This New York Couple Threw Their Ceremony in Their Front Yard—and Their Party in the Back

Bride in White

The bride customized her beaded, embroidered Anne Barge mermaid wedding dress with ornate spaghetti straps and white buttons down the back. "I knew that we were not going to have a larger celebration in the future and, given that my dress was not a large ball gown that may have looked out of the place in our new venue, I decided to wear my original dress," she says.

Beads and a Bouquet

Ashley's all-white bouquet was composed of garden roses and magnolia blossoms; satin ribbons and a strand pearls held it all together.

• 64 White Wedding Bouquets

Footwear Finery

Her sparkling silver Miu Miu shoes with inset crystal details featured a chic block heel, which made navigating the grass a breeze.

A Beauty in Blue

Ashley's sister, who served as her maid of honor, wore a strapless gown by Aidan Mattox in a stunning shade of sapphire.

A Fabulous First Look

The couple's first look took place at the picturesque school where the bride's mother works. Getting his first glimpse of Ashley on their wedding day was an all-time highlight for Tim. "There was a lot of anticipation and excited nervousness in that moment, which turned into pure joy the second I turned around," he says. "I loved being able to have time to ourselves and take photos with just our photographers."

Tim wore a blue three-piece tuxedo from Suit Supply and accented the bespoke tux with a black leather watch by Ulysse Nardin (a gift from Ashley on his 40th birthday) and gold knotted cuff links that belonged to the bride's grandfather (who was unable to travel from Florida to the wedding).

• 9 Tips for Making the Most of Your First Look

Beautiful Backdrop

In lieu of a traditional floral arch, the altar was marked with an open backdrop of birchwood swathed in weeping wisteria, calla lilies, and long white orchids, courtesy of their florist, Ruth Ridgeway Designs.

Safe and Stylish

White masks embroidered with the couple's initials were offered to guests at the entrance to the aisle.

Safe Spaces

Ceremony seats were positioned mindfully, with social distancing in mind.

• How to Make a Socially Distant Wedding Feel Special

Stirring Recitations

During the service, the duo exchanged vows they wrote themselves. "I am so happy that we did, because it was the most special part of the day to me," says Ashley. "Each of us got to express in our own words and ways what the other means. Being a book lover, I included a quote from one of my favorite authors, while Tim—more of the comedian in the relationship—got to throw in a few jokes."

All Smiles

Post-ceremony, the couple posed for a few portraits with their families.

Lovely Lounge Area

The couple transformed a section of their backyard into a chic lounge for the cocktail hour, complete with cabanas, couches, and comfortable chairs.

Secure Apps

Miniature glass cloches kept a bevy of passed appetizers protected prior to the reception and helped minimize contact.

• Unique Passed Appetizers Guaranteed to Elevate Your Cocktail Hour

A Scenic Delight

The couple brought in a clear canopy that allowed attendees to see all of the trees that surrounded the house. Swags of greenery and arrangements of dried pampas grass added an organic touch. Wooden chairs surrounded exposed farm tables that were set with sophistication aplomb on the couple's patio.

Glorious Greenery

Greenery runners dotted with white blooms ran down the length of the tables; candles placed at different heights added a romantic glow.

• Lush Wedding Garlands Guaranteed to Elevate Your Reception

Clean and Classic

Place settings were kept minimal in style, which spoke to the couple's vision for a clean, classic look. "We used silver charger plates and white napkins accented with a little bit of greenery on each one," says Ashley. "The tables were connected end to end in two rows, so instead of doing a seating chart, we opted to place an acrylic cut-out of each person's name on their plate."

Both Tim and Ashley are food lovers and enjoy trying new restaurants, so dinner—which was catered by Thomas Preti Events to Savor—was an important aspect of their big day. "This was the part of the planning that I was most involved in, especially when it came to the tasting," says the groom. A salad of burrata with heirloom tomato, stone fruit, Persian cucumber, micro arugula, and aged balsamic set the stage for the menu to come, which included plenty of vegetarian options.

Tiers of Joy

The couple cut into a three-tier wedding cake iced in white with gold accents; Riviera Bakery created the confection and added sugar flowers as the finishing touch.

No Need to Guess

Tim and Ashley chose "Second Guessing" by Florida Georgia Line for their first dance. "Both of us loved it as soon as we heard it and would dance around our living room singing and dancing with each other to it," says the bride.

Sources

Photography, Jainé Kershner Photography
Flowers, Ruth Ridgeway Designs
Stationery, Minted
Officiant, Hillsong New York
Bride's Gown, Anne Barge via Kleinfeld
Shoes, Miu Miu
Clutch, Judith Leiber
Hair and Makeup, Beautini
Maid of Honor's Dress, Aidan Mattox
Menswear, Suit Supply
Watch, Ulysse Nardin
Music, Total Entertainment
Catering, Thomas Preti Events to Savor
Cake, Riviera Bakery