There’s something really special about a home wedding. Last July I had the honor of helping Cathy & Jon plan theirs at Cathy’s family home on South Whidbey Island.
A backyard wedding always has challenges, quirks and drawbacks – but I think it can be worth it. Sure, the lawn might not be level enough to seat everyone, and the spaces that make a great family landscape might require having multiple uses layered on to them when trying to accommodate 150 people. But there is something pretty exceptional about having all your special people in a meaningful place for your wedding day. The view was fantastic, and boy does their family knows how to throw a party! Enjoy the photos by Vail Studio.
Since my bias is heavy on flowers, we’ll start there! The bridal bouquet featured Cathy’s favorite flowers, Roses and Gerbera Daisies, as well as Scabiosa, Dahlia, Stock (for fragrance), Snapdragons and other goodies. All of it was either California or Washington grown.
The decor theme was beachy elegant, with casual, friendly-feeling flowers. The family collected shells and driftwood to accent the tables. Roses and Gerbera Daisies (American grown, of course) mingle with locally grown seasonal blooms including Dahlia, Scabiosa, Queen Anne’s Lace, grasses and seedpods.
For linens, we chose blue and beige. The dining tables got a beige cutout overlay that brings pattern and richness while staying natural, organic, and approachable. Bamboo chairs reinforce that feeling.
Trumpeter Gordon Ullmann of Whidbey Brass blew a fanfare to announce the bride.
Both bride and groom brought kids to the marriage. They kicked back in bean bags during the ceremony.
This is a cool photo – the families are marrying with a symbolic sand ceremony – and you can see the relaxed, kicked back feeling of the event – folks are gathered on blankets, chairs, steps – everyone is making it work to have this great party in this love-filled home!
After the nuptuals, everyone feasted. There were two caterers to ensure there was something for everyone. Hors, tacos and sliders by Orchard Kitchen and paella by bayleaf. Lawn games were popular too!
Dessert featured pies by Whidbey Pie Cafe and a cake by Treetop Baking.
Following the feast, everyone kicked off their fancy shoes, donned some flips, and danced the night away!
Wedding planning, day-of coordination, and flowers by Vases Wild.