A Backyard Garden Wedding in Chicago, Illinois

After meeting online through OkCupid, Maureen (31 and a public health educator) and Jonah (30 and in farm asset management) didn't realize they were both in for a whirlwind romance. "He sent me a cute message asking about my self-professed love of baking and the rest is history!" Maureen says. "We dated for five months before getting engaged, but we both knew immediately that we had found the one." The bride's parents' home set the stage for their backyard garden wedding that included 125 family members and friends. "We set up a big tent and used the patio as a dance floor," the bride says. "My parents' wedding was at the home of my mother's parents, and I always loved the idea of a wedding reception being so personal. It took a lot of work and my mother moved mountains to make it happen, but having our wedding at home made it so special and unique." With a clean, classic wedding in mind, the two used green and white accents to lend a fresh feel to their outdoor decor. The natural motif even included wooden chandeliers, hydrangea-filled centerpieces, mason jar candles and a rustic woodpile nestled off to the side of the reception space. "In every photo from that day, Jonah and I are both smiling ear to ear," Maureen says. "We had the very best day and we're thrilled we were able to have all of our favorite people together as we made this commitment to one another."