Words cannot describe how ridiculously amazing this fun, funky, colorful, bohemian backyard wedding was, so I’m going to hope that the photos can do it justice! Seriously though, kicking off 2018 with this wedding was incredible and I’m so glad I got to be part of the team to bring Ashley and Matt’s wedding to life! Matt and Ashley have the most welcoming personalities. They love people. It is no surprise that they wanted an intimate, family-style wedding to create that sense of community and coming together. Their wedding did just that!

One of Ashley’s talented friends made the bright invitation suite for their day – complete with map and sketch of the couple (flower crown and all). I loved the bright tones she used! Add on some impressive calligraphy for the envelope (and some fresh flowers for styling) and I was in my happy place!

The morning of the wedding, Ashley was surrounded my her closest friends as she prepared to marry Matt. The girls spent the morning braiding each other’s hair and reminiscing about how they had met one another. Putting her wedding dress on in the room where she had grown up was so meaningful (and gorgeous).

Matt and Ashley shared a first look behind the house, in a tunnel of palm trees. It was an emotional moment for all of us! I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. These two are a dream to photograph! They fit together so well and can make each other laugh! Naturals for sure!

As guests arrived for the ceremony, they were welcomed with homemade chex mix and a Polaroid guest book to share best wishes for the bride and groom. The ceremony site was just beyond that. The guests “ooh’ed” and “ahh’ed” over the collection of upholstered seating and fun, colorful pillows! A chuppah with a lace canopy stood at the front of the aisle. It was covered in flowers and dripping with greenery. The processional began with family members, then the groomsmen (in their sporty suspenders), bridesmaids (in their mismatched berry tones), and finally Ashley and her father. Everyone was choking back tears.

The ceremony was a true testament to their love for one another. Tying together two lives, two families, two religions.

As guests made their way to the reception space they were welcomed with fresh appetizers and lawn games to play during cocktail hour. The reception was set up on the long driveway (so I may have lied when I said it was a backyard wedding…more of a front yard wedding…but you get the drift 😉 ). Two extra long rows of farm tables were covered with multi-covered vintage goblets and mismatched china plates. French bistro chairs lined the tables on either side. Above the tables, bistro lights were strung from side to side creating the perfect ambiance. It was truly an intimate, family affair – bringing everyone together to enjoy this first meal.

Ashley and Matt brought so much of their color and personality into this event! They had their favorite foods (tacos and sliders) as the meal for everyone to enjoy. Matt’s cake had a dirt bike topper, a nod to his love of the sport. Family photos of loved ones were placed around the lounge. They had globes as decoration, to share their love of travel. Every detail was a meaningful representation of who they were as a couple.

Matt and Ashley – high fives!! I adore you two! Congratulations on this next chapter of your lives! You two are an inspiration to me and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to get to know you both during this process. Your wedding was a truly a dream! Hugs!

This wedding was featured on one of our favorite wedding blogs – Ruffled!

And a BIG THANK YOU to the vendors that put this day together: Florals, Planning, Styling, Vintage Rentals, Tabletop Rentals, Signage (pretty much all the things): Ever After Vintage Weddings // Officiant: Reverend Rick Gomer // DJ: Mike Jenks // Videographer: Hatfield Productions // Dress shop & veil: Nikki’s Glitz and Glam Boutique // Shoes: Sole Society // Groomsmen pants: Express // Makeup artist: Christina Phillips // Hair stylist: Megan Rawdon // Cakes: Cakes by Maggi // Invitation: Heather Pell // Envelope Calligraphy: Cowahl // Catering: Tastes of Tampa Bay Catering Company // Taco Truck: Street Surfer // Lighting: GET LIT Productions // Groom’s shoes: Allen Edmonds // Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab // Venue: Bride’s Family’s Home