Bright And Beautiful Backyard Wedding In Birmingham

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October 2, 2023

The Planning

Design / Vibe / Vision

My dream was to get married in the backyard of the home I grew up in. I have always loved everything bright and vibrant so I knew I wanted the day to be colorful, yet still feel elegant and classic. Rachelle Youd Designs, designer and florist, made all of my wedding dreams come true! It was colorful, whimsical, and magical, and was the most beautiful backdrop for the incredible fun we had with all of our friends and family. It was an absolute dream to celebrate my marriage in the place where I have so many childhood memories.

Proposal Story

My husband and I grew up in different cities, went to different colleges, but spent our summers working at Kanakuk Kamps in Branson, Missouri. We spent many summers as best friends, and when he finally asked me on a date, I said yes! In September of 2022, I was visiting Luke and his family and we were spending the weekend on the lake. I had no idea what the weekend would hold! While we knew we wanted to get married, I thought it would be months before we got engaged. We went to go for "brunch and a walk," and I had no idea what Luke had planned! During our walk, Luke went to one knee, and I couldn't speak for a couple of minutes due to my shock! After we were engaged, he surprised me by having my family and some of my closest friends in town. It was the sweetest weekend.

Bridal Portraits

Flat Lays

The Fashion

Wedding Gown

The bride wore Monique Lhuillier from Mandi Jackson Bridal in Atlanta, GA.

Bridesmaid Dresses

The bridesmaids wore all different shades and styles of pink dresses to match the bride's bright color palette, while allowing each girl to choose a dress she loved. The matrons of honor were the bride's sisters, who matched in their bright pink ruffle gowns.

Wedding Party

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

The Details

Food & Drink

I am from Alabama and my husband is from Arkansas, so I wanted to incorporate southern food into our wedding day. We had a yummy spread including fried okra and shrimp and grits. For cocktail hour, we had specialty margaritas and a delicious array of Mexican food, the groom’s favorite!

Florals & Decor

My florals and decor were colorful and whimsical, adding a joyful and fun spin on an elegant garden party. Rachelle Youd Designs created a beautiful pattern play in the seating areas to bring out all the colors in the florals. A favorite detail was the many string lights hanging around the yard and tent. The dance floor, which was occupied the entire night, had incredible silver globes hanging above with greenery -- it was so fun!

Wedding Cake

When I was designing my wedding cake, I stuck with my theme of colorful, summery, and joyful. We also found special butterflies that I knew I wanted to be part of it. Diane Olexa made my cake, and I wish I could have it as decor in my house! There were beautiful florals and my favorite touch was the butterflies that looked like they were flying around the cake.

Special Detail #1

One of my favorite details was a little treat we had. Throughout the night we passed strawberry, peanut butter, and chocolate milkshakes around to the guests. My parents had the same exact milkshakes at their wedding, and it was a special way to incorporate the memories of their day into my day! They were made and served by O’Carrs, a childhood favorite.

Special Detail #2

I have always been a jeep girl, and one of my favorite things was getting to leave in an incredible, old white jeep, ending the night perfectly!

Couple Portraits