When the Wedding’s in Your Back Yard: Homespun Wedding in Birmingham

If the bride looks especially relaxed and “at home” in these wedding pictures, there’s a good reason: this couple’s literally getting married in the bride’s back yard, as shown in this collection of images presented by Stephen DeVries. Home-based weddings take a little planning and a great setting, and this bride’s family apparently has both, so the “vibe” is easygoing and fun. The bride gets her hair done in her own bedroom, with junior attendants lounging on the bed beforehand; moving outdoors for some shots beneath the trees, she’s glowing in a strapless gown and high silver slippers. The groom dresses elsewhere with his men, but you won’t find any white tie or tails here. It’s strictly Sunday best — dress shirts and ties, blue-and-coral striped to match the maids’ coral jersey.

In the back yard, chairs have already been set up; the house is decked with flowers, a wreath, a bow — indicating “this is the place to be.” Back in the kitchen, friends are helping to finish the wedding cake; the bride even pauses to help put on its “topper” of flowers. Once the vows are said, it’s a short walk for the guests back to the house, where the buffet is ready. The bride and groom cut the wedding cake in her folks’ very own kitchen, and supply their own reception dance music via an iPod dock! Then it’s time for dancing on the deck, with the lights of home in the background, and a departure through sparklers down the front walk. Finally, the newlyweds wave goodbye…with memories of a home-sweet-home wedding to keep forever.