From this moment on, this sweet fête will forever define whimsical backyard weddings for me. Why you ask? Well because it’s just everything. Everything that makes me adore backyard weddings mixed with a seriously talented (and handy) couple who helped make it all come to life. And when we get to see it all come to life via the gorgeous images from Dutton + James? That’s when I’m a goner, and I will officially proclaim this wedding as a must see. Do so here.
From the Bride… There was never a question on where we would get married. We caretake a house on 180 acres in Upstate New York and the owner gave us his blessing on using the land, so that was a no brainer. It was so important to us to give our guests an experience. We wanted an “adult camp” vibe. We built a bar from old windows and cedar posts, had a BB gun range made from pallets and lots and lots of consumed beer bottles, a fire pit, a teepee, and lots of fireworks.
Our wedding day is a blur. The level of emotion and adrenalin on your wedding day is indescribable. Just imagine that everyone you know are there: from your childhood best friend that you haven’t seen in a decade, to your parent’s friends who have known you all your whole life, plus your family, friends, and coworkers. And there is so much love and energy directed your way, it’s just amazing!
Jeff and I both work in set production so we spend a lot of time building, sourcing and shopping for jobs. That came in very handy for our hodge podge aesthetic. Everything about our wedding was for us, by us, so we had creative free rein. We also had time to make it happen since we were living at the venue. We rented the tent, tables, chairs and dancefloor from Sav On Party Rental in Kingston, New York. Everything else was a mix of estate sales, thrift stores, yard sales and found objects. Our friends were very generous with their time and resources. For catering we hired Hickory BBQ Smokehouse in Kingston, New York. They were unbelievably helpful and delicious and happy to accomodate me with my provided vintage platters. The beer came from Brooklyn Brewery and Keegan Ales. Wine and Liquor from Astor Place Wines (who accept returns on unopened liquor!)
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Wedding Photography + Photo Booth: Dutton + James | Ceremony Location: Hunting Lodge near New Paltz, Upstate New York | Flowers: Wildflowers picked by our friends from the neighboring fields | Catering: Hickory BBQ Smokehouse | Wine + Spirits: Astor Place Wines | Beer: Brooklyn Brewery + Keegan Ales | Tent + Chairs + Tables: Sav On Party Rental | Wedding + Dress: Vintage