Relaxed Backyard Wedding: Fun, Family, and Unforgettable Moments

Happy bride and groom share a kiss on their wedding day

This laid back couple dreamt of a wedding that was as fun and relaxed as they are. Sarah and Tyler enlisted the help of Laura Ritchie of Events in the City to turn their dream into reality. Laura was there to help them every step of the way — starting with the southern tradition of burying a bottle of bourbon to keep rain out of the forecast on their special day! There wasn't a raindrop in sight as these lovebirds said "I Do" and celebrated late into the night with their closest friends and family.
From the quilt covered hay bales used as ceremony seating to the colorful florals to the pickled pink signature drink, this wedding has some great ideas that you seriously don't want to miss! Visit the full gallery here to see so much more of this beauteous backyard wedding, all magnificently captured by Shauna Ploeger of Photography Du Jour.

Bridesmaids in floral robes celebrating with champagne cheers

Elegant bride in a white dress holding a colorful bouquet

Bride and bridesmaids in dresses with floral bouquets

Bride and bridesmaids with colorful bouquets in a sunny outdoor wedding

Woman holding a colorful floral bouquet of roses, perfect for weddings

Groom and groomsmen posing at an outdoor wedding, looking sharp

From the Bride:From the moment Tyler and I got engaged, we knew we wanted a wedding that reflected us and our relationship. We wanted it to include our closest friends and family, be low-key and relaxed, and be a party from the minute we walked down the aisle. We turned to Laura Ritchie from Events in the City to make our vision a reality, and couldn't have asked for anything more! We worked together to turn my parents' farmhouse into the perfect wedding venue, complete with a new stone patio and hanging Edison lights. It was amazing to get ready for my wedding in my childhood room surrounded by my best friends after a good, old-fashioned slumber party.

We opted to forgo a tent, and thanks to Events in the City's tradition of burying a bottle of bourbon a month before the wedding, the weather cooperated and we had a gorgeous night! We had a relatively short ceremony with one of our good friends as the officiant, hay bale seating with vintage quilts, the old chicken house as the back drop, and beautiful bouquets by Holly Chapple.

Rustic outdoor wedding ceremony with hay bale seating

Rustic garden archway decorated with flowers and foliage

Wedding sign with a heartwarming message, framed and displayed

Bride escorted by father at an outdoor wedding ceremony

Wedding ceremony with bride and groom under an arch in garden

Wedding couple kissing at a beautiful outdoor ceremony with rings on

Happy bride and groom smiling in a sunlit outdoor wedding

To keep with the simple and fun theme, we had a cocktail hour with delicious food stations and signature drinks from Fusions Catering, and home-brewed beer from Brubaker Brewing. Dry Mill Road Band played upbeat bluegrass music while guests ate and mingled, then Dan from Premier Service DJs took over and the party started. When guests did leave the dance floor, it was to visit the tattoo station, make a s'more by the bonfire, or enjoy a delicious cupcake from Shugar Shugar.

Laura worked incredibly hard to make sure our dreams came true on our wedding day, all while staying within our budget, and Shauna from Photography Du Jour captured our perfect day beautifully. Tyler and I really wanted to focus on the entire day being fun for our guests, and we still have cards coming in saying it was the best wedding they've attended. Mission accomplished!

Cocktails sign directing guests in a charming outdoor setting

Wedding bride drinking a red drink with sign offering brews

Outdoor wedding reception with drinks in mason jars and a bathtub cooler

Rusty Love Vintage Rentals provided the vintage furniture for this lovely outdoor lounge. Such a great place for Sarah, Tyler and all of their guests to relax in style!

Outdoor wedding reception with vintage furniture and floral decor

Pink peonies in a vase on a vintage table in the garden

Outdoor wedding table with flowers, chairs, and striped table cloth

Outdoor event tables decorated for a garden party celebration

Sarah and Tyler set up a DIY Tatoo Parlor for all their guest to enjoy! They had a set of vintage catalog drawers filled with temporary tattoos, a small dish with water and sponges and mini trashcan to dispose of the paper and plastic remnants. This is such a fun idea — and a great way to score points with your nieces and nephews!

DIY tattoo parlor with wooden drawers and flower decor

A wrist with a unique LATE watch tattoo, perfect for a style statement

Appetizing appetizers on a plate, perfect for party or wedding snacks

Tiered dessert stand with assorted cupcakes for a party

Wedding first dance under string lights with joyful guests

What the Bride Would Have Done Differently:I wish we had the wedding go longer. I know more time equals more money, but considering that we didn't have a seated dinner, it took a while to go around and say hello to all of our lovely guests! By the time we were in full-on party mode, the wedding was almost over! People aren't kidding when they say the day will fly by!

Outdoor evening party with string lights illuminating the guests