How to Style a Sophisticated Backyard Wedding on the Water

Bride and groom share a kiss at their waterfront wedding

When it comes to planning a backyard wedding, having access to a waterfront location is a great place to start! The grooms family home in Nags Head, North Carolina was right on the water for their sophisticated celebration.

Shea and Chad showcased their love in style with rustic chic decor, eggplant + emerald hues, and fall fresh florals. The couples adorable three-month-old son and their two dogs also shared in on all the fun, so keep scrolling to see it all below + in the full gallery captured by Sarah D'Ambra Photography.

Bride in lace wedding dress and plaid shirt by the sea

Bride and bridesmaids in emerald green dresses, ocean backdrop Happy bride with bridesmaids in emerald green dresses, holding bouquets

waterfront backyard wedding

From Coastyle Weddings & Events: Shea and Chad's wedding took place at his family's waterfront home in a quaint neighborhood known as Nags Head Cove, Nags Head, North Carolina. After their families house was washed away in a hurricane, the family rebuilt, and decided to purchase the home next door as well. With both houses offering luscious green lawns and boasting water views, it was the perfect location for both the ceremony and the cocktail hour. Just under 100 guests were welcomed to a yard full of mix-matched wooden chairs, with a handmade arbor built by the groom's dad. After a short heartfelt ceremony to include the couple's three-month-old son Henry, guests walked over to the other lawn for cocktail hour. Acoustic music played while guests enjoyed appetizers and serve yourself cocktails from a boat cooler.

Beautiful bride in lace wedding gown holding bouquet by the sea

Groomsmen in navy suits and vests at beach wedding

Newlyweds hold hands by the water on their wedding day

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with wooden chairs by the sea Outdoor wedding altar overlooking water on sunny day

White chair with greenery and ribbons for wedding decor

Bride and groom kiss under floral arch at waterfront wedding

Bride groom baby and dogs at outdoor wedding ceremony

waterfront reception

After cocktail hour, guests walked to the third location, the neighborhoods community center. The reception would take place at yet another waterfront lawn, adorned with a beautiful clear tent with cafe lights strung above. Guests could find their seats using the grooms' surfboard as a seating arrangement sign. They could snap a Polaroid picture for the guestbook, take a candle as a favor, and grab a drink from the local tap truck parked outside the tent. There was a mix of long wooden farm tables, and round tables dressed with cafe colored linens, eggplant-colored napkins, and luscious mixed florals and green runners.

Bride and groom portrait on dock at sunset wedding

Surfboard wedding seating chart with guest names listed

Elegant wedding table setting with roses and candles

Elegant floral centerpiece with table number ten sign

Wedding table setting with floral garland and candles

Elegant wedding floral arrangement centerpiece detail Elegant wedding table setting with floral centerpiece

family affair right at home

With the groom's sister marrying in the same location 10 years before, it was yet another family affair right at home. The crisp Fall evening was perfect for guests to cozy up, enjoying a warm buffet dinner, delicious cake, and tarts for dessert. Everyone danced well into the evening.

Two tier white cake with floral decorations

Elegant white wedding cakes adorned with fresh flowers

Budget breakdown

Curious what a backyard wedding like this may cost you? The bride was kind enough to share her budget breakdown with us below.

Venue: $450
Florals: $3,500
Reception Equipment Rentals: $8,000
Ceremony/Cocktail hour rentals: $1,600
Planning: $2,500
Photography: $2,800
Catering: $4,000
Beer truck/alcohol: $2,300
Cakes: $600
Music: $1,200
Total: $27000

View All Images