An Intimate Backyard Wedding in Oklahoma

Mackenzie, a media strategist for an advertising agency, and Ian, an attorney, had known each other since the fall of 2009, but they did not start dating until the spring of 2012. Two years later, during a picnic made by Ian and set outside Mackenzie's former Oklahoma City home, Ian took the turquoise ring off of Mackenzie's left ring finger, and replaced it with a sparkly diamond band. One year later, on April 25, 2015, they wed under a giant tree with 43 of their closest friends and families in their new backyard, just two blocks from the site of their engagement. It was the one day in all of April and May without any rain, and their intimate gathering was as fresh and organic as the love that they shared.

Simple, nature-inspired invitations went along with the theme of the night. Watercolor-style ferns adorned the printed pieces, which were mailed in an envelope lined with pattered paper.

Guests entered through the driveway, which was lined with trees, candles, and ferns—the latter were given to guests as a memento from the celebration.

Mackenzie wore an ivory Sarah Seven dress, which she paired with a gold, jeweled belt by Twigs & Honey. She also wore oversized sparkly studs to complete the look.

A simple, latte-colored tulle veil by Untamed Petals fell to the bride's ankles.

White ranunculus, roses, and Veronica, along with olive branches, cabbage, and ferns formed the bride's bouquet.

The boutonniere had spray roses, veronica, roses, rosemary, white hypericum berries, and brunia berries.

Ian only wears cowboy boots when he goes to court, church, or any event that requires a suit. His wedding day would be no exception. His Citizen Eco-Drive watch that he wears everyday was also on his wrist.

A monogrammed "tears of joy" hanky for the mother-of-the-bride is a tradition that Mackenzie's mother started for the happy tears at weddings. It served as the bride's something old and something blue. Mackenzie's engagement ring and wedding rings were all-diamond bands, while Ian's was a matte gold band.

The couple was married under a big tree in their backyard while all the guests gathered around them. The rings were placed on the antlers (from the groom's parents' ranch) in the crook of the tree.

The couple set up a few chairs in the front for their mothers and grandmothers.

Guests tossed flower petals in the air as the couple was pronounced husband and wife.

A three-piece band played jazz music that the oldest and the youngest guest could dance to all night long.

The couple signed their marriage license in the portion of the L-shaped tent devoted to cocktail-hour, which was also set with modern lounge furniture and geometric lighting fixtures. Guests enjoyed lobster rolls and deviled eggs with candied bacon and pickled okra during cocktail hour.

The bride's favorite sparkling rosé was the drink of the night for the warm, spring evening.

Guests were encouraged to sit and mingle before the couple arrived. Silver eucalyptus and café lights hung on a lattice over a one long rustic farm table. The antler chandelier was a nod to the bride's Texas roots.

Small flower arrangements of white stock flowers, spray roses, and green hypericum berries in glass vases sat along the center of the table. Oil tea lights added a warm glow.

Linen-colored napkins, calligraphed menus, and fresh ferns adorned each place setting. The couple opted for Tom Collins glasses instead of stemmed glassware to keep with the casual, homey mood.

The table was also set with a variety of cheeses, breads, and nuts so that people could keep eating and drinking as they sat down. Smoked beef tenderloin with horseradish aioli, accompanied with poblano and goat cheese mashed potatoes, and spring vegetables was served for the entree under the twinkling lights strung from the tent. 

The couple chose not to have a cake cutting ceremony, but there was definitely cake—a layered white and chocolate sponge cake with layers of fresh strawberries and Italian crème. "It was all of our favorites in one cake," Mackenzie notes.

The bride grabbed her dad at some point after dinner for a dance. The groom also danced with his mom.

The couple was sent off with all of their guests holding sparklers that lit up the dark sky.

Photography, Brett Heidebrecht

Event coordination, Leslie Herring Events 

Flowers, Juniper Designs 

Officiant, The Reverend Dr. Andrea Doeden

Stationery, Fine Day Press

Calligraphy, Aimee Strickland 

Cake, Raspberries and Crème

Music, 5th Edition Jazz 

Rentals, Marianne's Party Rentals; Mood Party Rentals

Bride's gown, Sarah Seven 

Bride's accessories, Untamed Petals veil; Anthropologie earrings; Twigs & Honey belt; Alex Marie shoes

Hair, Brushed  

Makeup, Balliets 

Groom's suit, J.Crew