There’s something wonderfully special about couples who decide to tie the knot at their childhood homes and Laura + Ross’ backyard wedding at the groom’s family estate, as photographed by Phipps Photo, reminds us just how lovely these intimate affairs can be. The pretty pastels and natural earth tones of everything from the rustic bouquets and romantic arbor from Burge Flower Shop and picnic-like spread arranged by Ellie Foreman give this backyard wedding a casual and inviting feel. The bride is dressed perfectly for a down-home family affair like this one in an ivory princess gown from David’s Bridal while her bridesmaids, likewise, seem ready for a game of croquet and a tall glass of sweet tea in their summery Bill Levkoff dresses. For those couples who, like Laura + Ross, aren’t fans of traditional wedding cakes, a variety of freshly-baked pound cakes made by a family friend make for a lovely (and delicious!) alternative. Tell us: have you ever thought about holding your wedding at home?
How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story.The short answer is that we met through mutual friends and family. Ross had recently moved to the city where I lived and they decided we should meet up. On Wednesday, April 3rd, 2008, we met at a Starbucks for coffee. We hit it off and spent the next Wednesday together, and then the next Wednesday, and the next. For the following year or so, we spent every Wednesday together (minus a handful) until we got married in June of 2009.
Describe the proposal: At the end of January, Ross and I had planned to visit my grandmother in Morehead City, NC for the weekend. He’d never been there before, so I had a long list of places and things to show him. We had already talked about getting married and I knew a proposal was coming but was convinced that he wouldn’t propose for a while longer. Meanwhile, Ross had talked to my family around New Year’s, bought my ring, and was waiting for this weekend to propose. On Saturday morning, Grandma made us blueberry pancakes and we headed out to Atlantic Beach. As we were walking down the beach on that blustery, frigid January day, Ross stopped, kneeled down in the sand and asked me to marry him. After saying yes, we spent the rest of the day doing the things I had planned for us and then returned to Grandma’s to surprise her with the news.
What was the design inspiration for your wedding? Ross’ parent’s backyard. Their house sits on top of an old farm meadow with the trees and hills of Randolph County in the background. We wanted a summery, casual, backyard wedding.
Favorite design element of your big day: The arbor Ross’ aunts and I worked on together before the wedding. It was simple with ivy, tulle, ribbon and oak leaf hydrangeas.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: My roommate got engaged three weeks before I did, so we went dress shopping soon after with my sister. They convinced me to try on a few dresses too. While they all knew Ross was proposing soon, I sure didn’t and felt a little unsure about trying on dresses. I found something I loved at the second place we went to and was afraid it would be sold, so I bought the dress! I agonized over it, not knowing that Ross would propose in a week and a half. For the next few months, I wondered if I should have spent more time looking or if I should have waited to find the dress until I was engaged. In the end, I couldn’t have been more pleased with my dress!
Describe your wedding flowers: Meeting with the florist was one of my favorite appointments. I had some pictures of full wildflower bouquets that I liked. Using the pictures for inspiration, the florist put together a beautiful arrangement of heather, wax flower, lisanthus, bouvardia, eucalyptus, astilbe, caspia, and larkspur.
Describe your wedding cake: Ross and I don’t want a traditional wedding cake. Instead, we had three kinds of pound cake (brown sugar with a caramel glaze, blueberry, and chocolate)made by a friend of the family who also sells them every Saturday at the local Farmer’s Market. They were such a hit!
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: There were so many things we loved: the classical guitar, being married by Ross’ uncle, my brother’s prayer during the ceremony, my mother’s centerpieces, the bottled Cheerwine, taking our first communion together as husband and wife, the picturesque landscape… I could go one!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day? The microphone stand was in between Ross and I as we stood in front of the arbor during the ceremony. We were standing pretty far apart, so Ross reached over, took my hand and pulled me close to him. It was a very sweet moment.
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding? Be organized. I kept everything wedding related in a 1 1/2 inch black notebook with a spiral notebook (for to do lists) and dividers for the budget, receipt, vendors and inspiration.
What’s next for you as a couple?Setting up house, starting the start of a new school year and having adventures together!
Congratulations, Laura + Ross! We know thare are many more happy adventures in store for you two.
I am holding my wedding at my parents house….that’s pretty close right..haha!?! I really want it to have a casual, comfortable, warm and cozy atmosphere, and I think a home provides that snuggly feeling : )
Love the crochet mallets. I never thought about that as entertainment.
how lovely. Those photos are phenomenal! I love the simple feel of it all.
My sister and I both served a variety of delicious pies at our weddings instead of wedding cake. To make it even more "sweet" they were made by a dear family friend who has a cute pie business, Sweetie-licious Bakery Cafe in Dewitt, Michigan (http://www.sweetie-licious.com/). My sister had her wedding/reception outdoors at our grandparents’ farm, and along with the pies, it was truly magical.