Erin + Brandon | Backyard
THE PLANNING
Erin and Brandon were such a sweet couple to work with! Rustic Elegance’s owner, Kellie, did all the pre-planning with the couple to ensure that their backyard wedding would be perfect. Because we specialize in backyard and barn weddings, we know all of the little details that need to be considered when planning. Since the wedding was taking place in the bride’s parents backyard in Big Lake, the couple knew our expertise would be helpful!
The Thursday before the wedding, Kellie was on site to manage the tent set up with Apres and delivered the decor that the couple rented from our inventory. We’ve Got it Covered hung string lights throughout the tent and worked with Studio B Floral to hang greens on the lights. The backyard was already turning into a beautiful venue!
THE MORNING
Leading up to the wedding day everyone was very nervous about the temperature because the week prior had been close to 100 degrees every day. When the mid-June day arrived, the weather was absolutely perfect! Erin started her morning by heading to Advanced Styling Salon to get her hair and makeup done (which turned out beautifully).
Upon her return she slipped into her gown from Raffine Bridal. She was looking absolutely stunning! Ellingboe Photography then led the couple outside for a first look and portraits.
In the meantime, the RE duo of Kellie and Hope were busy setting up the space. We used our couch, chair, and coffee table to create a comfy seating area for guests which was used throughout the whole day. The bride’s mom provided a few potted plants for us to place wherever we saw fit. We decided to put them in front of our ceremony doors and at the bottom of the stairs for the bride’s entrance. It was truly the definition of backyard elegance!
As we finished setting up and the couple wrapped up with photos, we pulled everyone aside for a quick rehearsal. If you’re on the fence about having a day of rehearsal, be sure to check out our blog post about The Benefits of Doing a Day of Rehearsal.
THE CEREMONY
The couple wanted an intimate wedding day with only their closest friends and family, so the guest count landed at 36 people. The ceremony site was set up by the lake for a stunning backdrop! It was a very windy day during set up, but it made for a nice breeze to keep everyone cool during the outdoor ceremony. The groom’s father made the arch which was decorated with stunning flowers by Studio B Floral. The entrance to the ceremony site was marked with our ceremony doors and a custom wood sign with the couple’s names.
As guests arrived we directed them to the backyard to take their seats. The couple opted to have a friend play music on a speaker rented from Apres, so we made sure to coordinate with them before the ceremony began. Once everyone was seated, we cued the music and began directing the wedding party down the aisle. Erin made her grand entrance escorted by her father down the stairs and walked to the instrumental version of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love”.
Erin and Brandon shared a sweet ceremony with their closest people before sealing it with a kiss and walking out as the happiest Mr and Mrs!
THE RECEPTION
The couple made their way to the house after the ceremony to sign the marriage license and take a moment to themselves on the balcony. The RE team began moving the ceremony chairs to the reception tent for dinner. Guests were welcome to enjoy the appetizers from Serrano Brothers which consisted of a charcuterie board and fruit tray. The caterer also provided bar service from our rental bar, serving up sangrias and arnie palmers along with the traditional offerings. Our tabletop barrels were placed throughout the yard as cocktail tables for guests to place their drinks on and socialize around. We also set up yard games like jenga, bean bags, and ladder toss for guests to enjoy.
When the couple returned to cocktail hour, Ellingboe Photography made sure to capture a few fun photos of them on our couch in the lounge area we had set up. We love how they turned out!
As cocktail hour wrapped up, guests made their way to the tent to look at the seating chart and find their seats. The reception space was the perfect balance of rustic and elegance - our favorite! The couple rented our wood tables and table numbers for the guest tables. They used our dark wood farm table for their sweetheart table and our gold chairs to sit in.
Erin and Brandon opted not to do a grand entrance, so once everyone was seated they said a welcome and invited everyone to enjoy the delicious buffet from Serrano Brothers. It truly was amazing food!
We worked with the couple to make a laid back yet structured wedding day. Since they had a small guest count in their backyard, this was easy to manage. During dinner, guests were welcome to take the microphone and say a few words or tell stories. It was a fun, interactive way for the small group to get to know the couple’s history with their guests!
After dinner, guests enjoyed a yummy dessert from Sweet Cakes - Nothing Bundt Cakes. The RE team started a fire for s’mores and set up the basket of supplies. Everyone was able to continue socializing and playing yard games, but also use the photo booth provided by Erin’s brother (check out the RE team’s photo strip)!
As the evening progressed, the couple and their parents took a pontoon ride around the lake with the just married sign. We loved this unique touch to their day! Upon their return, Ellingboe Photography captured stunning sunset photos of Erin and Brandon. You truly would never guess that they were in a backyard!
We made sure everything was in order before heading out for the night. The RE team returned on Sunday to pick up our decor. The couple’s wonderful wedding weekend had successfully come to an end!
Erin + Brandon, the two of you and your families were a pleasure to work with! We hope that married life has been nothing short of amazing!
Shoutout to Ellingboe Photography for perfectly capturing this day and sharing the photos with us!
VENDORS
Venue: Parent’s Backyard
Catering / Bar: Serrano Brothers
Rentals: Apres / Rustic Elegance
Decor: We’ve Got It Covered
Speakers: Apres
Florist: Studio B Floral
Photographer: Ellingboe Photography
Photo Booth: Bride’s Brother
Dessert: Sweet Cakes - Nothing Bundt Cakes
Hair / Makeup: Advanced Styling Salon
Bridal Dress: Raffine Bridal
Coordinator: Rustic Elegance
Creatively written by: Hope Konkol