When my son and future daughter-in-law expressed their wish to elope to Yosemite and return home to Wisconsin for a backyard soirée, I couldn't have been more thrilled. My hubbie and I got married in my parents' backyard nearly thirty years ago. What an honor that my son felt our home would be the perfect place to celebrate their nuptials.
It was a boatload of work but the work was fun! It all went by too quickly. I'm ready to do it again. All I need is another bride and groom. Anyone? Anyone?
The father of the groom, above, on hands and knees, and not for the last time.
Everyone pitched in and helped. No one complained. My nephew wove bridal pillows out of fishing line, kale leaves and moss.
Betty in celebratory bunting. On the morning after the party, my husband and I couldn't recall who washed her. We still don't know but doesn't she look spiffy?!
Centerpieces comprised of succulents, vinca, and ferns, and awaiting the glamorous arrival of the star of the show, the hydrangeas.
The flower arrangements were out of a dream. They're from La Tulipe Design, up in Port Washington, and you can read more about Vicki, La Tulipe's genius designer, at the end of the post.
My home is also my store, so I made good use of vintage accessories and linens. Who am I kidding, this woven pedestal basket is never going to make it into the shop.
Kitchen doors open to the patio on what turned out to be one of the prettiest days of the year. Just what you want in a Wisconsin summer day - not too hot, not too cool, and no bugs!
The dining room got a facelift that took it from colonial 1760 to midcentury modern 1960. It was completed about twelve hours before the festivities. I barely got the paint out of my hair before guests began arriving. Why? Why does that happen?
There they are! My finger puppet bride and groom sitting sweetly atop a vegan wedding cake! The woman who knit them for me is a blog subscriber and I think she is shocked at how far I have taken this gag. #fingerpuppets #onfleek
Nick and his lovely Jane in real life. They were nervous that day as they greeted the guests, but you wouldn't know it from this photo. They just need to hold onto each other. That's the secret!
"Come to Mama!" I hollered, trying to organize a family photo. Honestly, no one listens to me. This is why I have my finger puppets.
Jane's family traveled from Sweden to join us in celebrating her marriage to Nick. We loved getting to know all of them. They fit in so easily! We hope someday to reunite again in their homeland.
Champagne cocktails ready!
Yard is ready!
Musicians ready!
Guests arriving!
It's a party!
Allow me to again express my thanks to Minted, who sponsored the invitations. I wrote about their services in an earlier post but it is worth repeating that their custom designs are prettier in actuality than the website photos. Their heavy card stock is so weighty, you can use it as a stand alone piece of art. I had fun building a little vignette around the invite, along with a photo of the bride and groom, and some vintage treasures.
Also, I'd like to gush about the flowers for this party. A week before the big day, I was without a florist due to a snafu. I put out the word, and three different women, all of whom I would characterize as being in-the-know, recommended Vicki at La Tulipe Design in Port Washington. Apparently she has a very loyal following, and you can see why! She designs one-of-a-kind arrangements using fat blooms in their peak. Lots of her stems come from Holland and they are sturdy -- our arrangements lasted more than a week. And she eagerly accepted the challenge of designing for my vintage containers. I think she is super talented and if you are a local and reading this, here's her link.
Most photos by Renn Kuhnen.
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