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As someone who lives to make spaces anew, each wedding I plan is a chance to transform a vision into reality. When Dottie and Mike came to me with their dream of a backyard wedding, I was all in! They planned to get married on the Fourth of July, and we set their reception for the following weekend so friends and family from out of town could join them. With Dottie’s husband renovating the home, this backyard was in progress but had so much potential. I was ready to #makeitaneW.
From the moment I stepped into their yard, I saw it: a whimsical, fairy-tale vibe with rustic touches. I envisioned Edison lights twinkling like stars and soft, earthy decor to bring out the natural beauty of the space. We built on Dottie’s wish for a magical “open house” feel that showcased her husband’s hard work, turning their backyard into a celebration of love, family, and craftsmanship.
The Final Stretch: Prepping the Space
Two weeks before the big day, we were deep in the trenches of wedding prep. My team and I had an unexpected obstacle – the backyard’s uneven ground. That morning, we were out there in the sun, raking and leveling until we were drenched in sweat, but nothing was stopping us from bringing this vision to life! Even Caroline from the rental company (@prettiestpieces) pitched in because she could see how much heart was going into this space. Together, we transformed that backyard into the perfect canvas for Dottie and Mike’s dream reception.
Starry Night Magic: The Wedding Day
As the sun set on the day of the reception, the backyard came alive. Here are just a few of my favorite details that made this wedding a night to remember:
The Cake in the Trees: Instead of a traditional cake table, we hung the cake from a tree, adding an unexpected and charming element. Guests loved it, and it gave the reception a unique, storybook feel.
Kids' Floor Seating: We created a cozy pallet seating area just for the kids, with blankets, pillows, and little purple crayons on each pallet so they had something to color and play with. It was a perfect spot for them to feel included and entertained while the adults celebrated.
Personalized Mason Jar Cups: Every guest received a Mason jar with their name on it, which doubled as their drinkware and a unique wedding favor. Inside each cup was a ticket for one of the food trucks – either the burrito truck or Urban St. Grill – so guests could choose their meal and get it made fresh on-site. Talk about personalized service!
Food Truck Heaven: Guests were thrilled with the food truck options, which made the dining experience interactive and fun. They loved walking up to the trucks to place their orders and watching their meals being prepared fresh – definitely a wedding highlight!
Grand Entrance to Instrumentals: After photos, the wedding party made a grand entrance down the back deck steps, greeted by instrumental music and lawn games that set a relaxed yet elegant tone for the evening. It was a moment straight out of a movie, with the guests cheering as the couple joined them under the stars.
This starry night was more than just a wedding – it was a blend of love, family, and the joy of creating something special together. Dottie & Mike's reception was a celebration of their journey, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it, to have made it aneW.
Needless to say, this one will stay in my heart (and hopefully in yours) as one of the most magical, down-to-earth celebrations ever. Cheers to more nights under the stars, more dreams brought to life, and more unforgettable moments that make each event a little more “aneW.”
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