In early October, I traveled to Roseville for my cousin’s intimate backyard wedding. Stephanie married her dream guy, Kord, in her grandmother’s backyard. Her mom was married in the same house, so many years ago, when she was still with us.
Kord has been like a second father to Steph’s first son, Julian. And in June, they brought a new bundle of joy into the world: Jameson. My cousin deserves all the happiness in the world and my heart is filled to the brim watching their family grow.
Meaningful DIY Details
My family is full of creative women and this day was infused with so many meaningful details. One of my favorite details of the day was the cake topper Steph hand painted of their family.
Steph brought a few old photos from her mom’s wedding day for us to recreate. She also salvaged pieces of her mom’s wedding dress to add fabric flowers to the bouquet.
My grandmother was an amazing artist and her floor-to-ceiling landscapes are the statement piece of every room throughout the house. I carefully hung Steph’s dress on a few of my favorites to ensure her presence was felt that day too.
This day is also featured on Intimate Weddings! Check it out here!
An Intimate Backyard Wedding
My Aunt Cathy, with the help of my cousin Annie, refinished her backyard for the occasion. She hired an electrician to string market lights and a chandelier through the handmade wooden altar. Cathy also stitched the fabric backdrop, created the centerpiece arrangements, and baked Steph’s favorite applesauce cake.
With only a handful of their closest family and friends as witnesses, Steph and Kord exchanged vows in a short and sweet ceremony.
Before the rest of the guests arrived, I whisked them away to a nearby oak tree field for some romantic alone time. In our golden hour frolicking, we disturbed a resting buck. Kord was ready to ditch the reception to run after it. 😉
We arrived back to the house as the glow in the sky was started to fade. A standing ovation greeted Steph and Kord in the backyard. We listened to four touching speeches, feasted on BBQ, and watched Kord almost drop Steph during their first dance.
While they were preoccupied with hugs and goodbyes, Kord’s groomsmen decked out their get away truck in stickers, tin cans, and toilet paper. Then they escaped in the night while we clapped and whistled.
Congratulations, you two! Love you both so much.
Their Friend-or Team
Fabric Backdrop: Cathy Zampa (bride’s grandmother) // Cake: Cathy Zampa (bride’s grandmother) // Cake Topper: Stephanie (bride) // Flower Crown: Stephanie (bride) // Table Arrangements: Cathy Zampa (bride’s grandmother) & Annie Burnette (bride’s aunt) // Rings: Etsy (bride); Tiffany & Co (groom // Photography: Paige Nelson // Venue: Private Residence
If you love this wedding, I recommend checking out Jessica and Paul’s intimate redwood wedding in Big Sur!
