Our Backyard Wedding Reception

View our Bridal Photos HERE // View our Engagement Photos HERE // View our Temple Photos HERE // View our Proposal Video HERE

Throughout our engagement, Steve and I debated on whether or not we should have a reception. I’d always said I wanted to elope, not spend the money, and if anything maybe do a family dinner. But once we were engaged, I realized how much I’d miss if we didn’t do our wedding right. So, even with a pandemic going on, we slowly began planning our reception, hoping that everything would work out and that everyone would stay healthy. I’m happy to report that both of those things happened! While planning, I had a very clear vision of what I wanted our reception to look like, and those who helped us set it up did so perfectly! Every detail was how I had imagined it, and I can’t thank our neighbors, family, and friends enough.

The party had long banquet tables, with greenery running the length of them. Placed amongst the greenery were tapered candles and vintage gold picture frames. Our cake stood on a buffet table at the head of the yard, with cheesecloth draping down to the ground. In the back portion of the yard we had lawn games and our fire pit for s’mores, to give our guests more to do. We really wanted everyone to come and stay, as we kept our party quite small and wanted a chance to celebrate with each and every one of them.

Click HERE to listen to our wedding day playlist, created by my sisters!

I have to give another shout out to our photographer, Sydnee Rayl. She is incredibly talented and made each of our photoshoots so easy and fun. We’re both so grateful for the memories she captured, in detail!

I talked a lot about the details of our wedding outfits in our Bridal Photos Blog Post! We put so much thought and effort into making these looks feel personal and timeless, and making sure every detail was perfect!

I also have to give another shout out to our florist—Florals By Kenn. She did an amazing job in bringing my wild flower vision to life!

Due to everything going on in the world, a lot of our family members were unable to attend. We missed them, dearly, but were so grateful for those who were able to make it! We sincerely hope to be able to celebrate with everyone, in the future.

We had our guests leave us notes inside our Season’s Engagement Journal. We used this journal throughout our engagement to document our experiences and felt it was only right to include our guests notes in their, as well.

We wanted to be as respectful of social distancing guidelines as we could, so we made sure to prompt our guests to do the same, as well as offer masks and hand sanitizer. We also had the chairs arranged in small groups, around the yard, to allow people to gather as they wished.

One of my favorite elements of our wedding was The Little Dipper Frozen Banana Cart. The pictured couple began this business during quarantine, and when I found them on Instagram I knew we had to book them! We were their first wedding, and I loved including them in our special day. They were also a huge hit with our guests!

They offered our guests frozen bananas, coated with chocolate, and topped with their choice of nuts, sprinkles, oreos, or coconut. The adorable white cart with it’s giant black and white umbrella added so much charm to our reception!

My mom made all of these s’mores bags as well as the cones that held our exit flowers. She did so much to help with the wedding, I can’t express my gratitude enough!

Our food was catered by one of our favorite restaurants, Plates and Palates. We offered sandwiches, pasta salads, green salads, and an artichoke dip. Our guests really loved the food, which made us both very happy!

If you saw our Wedding Planning Video, then you know that we picked a strawberry cake with a lemon frosting. The cake was made by Ginger & Spice Baking Co., who also happens to be my sister!

For our exit, we had our guests toss real flower petals and hold sparklers. I was nervous about the combination, not knowing if it would be too much or too little, but it was perfect! Walking through the line of guests, with lights and petals everywhere, was one of my favorite moments.

Photographer: Sydnee Rayl // Florist: Florals by Kenn // Hair & Makeup: I Did My Own // Her Lashes: JP Lash Studio // Her Dress: Alta Moda // Her Shoes: Nordstrom // Her Ring: Kay // Her Necklace: Kinn // His Suit: Garth Custom // His Tie & Tie Clip: The Tie Bar // His Shirt & Shoes: Nordstrom Rack // His Ring: Jamestown // Cake: Ginger & Spice Baking Co. // Banana Cart: The Little Dipper

The entire day, from start to finish, was so beautiful, and something both Steve and I will remember forever. We can’t express enough gratitude to all of our vendors and those who helped us make this day so perfect, as well as to our guests and those who celebrated with us, in any way!

Thank you!