After Canceling Their Big Wedding, This Couple Tied the Knot in Their Wedding Planner's Backyard in California

On-Palette Invitations

The invitations—created by Epoch Design—spoke to the overarching color scheme of the couple's backyard wedding. A bone-hued letterpress invitation was filled with lilac script, while a blush ceremony card was lettered in tan; a green RSVP envelope offered a pop of color. The envelope liner included an illustration of two intertwined hands. "It was the perfect unique touch and everyone complimented it!" Kelsey shares.

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The Only Dress

Kelsey went to four stores on the search for her dream wedding dress. After trying on garment after garment, she was blown away by a simple, but modern Leanne Marshall gown with a V-neckline and long sleeves. "I hated every dress I tried on after it!" she explains.

Simple Accessories

The bride wanted her gown to be the focal point of her look, so she kept her accessories simple. She wore a diamond necklace and earrings from Nordstrom, strappy sandals from BHLDN, and an elegant veil from Alta Moda.

Colorful Bouquet

Kelsey held a large bridal bouquet from Posey Pop; the arrangement included cream, lilac, blush, and peach floral varietals with some greenery for texture.

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Dapper Groom

Jake donned a black suit from Nordstrom paired with a crisp white dress shirt and a black bow tie from The Tie Bar. Bruno Magli dress shoes finished his look.

Pastel Ladies

Kelsey's bridesmaids wore different dresses sourced from Show Me Your Mumu, ASOS, and Lulus; all of the garments fit into the event's color scheme.

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The Men

Jake's half of the wedding party kept it classic with black dress pants, white dress shirts, and sleek accessories from the The Tie Bar.

The First Look

Kelsey and Jake shared their first look at a nearby olive tree grove a few hours before the ceremony began. "I was so excited to see Kelsey in her wedding dress. It had been about two days since I had seen her, and hearing her voice while my back was turned filled me with butterflies," Jake says.

Safe Ceremony Setup

In order to keep guests safe, lilac velvet chairs and white cross-back chairs were spaced accordingly on either side of the aisle.

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Biggest Fan

Upon their arrival, each guest found a rattan fan on their chair; they used them to keep cool during both the service and reception.

Tonal Backdrop

The couple worked with Backup Backdrops to create an ombré structure, designed around sunset hues, for the altar. The suspended piece was then adorned with a garland of baby's breath—and anchored with a colorful ground arrangement—for a romantic touch.

On the Aisle

Loose arrangements, which appeared to have grown out of the earth, lined the aisle, punctuating the space between each row. They matched the day's palette and featured organic stems in a variety of heights.

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On Dad's Arm

Kelsey's father, Chris, walked her down the aisle while an instrumental version of Hozier's "Cherry Wine" filled the space.

Finally Married

Jake's father also played a key role during the service: The couple exchanged vows in a religious ceremony that he officiated (he is a leader in their church).

Soda Hour

During the mocktail hour, the newlyweds served Italian sodas in lieu of alcohol. They switched up the passed appetizer process, too: Light bites were plated and brought to each guest, personally, to limit contact as much as possible. A cactus plant served as the backdrop to the bar.

Lounging Around

Multiple furniture vignettes—including chairs, cushions, and couches in blush, ivory, and green—were set up throughout the backyard, so guests could safely lounge from a distance.

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Warming Up

A fire pit was arranged underneath bistro lighting—guests warmed up around the fire and mingled as the evening went on.

The Escort Display

Kelsey and Jake always say, "If you'll have me" whenever they invite themselves to something—it's an inside joke they've had for years. They decided to incorporate the phrase, using thin gold lettering, onto the green gingham backdrop in front of their cake and escort card table.

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Chocolate Lovers

Chocolate bars, which were calligraphed with each guest's name, directed Kelsey and Jake's nearest and dearest to their assigned seats.

Gated Community

The reception was held directly behind the house. Guests entered the space through a gate, dressed up with two floral nosegays.

Backyard Dining

For dinner, long farm tables were placed throughout the yard; they were surrounded with the same lilac velvet chairs and modern white chairs from the ceremony. Bistro lights was strung overhead, creating a romantic vibe as the sun set.

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On the Table

Tables were topped with mauve table runners, lime green taper candles in marble holders, and lush centerpieces with blush-and-ivory florals.

Textured Settings

Every place was set with a rattan charger, a white dinner plate, a gray floral salad plate, gold flatware, and a lilac linen napkin, looped with a gold holder. Green glasses and ceramic tumblers punched things up; blush votives held tea candles.

Let's Eat!

The duo served a three-course meal that began with appetizers like ahi poke wonton crisps, peach and burrata bruschetta, and chips with guacamole. The salad was, according to Kelsey, the best one she had ever had; it included seasonal fruit, goat cheese, candied nuts, and a vinaigrette dressing. Guests had their choice of a chicken, steak, or vegetarian entrée.

Sharing a meal with their loved ones, even from a distance, is one of Kelsey and Jake's favorite memories from their big day. "Looking out at the sunset and sipping Italian soda after we had finished the ceremony was incredible and a moment we will carry with us forever," Kelsey says.

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Loving Spoons

Kelsey and Jake took their first married spin to "Loving Spoons" by Tim Hill. "Jake showed me this song when we were first dating and we always think of each other when we listen to it," says the bride.

Dessert Time

Hey There Cupcake baked the couple a series of cakes, which ranged in size. The one they cut into featured vanilla layers with cream cheese frosting and strawberries, along with chocolate tiers with whipped ganache and dark chocolate pieces.

A Sparkling Exit

Kelsey and Jake exited their celebration—running straight into married life—under a tunnel of sparklers. "A lot of people do this, but it was such a fun and memorable way to leave the best party of our lives," the bride shares.

For couples currently planning their nuptials during the pandemic, Kelsey and Jake have some advice. "There will be a time when you can have a big celebration, but if you love each other and want to get married, I say do it. With all your favorite people by your side, it will still be the best day!" Kelsey says. The couple plans to have a larger reception sometime soon, complete with the guests they couldn't include this time around.

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Sources

Photography, Jessica Mangia
Venue, Chez Balliet
Wedding Planning and Event Design, Heather Balliet of Amorology Weddings
Videography, Rachel Draper
Flowers, Posey Pop
Invitations and Paper Products, Epoch Design
Bride's Gown and Veil, Leanne Marshall via Alta Moda
Bride's Accessories, Nordstrom; BHLDN
Hair and Makeup, Danielle Ryan
Bridesmaids' Dresses, Show Me Your Mumu; ASOS; Lulus
Groom's Attire, Nordstrom; The Tie Bar; Bruno Magli
Groomsmen's Attire, The Tie Bar
Catering, Harvest Kitchen
Cake, Hey There Cupcake
Music, Extreme DJ Service
Rentals, Folklore; Catalog Atelier; Hostess Haven; Backup Backdrops
Favors, Mast Chocolate
Transportation, Preferred Valet Parking
Lighting, Bright Rentals
Bathrooms, Diamond Rentals