A Backyard Garden Party Wedding With Yard Games & Cocktail Recipe Cards
The wedding celebration was captured by talented photographer Jonas Seaman. Joining the happy couple were their esteemed partners: Lara, a dedicated Legal Assistant, and Nick, a visionary Director at a software company. The unforgettable event took place on May 27, 2018, in the picturesque setting of the Offbeat duo’s own backyard in West Seattle, Washington.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
As we began planning our special day, we deliberately set aside traditional wedding elements that didn’t resonate with us. Instead, we prioritized creating a warm and intimate atmosphere that would bring us closer to our loved ones. We wanted to gather around the table, share a meal together, and celebrate in the comfort of our own home.
To make this vision a reality, we opted for an understated yet meaningful celebration in our backyard, with a carefully curated menu and cocktail selection that reflected our personal tastes. The handmade decorations and yard games added a playful touch, while a non-denominational ceremony officiated by a close friend kept the tone light and joyful.
We’re enthusiasts of craft cocktails, so we took it upon ourselves to create unique wedding favors by commissioning four talented artists to design artwork inspired by our signature cocktail recipes. These art pieces were then paired with recipe cards, allowing our guests to recreate our signature drinks at home while also taking home a beautiful piece of local artwork.
Our meticulous approach to planning extended to the menu, where we focused on showcasing the flavors and ingenuity of our chosen chef through the use of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Our photographers, Jonas and Mary, played an invaluable role in capturing the essence of our special day, leaving us with stunning keepsakes that remind us of the love, laughter, and joy that filled every moment.
Tell us about the ceremony:
We designed a ceremony that was both meaningful and intimate, without being too formal or lengthy. To create an ideal atmosphere, we set up an altar space between two young olive trees, using a canopy as a backup in case the weather didn’t cooperate. Fortunately, the day turned out perfect, and the canopy became an integral part of our ceremony setup, which I couldn’t wait to share with Nick after a brief delay.
Having a close friend officiate the ceremony allowed us to incorporate personal touches, including a couple of poems read by our siblings. The overall experience was surprisingly short and sweet, leaving us feeling grateful and emotional. As we exchanged our own vows, I was so overcome with sentiment that I think I momentarily blacked out while Nick recited his. He later repeated the gesture in private, reading his vows to me again after our guests had departed.
Meanwhile, a stash of hankies on hand proved useful when my tears set off a chain reaction among our guests, who later joked about being caught off guard by my emotional display.
Tell us about your reception:
In preparation for our backyard wedding, we opted for a minimalist approach when it came to décor. The lush surroundings were enough to create a romantic ambiance, so we focused on adding personal touches instead. Our families worked together to craft a beautiful garland for the dining table using greenery from our yard and others. My mother created a stunning bouquet for me by combining flowers from her own garden with ours, while I used herbs from our garden to make Nick’s boutonniere.
Every detail was infused with love and effort, making our celebration feel incredibly cozy. To cater to our non-dancing guests, we introduced alternative activities at the reception. We set up yard games like cornhole and giant Jenga, and even brought in a tarot reader to provide readings for our loved ones. To add an extra layer of intimacy, we broke out a personalized bottle of Jameson whiskey from our trip to Ireland, alongside an expertly crafted selection of cocktails.
Our chef went above and beyond by incorporating herbs and edible flowers from our garden into the meal, which was cooked in our own kitchen. We also made sure to provide ample vegan options for our guests who followed a plant-based diet. The pièce de résistance was the dessert spread, featuring petit fours and a croquembouche kindly gifted by a generous friend. We supplemented this with a small vegan cake, ensuring everyone had something to indulge in.
To make the evening even more special, we incorporated meaningful elements like our grandparents’ vintage toasting glasses, which they used at their own wedding. Seeing our guests enjoy themselves and having the opportunity to feed and entertain them was truly a joy.
What was your most important lesson learned?
One of the most liberating decisions we made for our wedding was keeping our guest list intimate, inviting only our closest family and friends. This micro-guestlist allowed us to focus on the little details that truly mattered to us, like custom favors and a personalized menu. It gave us the freedom to curate an experience that felt genuinely ‘us’. On the flip side, we learned that unexpected things can – and will – go awry.
On my wedding day, I accidentally popped the hook-and-eye closure on my dress mere hours before the ceremony was set to start. Lesson learned: choose a dress that suits your lifestyle and the kind of celebration you’re planning. If you’re expecting a lively night, opt for an outfit that accommodates physical activity. Luckily, we had a sense of humor about it and the resourcefulness to come up with a fix on the fly. This flexibility was crucial in keeping our special day running smoothly.
Ultimately, what made our wedding truly unforgettable was the joy we shared with our loved ones. And that’s exactly what matters most: celebrating your love story with those who matter most.
Vendors
Behind the scenes of our event was a talented team of creatives, led by photographer Jonas Seaman. The visual story was brought to life through the elegant attire provided by Renz Bridal. Meanwhile, Olive Huang and Jean Claude Ferré worked their culinary magic as chef and patissiere, respectively, with Flying Apron serving up sweet treats. Karen Johnson of Honey and Rye kept the drinks flowing, while tarot reader Hanna Brooks Olsen offered insightful readings to our guests.
