom meeting. As you can see from these photos, their smiles and laughs are infectious. Keep scrolling to witness more from this special Mebane NC wedding.  

On the Front Lines of Love 

Yolanda and Megan first met in the military. They both served in the Army National Guard in their home-state of New Jersey in 2015. Some years later, Megan surprised Yolanda by popping the question while they were at home with their pups. Like their intimate Mebane NC wedding, the engagement was romantic and authentic to them. After Yolanda said “yes,” the brides-to-be called their closest friends and family to share the good news. 

Basset hound Presley and Jack Skellington, the bull-boxer with one eye, participated in wedding festivities.  

Both dogs are rescue pups and you can tell that the brides love them.

Favorite Mebane NC Wedding Moment

Both Yolanda and Megan said their favorite wedding-day moment was the first look. Both brides looked stunning in white wedding dresses from David’s Bridal. Hillsborough-based hair stylist Katie Reagan Lilly and Ministry-Makeup completed their beauty team. There is something so special about a couple seeing each other for the first time in their wedding attire. First look reactions are typically raw and filled with relief and happy tears. 

However, Yolanda says the most unforgettable moment happened at the altar. 

“I completely lost control of my feelings and was crying happy tears. It truly felt like it was just Megan and I at that moment.” - Yolanda 

Meaningful Mebane NC Wedding Ceremony 

On Oct. 30, 2021, Yolanda and Megan held hands and shared vows in front of a gold, geometric wedding arch decorated with green and lavender florals. Pumpkins and hay bales lay at the base of the altar. Yolanda and Megan’s favorite colors, lavender and lilac, were featured throughout the ceremony and reception decor.

Friends and family participated in Yolanda and Megan’s Mebane NC wedding ceremony. Yolanda’s bridal party included her brother Elvis and Maid of Honor and sister Glendy. Megan’s bridal party included her twin brother Patrick, Maid of Honor Matt and two friends Andrew and Alison. The couple’s two pups, Presley the basset hound and Jack Skellington the bull-boxer mix with one eye, also participated as wedding party members.  

I have photographed so many weddings where the couple's pets are present. Seriously, cats included. I think that having Yolanda and Megan's dogs at the wedding made this day extra special. Both dogs were rescue pups and you can tell that the ladies loved them.

Mebane NC Wedding Ceremony Officiated by Rev. Dupree 

Reverend Katherine Dupree is an ordained NC wedding officiant who creates ceremonies for all couples. From cathedrals to backyards to barns, there isn’t a venue where love cannot be celebrated. Rev. Dupree works with couples to build ceremonies with unique elements - from infusing different faith traditions to showcasing love through symbols and rituals. 

This was my first time working with Rev. Dupree, and I fell in love. She has a great sense of humor and is super professional. She is especially good at talking with people, a talent that helps put guests at ease. My favorite thing about her is that she believes all people deserve love. 

A Word on Working With Fancy This Photography

“[Nikki with Fancy This Photography] was understanding, patient and honest with us,” says Yolanda. “She answered all our questions, plus thought of all the little details and asked for our input. Although it is not her job she helped us create an itinerary for our wedding day. Which was greatly appreciated since we didn’t have a wedding planner or anything!”

How Do You Avoid Awkwardness During Formal Photos? 

Being able to talk to people and make them feel comfortable is half the battle. Once people trust the photographer, then beautiful images can be captured of them because they feel at ease. Yolanda and Megan cherish their loved ones and it was important to them that everyone who participated be photographed in beautiful photos that will last a lifetime.

Tented Mebane NC Wedding Reception 

After the ceremony, Yolanda and Megan invited guests to celebrate beneath a semi-enclosed white reception tent. Lavender, ivory and gold flowers and decor filled the space. The restaurant where Yolanda and Megan shared their first date, Olive Garden, catered. Dancing and dessert followed. 

There are lots of ways to share your special day with passed loved ones by honoring them through photos, a dedicated chair, or a poem/scripture. A beautiful detail from Yolanda and Megan’s wedding was their remembrance table. This remembrance table included images of Yolanda’s grandmother Irenee, cousin Tavito, pups Junior and Linda and Megan’s cat Simba and bird who passed away in 2021 at the age of 21. 

Pro Tip: Wedding Reception Toasts

When it comes to photographing wedding reception toasts, it’s all about the emotion. Simply put. So many stories to share, tears to shed and laughter to be heard. These speeches are priceless and worth documenting.

Click here to see another beautiful backyard wedding in Littleton, North Carolina. Katelyn and Chad said “I do” beside Lake Gaston, and there’s a cute dog included in their special day too! 

Photographer // Fancy This Photography
Venue // Private Residence 
Officiant // Reverend Katherine Dupree
Wedding Dresses // David’s Bridal
Flowers // Walmart 
Decor // Etsy, Amazon & Party City
Catering // Olive Garden
Hair Stylist // Katie Reagan Lilly 
Makeup Artist // Ministry-Makeup