Toledo DIY Backyard Wedding – Lauren and Chad

Toledo-DIY backyard wedding of Lauren and Chad
toledo-wedding-photographer
Lauren and Chad were married on July 21, 2012 in the backyard of one of their very close friends.  In fact, almost everything about their wedding involved their friends.  The wedding officiant, the wedding musician, the DJ, the band, the bartenders, and even their photographer (me) are all friends of the couple.
jon farmer musician and officiant

toledo wedding officiant

boogie matrix mechanism
Lauren worked very hard on making sure all of the details were just right!  The centerpieces were painted alcohol bottles with stenciling, and each bottle was unique.  Because it was an outdoor summer wedding, mosquitos were a concern.  To combat the problem, Lauren used the bottle centerpieces and added a few drops of Lavendar Vanilla and Rosemary Mint oils to the bottles giving the centerpieces a dual purpose.
painted bottles

wine bottles for centerpieces

wedding centerpiece ideas

mosquito repellant for weddings

tricks to keep mosquitos away
The wedding arch was built specifically for Lauren and Chad’s backyard wedding.
wedding arch

wedding arch decorating

wedding arch flowers
Instead of a sign in book, Lauren and Chad had river rocks to sign and put in a tall vase for their living room. This is a great idea because it not only creates a beautiful addition to the room, but it is also unique and will bring back wedding memories for everyone who sees it.
wedding guest book alternative

sign a rock

guest book ideas

sign in alternatives
The aisle for the wedding was lined with petals Lauren had saved from every flower bouquet Chad had ever given to her.
backyard wedding seating
The glasses for the bridal toast were borrowed from a neighbor who had them at their wedding.
wedding toast glasses

wedding champagne flutes
The wedding guests got to play a few games of cornhole.
things to do at a backyard wedding
And the happy couple made a homemade photo booth for everyone to enjoy.
DIY photo booth

do it yourself photo booth

diy wedding photo booth
The bridal party was not traditional either. The bride had her brother as the would be maid of honor and her son was also part of her “side” along with two of her female friends. The groom’s “side” also consisted of one of his female friends.
unusual bridal party members
The property that Lauren and Chad’s wedding took place on was large enough that they encouraged their friends to bring tents and camp out with them so the night didn’t have to end!
camping out at a wedding
Of course, a real DIY Backyard Wedding wouldn’t be complete without a lot of beer kegs and jello shots!
beer kegs

wedding jello shots
Once all of the tent decorating was finished, it was time to get started taking the photos we could take before the wedding.
backyard tent wedding

groomsmen getting ready

purple bridesmaids dresses

groom with the bridesmaids
The ceremony was short and sweet.
groom waiting on the bride

here comes the bride

backyard wedding ceremony

outdoor wedding

the wedding kiss

I now pronounce you

just married

wedding recessional
We managed to escape the crowd and go to another part of the yard to take some bridal party, family and newlywed photos while the chairs were being moved back into the tent and the dinner was being set out.
backyard wedding photos

bridal party photos

wedding gown

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sylvania wedding photographer

sylvania weddings

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It was soon time to head back to the tent for the dinner, toasts and formal dances.
backyard wedding under a tent

backyard wedding bbq

wedding toast photos

man of honor

wedding speeches

bride and groom dance

couple's first dance

wedding dance
As the night continued, the band, Boogie Matrix Mechanism, kept everyone going.
outdoor wedding ideas

tent wedding ideas

toledo wedding band
Congratulations and belated Happy Anniversary Lauren and Chad. May you have many more happy years together!
Wedding Photographer in Toledo
For more information about Kurt Nielsen Wedding Photography, including pricing, please visit my website at:  www.kurtnphoto.com.

To inquire about availability or to schedule your FREE wedding consultation, please call me at:

Kurt Nielsen Photography
5431 Schultz Drive
Sylvania, OH 43560
419 885 7153

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Ashley and Joe’s Engagement Session

For Ashley and Joe’s Engagement session, we started at their new house.

Then we went Downtown Toledo.  With them being Toledo Mud Hens fans, we had to go to Fifth Third Field!

We also got some great portraits at Toledo EasyStreet!

And of course, while we were downtown, we stopped at International Park for some more great photos!

Wait until you see their wedding sign-in book!

Ashley and Joe were a lot of fun to photograph!  I can’t wait for their wedding next month!

Did you know that your engaement session is included in your wedding package purchase price?  Call me at (419) 885-7153 to schedule your FREE wedding consultation!