Julia + Austin were starting with a pretty clean slate, wedding-wise. Neither of them had attended many weddings before, so when they began planning their own they had the freedom to take it in any direction!
The couple collaborated with event designers at Stone House Creative, and together they decided that an intimate backyard celebration at Julia’s parents’ home in Winnipeg, Manitoba was the move. “We wanted to evoke the spontaneity of an elopement, but with just a few more people,” says event designer Lauren.
Using the colors of old photographs as their stylistic guide they filled the yard with flowers and plenty of funky, edgy touches. Photographer Kassandra Donaldson, who specializes in documentary-style work, captured the summery vintage feel of the whole day.
There were disco balls. There was a pizza truck. The couple even snuck off to 7-Eleven for a post-ceremony portrait session.
Let’s get into this dreamy and unique backyard wedding!
Julia’s killer platinum blonde mullet is the work of stylists at Salon Pop.
Above all else, Julia wanted her wedding day look to be easy to move in. She didn’t want to spend the celebration worrying about anything “strapless, backless, or with a plunging neckline.” So, like so many other brides she took to Pinterest. That’s where she found this gorgeous mini dress by Harriette Gordon. We LOVE how old-world details like the bishop sleeves with the delicate satin buttons or the mock neck collar play up the funkiness of the look!
This custom pennant by Oxford Pennant featured lyrics from the title of Julia + Austin’s recessional!
The Intimate Backyard Ceremony
It’s all in the disco details!
This amazing ceremony seating from Trend Decor WPG is the best of both worlds: modern and vintage-inspired.
Here’s a list of backyard wedding ideas and planning tips to help you create a dreamy at-home celebration like Julia + Austin.
Specialty rentals like this excellent circular woven rug came courtesy of Karina Walker Creative Rentals.
Stone House Creative (who ALSO did the event’s florals!) gave us a rundown of the day’s funky and textured arrangements—all locally grown for the most part: “We used a lot of zinnias, pansies, lilies, foxtail lily, garden roses, cosmos, stock, ranunculus, corncockle, and a sweet touch of forget me nots.”
Rae + Dot took care of the wedding’s peachy, retro paper goods and signage.
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Sea of Love" by Cat Power
Recessional: "Girl We Got a Good Thing" by Weezer
First Dance: No first dance!
Feeling a smaller guest list like Julia + Austin? Here are some of our favorite tips for planning intimate “I do’s.”
Recreate Julia’s edgy look with these black ankle boots from ASOS.
Sneaking Away To 7-Eleven
These two are just PAINFULLY cool in their wedding day sunnies. 😎 Check out our fave styles of bridal sunglasses and the best sunglasses for men.
Take a look at the Il Gufo Floral Print Long Sleeve Shirt from Farfetch if you’re loving Austin’s colorful button down as much as we are.
Feeling inspired by Julia’s impeccable, edgy style? Get into some of our fave short and tea length wedding dresses.
The “old photograph” color palette inspiration really shines through in Julia’s bouquet. We ADORE all the warm sepia tones.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Don’t let tradition or the expectations of others limit you. It’s your day, and you can do or not do whatever you want! And when it comes to the timeline of your day, always give yourself an extra 30-45 minutes.
How great are the three-star pendant earrings Julia’s rocking?! Check out this similar pair from Revolve.
A Pizza Party Reception
Warm neutral table linens from Planned Perfectly and details like those burnt orange taper candles from Collective Event Rentals gave the reception a gentle old-world charm.
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding From Julia: "I think the most memorable part of the day would have to be when my father toasted us before dinner. He is not a very warm and fuzzy guy so to hear him talk about his fondness for my husband was special. But as the toast began I looked for Austin and couldn’t see him! When we raised a glass, Austin came running into the yard from the washroom with his belt open in front of our guests shouting “Did I miss it!?!?” thinking he had lost his one chance to hear something sincere from his father in law. Luckily we got both the toast, and Austin’s entrance, on camera."
A Little Pizza Heaven is Julia + Austin’s favorite pizza place, so it only made sense to have their food truck roll up behind the back yard to feed the friends and family the couple had gathered. What a fun and festive way to keep sentimental value high and catering stress low key.
Congrats, Julia + Austin, on your beautiful backyard celebration!! All the best from GWS!
photography: Kassandra Donaldson // event design: Stone House Creative // florals: Stone House Creative // wedding dress: Hariette Gordon // hair stylist: salon Pop // paper goods: Rae + Dot Studio // catering: A Little Pizza Heaven // tabletop rentals: Collective Event Rentals // furniture rentals: Trend Decor Winnipeg // linen rentals: Planned Perfectly // specialty rentals: Karina Walker Creative Rentals // custom pennant: Oxford Pennant
A very risky outfit but she looks great!