A Bright, Cheery Red-and-White Backyard Wedding in Florida

Katie and John

Katie Evans and John Reeves met through friends in their home state of Florida when Katie was in high school and John was in college. But it wasn't until the summer of 2009, while he was helping her move to New York for a job, that she realized she wanted to be his girlfriend. The first year, they dated long-distance and one year after John followed her to the Big Apple he proposed to her in Madison Square Park.

On November 3, 2012 they married in her parents' backyard in Florida. Not the types to host a lavish ballroom affair, the Brooklyn couple threw an upbeat and totally laid-back backyard party filled with their favorite things: french fries, friends, and festive pops of red. John, in J.Crew, and Katie, in an Elizabeth Dye dress, shared a smile in front of a wall she adorned with flat vases in red, her signature "playful and happy" color.

The Invitation Suite

Katie designed the bold red, aqua, black, and white suite, which included a fold-out schedule of events.

Pretty Presents

At the rehearsal dinner, Katie gifted Kate Spade sailor-knot bracelets to her attendants, mother, John's mom, and the officiant to wear the following day.

The Bridal Party

Katie asked her 'maids to wear knee-length red dresses.

Groom With Style

John gave his guys gray ties from J.Crew.

The Groomsmen

The couple posed with John's guys.

Heart Marks the Spot

The bride's mother sewed a striped heart flag that hung from the house, marking the wedding's location.

Thirst Quenchers

Pre-ceremony, a beverage station offered decanters of lemonade, water, and iced tea.

Father-Daughter Moment

The bride clutched white David Austin roses, carnations, freesia—and her father—as she walked down the aisle.

Flower Dog

Miniature pinscher Frankie, one of the bridesmaids' pets, acted as flower "girl," wearing fresh blooms.

A Bright Box

One of John's nephews held the rings on a polka-dot pillow housed in a lacquer box.

It's Official!

The new Mr. and Mrs. sealed it with a kiss in front of hanging paper garlands from Shop Sweet Lulu.

Custom Mixes

A bridesmaid devised signature drinks, such as the Love Lobster (rum, pomegranate, club soda, and lemon) and Dos Flamingos (tequila, grapefruit, club soda, hibiscus tea, and lime). Festive napkins read "Bottoms Up."

On the Menu

Katie designed a giant menu showing partygoers what to expect and had it hung on the side of her parents' garage.

Food Delivery

Waiters brought crab-cake sliders from a retro-chic food truck.

Casual Centerpieces

Rows of vases from Michaels and Goodwill stores were filled with peonies, dahlias, and ranunculus to act as centerpieces.

Backyard Decor

After the 4 P.M. ceremony, string lights illuminated robin's-egg-blue-swathed tables.

Custom Cake Toppers

Custom cutouts made from the pair's engagement photos topped six wedding cakes—each one a different flavor.

Ceremony Snacks

"I get hungry during long ceremonies, so we put goodie bags of chocolate chip cookies and pretzels out with the programs," Katie says.

Last Stop

Katie kicked up a heel as she kissed her groom; their food truck provided an impressively on-palette backdrop.