Wed: Paige & Matt’s Simply Elegant Backyard Wedding

We're visiting the Panhandle today, so here's a wedding by Pure 7 Studios to show you why we love Florida's Gulf Coast!

Dorothy said it best, "There's no place like home..." and for our bride, Paige, this couldn't ring more true. Her parent's home, in Joe's Bayou of Destin, was the only place she could envision marrying her Alabama boy, Matt. So that's just what they did.

When I was scanning these photos by Pure 7 Studios, I was pleasantly surprised by all of the natural elements. If you choose a space or location that is as beautiful as this, the decorations can be minimal. In fact, sometimes excessive flowers, colors, and details can overpower an organic landscape. Paige and Matt's wedding had just the right amount of elegance and simplicity, which was exactly what they were going for!

Their ceremony took place under the shade trees of the backyard. The light was perfect and I am in love with the moss covered cross and magnolia detail. I think that lollipops will be in a must-carry in my wedding day e-kit, from now on. I mean, how cute are the flowergirl and pillow boy?

What do you think Paige is thinking here? My guess is, "(sigh)...this is the most perfect day!"

You can almost hear the waves and feel the breeze of the Gulf Coast. I am just smitten with outdoor ceremonies like this, they can be just as faith-filled as traditional church weddings.

I know you've noticed it by now, but, let's talk fashion, shall we? Paige's gown is a design by Elizabeth Fillmore that she purchased at Kleinfeld Bridal, NYC. It fits her like a glove and she looks radiant next to her 'maids in silver J. Crew. numbers. Let's see, am I missing anything?

Oh yes! All of those sharp dressed men! Can you believe how dashing they look in those white dinner jackets and black bowties? I can't get over it. This might be one of my favorite details from this wedding. Sheer numbers makes this look a stand-out and to top it off, some of the gents wore colorful socks. I wonder if the purple pair are for the bride & groom's alma mater, LSU.

After the ceremony, the celebration started just a few steps away. Guests were served chilled wine, monogrammed cigars, and everyone got a Cinco de Mayo coozie to keep their drinks cold. I thought it was a great idea to use wine barrels for high-boy tables along with traditional cocktail hour seating. The grooms cake has chunks of shaved chocolate and some cute seahorse details which is a nice balance for the traditional wedding cake. Don't you love how the green hydrangea encircles the cake?

Paige and Matt thought about their guests throughout all the wedding planning. Says Paige, "We had the ceremony and reception in my parent's backyard, what we think is the most beautiful spot in Florida - or anywhere! We are lucky enough to get to enjoy it all the time, and really wanted to our guests to see it for what it is. We were lucky to have so many friends and family travel from so far away to be there with us, so we really wanted them to enjoy it have a great time. We focused on the bar, the band, and the food - all the things that guests notice the most! Living in DC, we are far away from many friends and family, so this was an opportunity to just have everyone together - that's what we focused on and what was most important to us. We wanted them to enjoy it as much as we did."

As you can see, Paige & Matt's guests had a great time dancing, eating, drinking and at the end of the night they were surprised with a firework show! Paige explains that she and her guests would not have had such a great time if it weren't for a few key wedding professionals, "Having a big wedding at our house without a wedding planner was a big undertaking, and we honestly could not have pulled it off with David Penniman and the whole team at Classic City Catering. Not only is their food amazing, but they really helped us pull everything together - the rentals, the lighting, the set up. Throughout the planning, whenever my mom or I would get stressed out about everything that goes into having 300+ people at our house, David would reassure us that it was all going to work out - and it did! And Kent's Special Events did the rentals - stage, tents, lighting, etc. Lighting was so important since the reception was all outdoors and didn't end until 10:30, and they knew just what we needed and made it all look perfect."

Of course, Paige and Matt had their own sparkler exit! They are off to Napa wine country and San Francisco for their honeymoon in early August. I hope they plan on bringing those monogrammed cups with them on the trip! Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. W, we wish you a lifetime of fireworks in your marriage!

If you plan on getting married outdoors, tell us your ideas for keeping it elegant yet simple. Or, if you're going all out with tents and lighting, we'd love to hear your plans for that, too. Whatever you choose, make sure to include that old Florida charm!

VENUE/VENDOR INFORMATION:

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Private Residence in Joe's Bayou of Destin | Photography: Pure 7 Studios | Catering & Coordination: Classic City Catering | Lighting & Rentals: Kent's Special Events | Band: Papa Sol | Florals: Bella Flora 30a | Men's Formalwear: Francia's of Mobile, AL | Bridesmaid's Dresses: J. Crew | Bridal Gown: Kleinfeld Bridal, NYC

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