Real Wedding: Denise + Dave’s Sweet Backyard Wedding

Happy Monday everyone! I have a fantastically cute wedding to share with you guys today. Denise + Dave threw their special day at their own home they recently purchased together in a small town outside of Chicago. How sweet is that? :) With the love and support from family and friends, it was a true handmade wedding. From the escort cards, to the pom-poms and special tissue garland hanging from their front porch – every detail has a bit of family love in it. Multiple generations of twins, loving friends, local foods, hand-carved details and sentimental stories. Congrats to Denise + Dave!

wedding couple on bike

wedding photography

What a great seersucker suit! (the suit is from J Crew)

backyard wedding

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding? For me it would have to be standing at the alter, holding David’s hands, staring in his eyes and never feeling more sure about what we were about to embark on. I was so ready for the beginning of the rest of my life.

backyard wedding

tying the knot wedding

They tied the knot!

seersucker suit billy balls boutonniere

coffee filters garland wedding

Twins run in our family. We’re on our third generation of twins. My mother was/is a twin. The rings we wore were ameythyst and diamond rings that she and her sister had gotten as a high school graduation gift from their parents. My Aunt Janet is no longer with us, she passed away at the age of 32. I can’t even imagine the pain my mom still endures, I could never imagine losing my sister. Well my sister had twins as well, Mekhai and Ella, the ring bearer and flower girl (my loves). So, I asked my Mom if we could wear the rings for of course sentimental reasons. I swear that ring had special powers!! On my wedding day, my mom ended up giving the rings to my sister and I!

ring bear pillow

backyard wedding tent

We wanted to make our theme more of an elegant, yet simple wedding, with a strong feeling of home since it was in the backyard of our house we just purchased. We also wanted to be conscience of not only the cost, but being green where possible, without sacrificing style. We recycled baby food and mason jars which we used for lighting. We shopped for vases, glassware and doilies at resale shops. Cut up downed tree, and used them for the center pieces on each table. We borrowed a lot of items, anywhere from doilies to apothecary jars for our signature cocktails. We tried to hand make everything we could to make it more personal.

escort cards chalkboard wedding

backyard wedding details beer

photo booth

backyard wedding dance

Any advice for those planning their wedding now?
Since we did most everything, except for the food and dessert, I would have to say, “stay organized”. We made endless “to do” lists. Also, enlist the help of your closest friends and family. We had a couple of days throughout the planning process that was devoted to helping us get ready. Friends and family were painting, doing yard work, making decorations, carpentry work, cleaning,etc.. Our wedding wouldn’t have been possible without all those people. There’s no way you can do this by yourself.

Vendors:
Photographer – Edyta Szyszlo
Tent rental – Blue Peak
Live Music – Sunnyside Up
Caterer –Fig Catering
Flowers – Moss Modern Flowers
Dessert: Glazed Chicago Donuts
DJ/sound engineer – Chris Demonk
Linens – Brooke Marino
Officiant – Paul Petroccione and John Henriks.

Thanks for sharing some details into your day Denise! And special thanks to Edyta Szyszlo for sharing your lovely photos. Edyta is located in San Francisco, CA and available for travel worldwide.

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