Backyard Colorful Paper Chain Wedding: Leslie + Nolan

pinwheel boutonniere

Leslie + Nolan were married at a family home in Redlands, California. With the help of family and friends, they made hundreds of paper chains and draped them across the entire ceremony and reception site – totally transforming the home’s front yard! They also handmade hundreds of paper pinwheels to line the ceremony aisle. Leslie wore her mother’s wedding dress and her flowers were picked from her parent’s garden and arranged by her aunt. Leslie’s sister made all of the groomsmen’s bowties and created the wedding programs. Her cousin was the officiant for the ceremony – truly a family affair and labor of love. Big congrats to Leslie + Nolan and thanks to Josselyn Peterson for the photos!

colorful bouquet

bride and groom

bride and groom

pinwheel boutonniere

wedding party


I was inspired to have paper chains at our wedding after decorating my 5/6 grade classroom for Christmas. The color explosion was so fun! We made the wedding about the two of us by using aspects from each of our personalities using color, funky clothes, desserts, tea, and most of all family.

paper chain style programs

colorful paper chain ceremony decor

colorful paper chain ceremony decor

colorful paper chain ceremony decor

yarn wrapped tin can vases

yarn wrapped tin can vases

colorful paper chain backdrop

pinwheel aisle decor

paper chain ceremony

pinwheels

paper chain ceremony

paper chain ceremony

s'mores bar

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

My favorite moment was the slide show during our reception. My cousin, Craig Hadley (also our officiant!), made a hilarious slide show that showed each us growing up in movies and pictures. It ended with pictures of both of us. It made me laugh hard and cry.

wedding slideshow with guests

wedding slideshow with guests

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Listen to any suggestion while taking only the ones that reflect you and your fiance. Also, recruit your family. It makes your wedding personal and on budget.

photography: Josselyn Peterson // venue name: Aunt and Uncle's home in Redlands CA // wedding dress: My mother's dress // hairpiece: Serenity Crystal // bridesmaid dresses: Lush purchased from il Teatro Boutique // hair stylist: Sang // groom attire: Menswear Collection // paper goods: Emily Unterseher (sister) designed, printed at the Loma Linda University Print Shop // catering: Kopper Kettle Kafe and Katering // cake: Dessert Reception and Hippo Cookies from Dad's Donut Shop // bride's shoes: Bride's Toms; Groom's Sperry Top Siders // invitations: Emily Unterseher (sister) designed, printed at the Loma Linda University Print Shop

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