We don’t see enough backyard weddings and this stunning celebration was the perfect reminder. Seriously, before you go searching for an outdoor venue, make sure you look in your own backyard first! If you or anyone you’re close with has a backyard filled with wildflowers and room for a giant tented reception, do what this couple did and host your wedding at home. The money that you save on renting the venue can go into hiring the best of the best, like The 530 Bride, and making your decor something truly extraordinary. Keep reading to hear all about how this couple broke one wedding tradition after another to create a day that was all their own and to see more of these lovely photos by Ashley Carlascio.

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Fashion Set the Tone for this Pretty Pastel Backyard Wedding

the invitations

Painted wildflower details hinted at the wedding’s unique setting and set the tone for the pastel color palette.

a backyard venue

the new getting ready trend

surrounded by wildflowers

a next-level DIY project

We cannot get over the fact that this creative couple actually DIYed this! On one side, a sign welcomed guests to the wedding, and on the back, was a flower-themed escort display. It has us asking ourselves, are welcome walls the new welcome signs?

a tented reception with comfort food

The post POV: your backyard is your venue because it looks like this appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Swathed in pink organza ruffles, satin, bows, and pretty pastels this backyard wedding is straight-up editorial. Spencer and Sophia trusted Events by Sorrell to bring their garden party vision to life and we’re here to say, they delivered. These movement-infused photos by Logan Elizabeth Photography are a complete vibe and you can feel the love in every one! And the styling–perfection! It just goes to show that fashion really sets the tone for a wedding. Keep reading to hear more about how they transformed a backyard into this couple’s dream wedding and to see more of these enchanting photos.

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an intimate garden wedding with a tea-party aesthetic

the fashion

Spencer wore a stunning pink ruffled wedding dress, while Sophia graced the occasion in an off-the-shoulder white gown that perfectly embodied the garden party theme. To tie both looks together, Sophia incorporated a pop of pink into her look as well with pretty coral-colored pumps.

the journey to the wedding

a pretty pastel ceremony that is pure joy

a laidback outdoor reception

To see even more of these incredible photos by Logan Elizabeth Photography, check out the full gallery below.

The post Fashion set the tone for this pretty pastel backyard wedding appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Alyssa and Logan, who crossed paths throughout life a truly unbelievable number of times while living in the same small cities, going to the same church, moving at the same time, and attending the same events, finally said “yes” to a date. A few months after, they were engaged in Paris!

The couple got married atop a mountain in Montecito at a friend’s private estate and in a city where they had shared multiple friends and beautiful memories. Keep scrolling to hear more about how their day amongst the clouds came together with the help of Surraya Event Planning + Design and captured in photos by Nikki Finnin Photo.

See their Paris proposal below!

Instagram Post

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Drink options for an outdoor ceremony

Guests arrived at the top of the hill and were greeted with champagne, lemonade, and spa water courtesy of Simply Cocktails to quench their thirst on what turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year. The small group of eighty guests, shaded by parasols, watched as Alyssa and Logan said “I do” above the clouds with views spanning the entire coast.

Using neutrals to create design dimension

The bride wanted an all-white reception in order to be classic and minimalist while still accentuating the backdrop of the Pacific Coast and the Channel Islands. To do that, Surraya Event Planning + Design layered in different neutrals to create dimension in the simplistic but intentional design, giving an elevated and luxurious feeling to a “backyard wedding.”

Instead of an after-party, extend the reception!

A simple dinner courtesy of Woodstock Farina included every type of pizza you could imagine, even gluten free options. Miriam Buroughs created a lovely cake for the couple to cut, and because the guests and couple were having such a good time, they extended the reception an additional hour!

The post A backyard mountaintop wedding in the clouds of Montecito appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Martha’s Vineyard holds a special sentiment for Danielle and Michael. The couple first met in high school but began officially dating after college. Michael’s family home on Martha’s Vineyard became a happy vacation space for the couple throughout the years, and during the first year of the pandemic, the two resided in the space, finding comfort in each other’s company. Michael decided to pop the question while out for a walk on the beach that Fall. Knowing how special this location was, the couple instantly knew they’d be hosting a wedding on the island! Keep scrolling to see how this stunning day – captured by Jocelyn Filley Photography – came together with the help of Plan It MV.

Sneaky ways to include your pets

As self-proclaimed lovers of their dog Larsen, the couple found creative ways to incorporate their dog into their wedding. Invitations from EAF Fine Papers were designed by Danielle’s mom, which also included a playful map of the Island, with Larsen as the compass.

Ceremony roles for friends

Inspired by the beauty of the island itself, Danielle and Michael’s wedding allowed Martha’s Vineyard to shine in all its picturesque, windswept glory. The couple hosted a sentimental Jewish ceremony at Michael’s family vacation home. For the ceremony, they set a chuppah structure of natural wood overlooking the Vineyard Sound and covered in whimsical botanicals by Island Ambiance. The grassy aisle was lined with coordinating florals, and to incorporate their families, some of both Danielle and Michael’s closest friends read traditional Jewish texts.

Quintessential coastal New England colors

Natural elements stole the show, including the mossy seating chart, the hanging floral installations, and the gentle sand and sage tones. These elements were a timeless nod to Martha’s Vineyard and the quintessential coastal New England vibe. The prettiest way to protect against any weather? A clear tent courtesy of Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals!

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A vintage photobooth bus

Of course no wedding is complete without a fun photobooth (like the one Danielle and Michael had courtesy of MV Photo Bus) for guests’ takeaway memories. Every part of this vintage bus was insanely Instagrammable!

An important detail to add to a family venue

Luxury backyard weddings are stunning, but many times, the host family doesn’t want all of their guests walking around their home trying to find the bathroom. The easiest solution to this? Luxury rental bathrooms! Danielle and Michael did this just right by not leaving the bathroom trailer off of their decor list. Barrels of florals and hydrangeas, along with a custom sign featuring their beloved dog, made the additional restrooms feel a part of the outdoor reception set-up.

Towers of donuts for dessert

A delicious tower of donuts by Back Door Donuts provided a unique dessert option for guests and the couple alike as they danced the night away to the band, Sultans of Swing.

The post A wedding at home on Martha’s Vineyard with a must-have detail appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Daniel and Ellen met in the summer of 2014 on a rainy night Washington, DC. Both were walking towards the metro after a graduate school prep class, and as Danny tells it, he noticed Ellen first gripping her books from class to her chest without an umbrella. He instinctively covered Ellen with his umbrella, and they ended up walking to the metro together and sitting next to each other on the train home. On the last day of class, Danny asked Ellen for her number. Nine years later, this couple is happily married and expecting their first child in November! Keep scrolling to see the story (captured by Megan Graham Photo) of how this joyful day of “I do’s” at The Mazant came together.

Ready To Plan Your Wedding in New Orleans?

If you’re planning a wedding in New Orleans, the city will offer you complimentary wedding planning assistance–like FREE! This especially comes in handy if you’re planning a destination wedding there from out of state. They’ll help you with everything from wedding vendor and hotel searches to wedding date availability.

Do you have any idea how much time that will save?! They have access to 1,100 member organizations including hotels, venues, caterers, florists, and photographers–all vetted and the best of what New Orleans has to offer. And take it from us, finding the right vendors is probably the hardest part of wedding planning, so just fill out their contact form here, and you can check that off from your to-do list!

START PLANNING YOUR NEW ORLEANS WEDDING HERE

How to style an elegantly simple bridal look

When it comes to timeless elegance, oftentimes less is more. Ellen wore a silk Sarah Seven dress from Lovely Bride Philadelphia that incorporated a deep square neck drop in the front and the back. The silhouette was simple and followed her figure, while the veil complemented the look without distracting from the bride’s natural hair and makeup.

A venue that felt like home

The Mazant Historic Mansion also serves as an upscale Airbnb in New Orleans, Louisiana. The entire wedding party was able to stay in the mansion for the wedding weekend, helping the bride and groom prepare for and rewind after the big day. The caretaker was incredibly warm and helpful, and by the end of the three-day weekend, it felt like home as opposed to a rented venue!

Floral bridesmaid dresses from Reformation

Ellen’s bridesmaids wore floral dresses from Reformation, while Daniel’s groomsmen wore blue suits from their own closets! The bride and groom wanted to keep the looks for the wedding party as low-maintenance as possible, so some bridesmaids chose to do their own hair and makeup, while others opted to take advantage of the bride’s Verde Beauty team.

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DIY custom confetti baggies

It’s not hard for wedding costs to quickly add up. One easy way to incorporate a little bit of DIY into your special day is the make your own baggies of tossing petals. It’s easy to learn how to design and print your own stickers for only the cost of materials, and with a little help from your family and friends, these dainty baggies are done in no time!

The photo benefits of an historic location

Getting married in an historic location often means that you don’t have to go very far for those timeless wedding photos that everyone wants! Daniel and Ellen’s photographer made excellent use of the giant hedges and mansion setting to create on-site memories, both inside and outside of the house itself.

Creating a custom bar

While many couples include custom cocktails, Daniel and Ellen included a nod to their loved ones as part of their custom bar set-up. They personalized shelving behind the antique wood bar by moving the bottles of alcohol to the bar front itself and using that shelf space for vintage photography of family members.

Reception luxury with an at-home feel

To get that impeccable at-home feel, Daniel and Ellen – with the help of Andrea Mock Events – kept their reception decor simple and elegant. This simplicity, featuring chinoises napkins, white rose centerpieces, and the noted absence of long table linens, made it feel as though nothing about this wedding day was trying too hard. The intimate backyard setting was able to shine through beautifully at golden hour and put the focus on the people.

The perfect way to incorporate inside jokes

Even if you want the most luxurious of wedding day aesthetics, it’s impossible not to love a tiny nod to an inside joke for the couple. Daniel and Ellen included this by having a Simpsons wedding cake topper with a sign saying “I D’oh.” As a separate nod to their love of the Simpsons, they also included gourmet donuts from District Donuts for every guest during dessert.

Advice from the happy couple

“Happiness is loving the average, seemingly mundane moments together. Waking up during the workweek to make coffee and listen to Lester Holt loudly enough so your partner can hear him in the next room. Figuring out what to order for dinner. Walking to the grocery store to get more cat litter and putting the laundry away. Life is made up of these little moments, and loving the little moments together is what true happiness is!”

The post A wedding that felt like home in the heart of historic New Orleans appeared first on Weddingchicks.

This bride and groom’s love of family was evident in their elegant private estate wedding! These high school sweethearts reconnected after their college years, bringing their adorable daughter into the world three years before their wedding day. She played a big role as their flower girl, while everything from their choice of venue to their custom cocktails had nods to their family connection.

Keep reading to see their chic sailcloth tented reception and all-white floral design. All photography captured beautifully by Julia Luckett Photography.

Grace Loves Lace paired with Nana’s pearls

Bride, Avery, wore an exquisite modern dress from Grace Loves Lace – the Clo Crepe gown which features a gorgeous mermaid silhouette with divine center-back ruching. We’re obsessed with the glamorous fit of this gown! She wore a stunning pearl necklace to complement her timeless hair and makeup by Mila Beauty; her necklace was in honor of her Nana, who strung a new pearl on the piece each year during the holidays. 

Their flower girl stole the show!

The couple’s adorable flower girl was their three year old daughter, Braedyn. She wore an adorable satin flower girl dress, also from Grace Loves Lace, paired with a baby’s breath crown for the ceremony. She stole the show in a number of precious portraits, from family to bridal party, captured by Julia Luckett Photography. Be sure to read to the end to see her dance moves!

Lakefront ceremony with deconstructed arch

The gorgeous estate overlooking Lake Champlain where the ceremony was held is actually the home of the groom Owen’s childhood nanny. 130 of the couple’s closest friends and family gathered to celebrate them at the stunning property, while the groom’s cousin officiated a funny, sweet, and sentimental ceremony. 

We adore the modern trend of deconstructed arches! This fabulous wedding backdrop was created by Clayton Florals – perfectly matching the white roses and baby’s breath of the bride’s bouquet and reception florals. 

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Signature cocktails with personal meaning

This wedding had not one, but four signature cocktails! Each name had a special meaning to the couple’s lives or family. They named one of their cocktails “The Everything” after everything bagels to honor the bride’s family and herself as owners of the Burlington Bagel Bakery. This cocktail featured tequila, ginger liqueur, ginger syrup, lime.  Another especially yummy offering was “The AO”, including vodka, basil, lemongrass, lemon and ginger beer. 

The touches of blue chinoiserie seen in the bar were nods to the gorgeous light blue bridesmaids dresses and navy groomsmen suits seen in their bridal party!

Elegant sailcloth tented reception 

Lindsey Leichthammer Events completely executed the bride’s vision of a elegant reception with modern all-white design, emphasized through lush florals. The private estate venue lended itself to a grand sailcloth reception tent by Vermont Tent Company. While the bride didn’t do too much DIY, letting the pros create all the chic details, she did design their modern welcome sign!

As the night commenced, guests enjoyed a scrumptious dinner and drinks by The Hindquarter before joining the dance floor to live music by Men In Black. We love the high energy vibe that live music adds to any wedding! 

Advice from the bride:

“My wedding planner (Lindsey Leichthammer Events) turned my vision into reality and was the best at finding the perfect team to execute in all areas. I’m excited to say that there was not a thing I would change about our day.”

Congratulations Avery and Owen! Be sure to check out the full gallery of images by Julia Luckett Photography for even more timeless moments from this family-focused day. 

The post Family connection filled this elegant private lake estate wedding appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Planning a backyard wedding is a beautiful journey filled with personal touches and the warmth of home. It’s an opportunity to celebrate one of life’s most significant moments in a setting that’s meaningful to you.

However, it’s not without its unique challenges and considerations. In this post, we’ll delve into the essential tips for orchestrating a memorable backyard wedding that combines the charm of an outdoor celebration with the practicalities of event planning.

Whether you’re envisioning a glamorous backyard wedding or a colorful backyard wedding, here are 17 tips will help you navigate the intricacies and create a day that reflects your love story and style.

 1. Check Local Regulations 

Start by checking local ordinances and regulations regarding events, noise, and permits. You may need to obtain permits for things like tents, alcohol service, or parking. Mobile bar carts, bartenders in your area can assist with this.

2. Weather Backup Plan

Always have a backup plan for inclement weather. Rent a tent or consider using an indoor space nearby in case of rain or extreme heat.

3. Rent the Essentials

Rent tables, chairs, linens, and dinnerware. This ensures you have enough seating and dining materials for your guests, and it eases the cleanup process.

4. Professional Catering

Contemplating the services of an experienced outdoor event caterer can be a smart move. It not only ensures the quality of food and service but also enhances food safety. We were truly impressed by the way this couple, with their backyard wedding exuding a distinct hippie charm, delighted their guests with stunning cheese boards thoughtfully placed throughout the entire celebration.

5. Bathroom Facilities

Rent portable restroom facilities. It’s essential to have enough restrooms for your guests, and it keeps your home bathrooms from getting overwhelmed.

6. Decor and Lighting

Embrace the natural beauty of your backyard but add some decor and lighting to create a romantic atmosphere. String lights, lanterns, and candles work well.  You can can also hire a professional like Tawny and Ben did for their luxe Tuscan wedding.

7. Parking and Transportation

Plan for parking or provide transportation for your guests, especially if you have limited space. You can rent shuttle services or suggest ride-sharing options.

8. Bathroom Facilities

Invest in a good sound system or hire a professional DJ or band. Make sure everyone can hear your vows and enjoy the music.

9. Notify Neighbors

Be courteous to your neighbors by informing them about the wedding plans in advance. Discuss potential concerns and address them, if necessary.

10. Insurance

Consider event insurance to protect against unexpected mishaps or cancellations.

11. Safety Precautions

Set up safety precautions, such as first aid kits, and have a plan for handling emergencies.

12. Trash and Cleanup

Arrange for proper disposal of trash and a cleanup crew for after the event.

13. Guest Comfort

Ensure there are shaded areas for guests to escape the sun, and consider providing amenities like insect repellent and sunscreen.

15. Timeline

Plan a detailed wedding timeline to keep everything running smoothly and make sure vendors are on the same page.

16. Communicate Clearly

Communicate your expectations with vendors, guests, and your wedding party, so everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

17. Personal Touches

Embrace the uniqueness of your backyard by incorporating personal touches and meaningful elements into the wedding decor and ceremony.

Remember that a backyard wedding can be a more intimate and personal experience, but it also comes with additional logistical challenges. Planning and organization are key to ensuring everything runs smoothly and that you and your guests have a memorable and enjoyable day.

The post 17 essential tips for planning a picture-perfect backyard wedding appeared first on Weddingchicks.

We can’t imagine a more romantic way to celebrate your wedding anniversary than by creating a fabulously chic styled shoot! Alyssa Nicole of Northwest Weddings and Events collaborated with a team of incredible Chicago vendors to help Taylor and Phil relive their wedding day in their very own backyard, with the people they love most. Dazzling designer bride and bridesmaids’ fashion stole the show on this heartwarming day!

Keep reading to see how Cape Cod elegance came to Chicago! Gorgeous photography by Tyrie Mehaffey Photography and Anna Harrington Photography.

An Enzoani bride with a luscious bouquet

When curating this shoot, the team wanted the entire day to be sentimental – choosing the couple’s backyard for their venue. With ample space and lush greenery it was an amazing setting for the couple to honor their love and for bride Taylor to put on her wedding dress a year later. She raved about how excited she was to wear her stunning Enzoani dress again!

We adore this gown’s layers of lace and glitter detailing! The bride’s glowing makeup and soft waves were styled by Lindsay Dee Beauty.

Her look was tied together by a truly luscious bouquet by Green Thumb Homies, comprised of butter yellow roses, large white Juliet roses, and giant pink roses with pops of Feverfew and bright blue Delphinium.

Modern bridesmaids in Birdy Grey

Having the bride’s best friends join the anniversary shoot was such a sweet touch! Taylor’s gorgeous bridesmaids wore modern satin Birdy Grey dresses in a soft spring palette of pink, silver, and blue. We love the subtle differences in dress style, while creating a cohesive and sweet effect!

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Northwest Weddings and Events shared this styled shoot to inspire other couples to see how they can create their own anniversary celebration – you can see the romance in Phil and Taylor’s portraits!

Cape Cod inspired reception with elements from home

Northwest Weddings and Events created a vision of a Cape Cod garden party right in the couple’s Chicago backyard! The designer enhanced the natural beauty of the space with a reception table adorned with an over the top twelve foot floral runner. The vibrant and enchanting florals paired gorgeously with the “Porcelain Blue Anna” tablecloth and chic chairs from Nuage Designs.

The tablescapes were equally sentimental to the day, incorporating the couple’s own Anthropologie napkins, tableware, and champagne flutes from home that made the table shine. We love Anthropologie’s chic designs for any wedding!

Champagne tower for Chicago sweethearts

On the hot Chicago day, a signature champagne tower was a perfect way for these cuties to cool off and toast to their anniversary! Champagne towers have been such a classic trend this season and these vintage goblets brought such a timeless feel to the moment.

Happy anniversary Taylor and Phil! Be sure to see the full gallery of images by Tyrie Mehaffey Photography and Anna Harrington Photography for even more garden party inspo.

The post A Cape Cod inspired anniversary shoot in the couple’s own backyard appeared first on Weddingchicks.

Jihae Lee and Seyoung Jung celebrated a beautiful backyard wedding in Laguna Hills, California, where the immaculate grounds and Southern California sunshine created the perfect backdrop for the couple’s special day. An ornate floral centerpiece served as a stunning backdrop for the couple’s “I do’s,” and the wedding featured a contemporary modern atmosphere with culinary touches from Asia.

Keep scrolling to see photography by Etcetera, featuring planning by Blush Events, florals by City Flower, and a boba tea station courtesy of I Heart Boba. You can check out the full gallery of every gorgeous photo by clicking here, or by clicking on the link at the bottom of this post!

Soft outdoor lighting created the perfect wedding backdrop

The flora and surrounding architecture created the perfect backdrop for the wedding. As the sun set over the manicured gardens, the evening gave the guests and newlywed couple a chance to mingle and enjoy the ambiance. Nothing was neglected when it came to the design of the event. Soft lighting illuminated the backyard, while the celebration continued onward into the night with a reception held at the nearby tennis court.

The pink bridesmaid dresses were perfectly complemented by the pink and white bouquets

The couple was dressed elegantly with Jihae in a lovely formal white wedding dress and Seyoung in a handsome tuxedo overcoat and sharp black dress pants. The bridesmaids were dressed in flowing pink dresses while the groomsmen were elegantly arrayed in fine tuxedos with bow ties. The bride’s bouquet was a mix of lovely pink and white flowers that blended perfectly with the decor.

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The couple had a ramen and boba tea station as their late-night snacks for guests!

Throughout the wedding, guests were well taken care of and given a variety of culinary delights. There was a ramen station as a late-night snack, and even a boba tea station for a fun twist on the concept of a traditional wedding dessert.

The post This luxury wedding ended with the yummiest late-night snack stations appeared first on Weddingchicks.