Before you go forking out tens of thousands of dollars on a wedding venue, please make sure you look in your own backyard first (like literally your backyard). This couple ditched the big corporate venue scene and opted for an intimate wedding in the bride’s parents’ backyard. And just because they were saving $$$ on the venue doesn’t mean they were sacrificing style. From the impressive floral arch to the gorgeous tented reception and custom bar, make no mistake they still went all-out on this wedding. So keep scrolling and maybe these stunning photos by Rosy and Shaun Wedding Photography will convince you to have your own backyard affair.
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a unique proposal
For his proposal, Tyler commissioned a painting from Joanna’s best friend. The portrait depicted Tyler and Joanna from when they first started dating, with the addition of an engagement ring on Joanna’s hand. Tyler hung the painting in their living room, waiting for the moment Joanna would notice. They were engaged right there in the living room and enjoyed a celebratory staycation at the Shinola Hotel.
a true backyard wedding
Tyler and Joanna’s backyard wedding embodied the warmth and intimacy of a familial gathering where Joanna could feel completely at ease, dancing barefoot into the morning hours. Their wedding plans began to take shape when Joanna’s dad and stepmother moved into a beautiful home in West Bloomfield shortly after the couple got engaged. Joanna cherished the moments spent in the home, getting ready upstairs with her sister, then walking through the backyard with her just before the guests arrived, taking in the serene setting.
the flowers
The space was decorated by Wildscape Floral Co in soft hues, with light pink dahlias, touches of leafy greenery, and an airy outdoor canopy. The couple crafted their wedding arch by hand, positioning it at the yard’s edge with a natural backdrop of trees.
the fashion
Joanna wore a silk long-sleeved dress with a modern asymmetric neckline from Grace Loves Lace. “I wanted to feel comfortable but elegant on my wedding day, and when I tried it on, I could envision myself running around barefoot in the backyard on my wedding night,” she explained. To honor the memory of her late mother, she carried a white rose bouquet.
trend alert: alt guestbooks
Couples are leaning away from traditional guestbooks, and, speaking from experience, we’re glad they are. Those old-school books often end up on a bookshelf somewhere collecting dust, but cool alternative guestbooks, like this record, can be framed and double as art in your new home.
a tented reception
With the help of Kennedy Planning Co, a large sailcloth tent was erected in the backyard, complete with dance floor and artfully decorated tables, where guests were served a gourmet plated meal. Green glassware, climbing vines, and delicate floral arrangements blended with the surrounding landscape and enhanced the intimate outdoor vibe.
late-night pies
With an intimate guest list, there was no need for a curfew. Seasonal late-summer pies and homemade treats created a relaxed atmosphere, with guests quickly following the bride’s barefoot lead.
