Whimsical Backyard Garden Wedding
We adore hearing photographers’ descriptions of their couples’ wedding days, and Cassie Lopez Photography related the wedding of Chloe and Caleb to that of a “DIY Marie Antoinette in the suburbs.” Merci Bouquet shone on floral detail, putting together a bouquet full of garden roses, ferns, kale, cotton, and even tomato vine as a nod to the bride’s grandfather.
From the bride, Chloe: I wanted a romantic southern vintage garden wedding. Caleb and I wanted our wedding to be intimate so we held the ceremony and reception in my parents backyard (the home where I grew up). Both my mother and grandmother were married in their homes so we thought that mom moms garden would be the perfect setting.
Flower recipe: The arrangements and bouquets featured English roses, cotton, ornamental kale, fern leaves, and gold dipped leaves. I had a piece of tomato vine added to my bouquet in memory of my grandfather who was an avid gardener. His hands always smelled like tomato vine and I wanted to carry a piece of him with me that day.
I’d describe our wedding as whimsical, romantic, and intimate. As far as a color theme/scheme we used a lot of navy, gold, ivory lace, and black & white stripes. The majority of color came from the garden flowers. I built the stained glass window display for our ceremony, hand made all of our save the dates/invitations, and guest favors. My mother and I planted and gardened all of the flowers throughout the yard and my father built the beautiful deck for our ceremony. I spent a lot of time searching for floral vintage plates and other antique fixtures. Most of these items were bought from peddlers malls and antique shops throughout Louisville.
Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? Try not to get caught up in what other people want for you and your partner. Everyone has their own opinions but your wedding is truly a day to celebrate who you are as a couple. We are so happy that we kept our wedding personal and unique to who we are. I think that because of this you can really see our personality.
Wedding Music:
Processional: “Island in the Sun,” Weezer (Vitamin String Quartet tribute)
Recessional: “Sea of Love,” Phil Phillips
First Dance: “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea,” Neutral Milk Hotel
Father/Daughter Dance: “Crimson and Clover,” Tommy James and the Shondells
From the photographer, Cassie Lopez: This wedding reminded me of a DIY Marie Antoinette in the suburbs. Chloe created a beautiful wedding on the deck in her parent’s garden in Louisville, Kentucky. White sheets and string lights draped in the trees and gold accents brought light to the table decorations. Chloe and Caleb are both eccentric and their wedding completely reflected that with vintage pieces, a striped aisle, an animal headed couple as a cake topper and “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” by Neutral Milk Hotel as their first dance song. Every detail was quirky, elegant, sentimental and fun.