Backyard Party by Jessamyn Harris

I am officially taking the day off.  It just might be the first time I’ve REALLY taken a day off.  I am going to spend the day catching up on all of those little things that seemed to have spun out of control (read…my mail, my inbox, my closet) since I’ve been so addicted to all things SMP. But, I didn’t want to leave you without your little bit of eye candy. And although this isn’t a wedding, I’m pretty sure that you are going to fall MADLY in love with it and find so many steal-worthy ideas tucked inside.

Jessamyn Harris, a photographer that we love here on SMP, sent us this anniversary party that she was lucky enough to attend and of course, she couldn’t resist snapping a few pics while she was there. Along with the photos that the hostess herself, Michelle, shot…the result has left me as giddy as a schoolgirl!

How completely adorable is this? Family style tables, white linens, a kraft paper runner and single stem dahlias. Absolute perfection. Jessamyn shared a few details from the evening with me that I thought I’d pass right along…

Michelle and Nathan threw a beautiful, relaxed party on their (rural Sonoma County) property for their 10th wedding anniversary. The weather was the last of the late summer perfect evenings, and guests mingled with homemade custom cocktails in the extensive flower and vegetable gardens before sitting family style at long tables in their backyard. There were candles, twinkle lights, adorable placecards, and tons and tons of amazing dahlias.

The food was all homemade (with Michelle’s dad manning the BBQ), including produce completely from their garden (tons of cherry tomatoes, and steamed kale for 40+ guests!). The cupcakes were from a favorite local cupcakery, Sift. There was also a popcorn machine during the cocktail hour, with more than 10 optional seasonings and condiments for flavor, and homemade chutney as favors.

AMAZING! Thank you so very much to Michelle Feileacan and to Jessamyn Harris for sharing this incredible celebration with us! I can COMPLETELY see it translated into a great, casual backyard wedding not to mention how many genius ideas are nestled inside the day. Absolute perfection!