Fun Backyard DIY Summer Wedding

The most important thing on Lauren and Dan's wedding day was to have fun with their family and friends - and they made it happen one DIY project at a time.  Everyone in the bridal party and family had a hand in putting together this fabulous tented backyard affair.  The bride's father - a wood shop teacher - made loads of details and props for the wedding, bridesmaids cut table runners, groomsmen constructed a catapult to launch the bridal bouquet, and the moms washed out pickle and salsa jars that would hold votives on the couple's big day.  Between the activities leading up to this wedding and the ceremony and reception themselves, the bride and groom are sure to remember this day for years to come.  We can't thank Something Blue Wedding Photography enough for sharing this real wedding with us.

The groomsmen put together this awesome catapult to launch the bridal bouquet.  Guests wrote their names on flags and stuck them in the yard to see who's guess is closest.  Talk about a fun wedding game! 

Photographer: Something Blue Wedding Photography / Event Designer: A Touch of Elegance LLC / Favors and Gifts: Apex Bee Company / Invitation Designer: David's Bridal / Tent Rental: Ocean Tents & Party Rentals / Floral Designer: Reynolds Garden Shop / Caterer: Sweet Jenny's / Signage: Sweet NC Collective

Laid Back Beachside Florida Wedding

When Melissa from Melissa Serra Photography sent us this gorgeous Florida wedding, we breathed a sigh of relief.  The white sand, the blue water, we can almost feel the warm ocean air and saltwater spray.  Sigh.  There is absolutely nothing better than the relaxed island feel of a beachside wedding.

Kira and Cory were lucky enough to wed among the stunning Florida beaches along with their closest family and friends.  Their relaxed reception was held in the beautiful backyard of Kira's parents family home. Nearly everything was handmade by the bride and groom.  From the bouquets to the reception decor even down to the gorgeous bamboo wedding arbor where they said their vows.  Kira's bouquet was handmade by her mother and included antique brooches that held special meaning to her.  From the boho styling to the casual decor, everything about this wedding has us completely smitten.

 

Simple yet elegant, this gorgeous bamboo arbor was handmade by the bride and groom's family and looked simply stunning blowing in the wind at their beachside ceremony.

 

This tiki bar with hand written chalkboard menu screams island living.  Such a great way to add an effortless, relaxed feel to a beach wedding.

Photography: Melissa Serra Photography / Caterer: The Chef's Table / Decorations and Bouquets: Handmade by the Bride and Groom

Backyard Wedding Ideas Inspiration Board

Most people think that the best thing about a backyard wedding is the price. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The best things about a backyard wedding are; the intimacy, the gorgeous decorations, the fun and the food. When planning your backyard wedding consider using rustic decoration and signs to greet your family and friends as they arrive. Use the outdoors to create your backdrop for the ceremony. What is more beautiful than Mother Nature herself? Fill mason jars or vintage watering cans with wild flowers or loose bouquets to create stunning center pieces for your reception tables. Serve a buffet style meal with all the fixings and fresh lemonade and ice tea to cool your guest down on a hot summer day. Of course don't forget about dessert. Homemade cakes and cupcakes would make the perfect dessert for your guest and be the most fitting for your fabulous backyard wedding.

 Photo Credits: The Wedding of my Dream Blog, marthastewartweddings.com, modern keepsake and The Natural Wedding Company.