1. Real Weddings

A Backyard Wedding in Madison, Mississippi

Sara Jane and Jeff met after college when they were both living in the same town. A mutual friend who had been in dental school with Sara Jane and was

Sara Jane and Jeff met after college when they were both living in the same town. A mutual friend who had been in dental school with Sara Jane and was roommates with Jeff introduced the pair, and they hit it off right away. The Bride Sara Jane Doby, 27, pediatric dentist The Groom Jeff McCrary, 29, internal medicine doctor The Date May 9 After surprising Sara Jane with a trip to New York City for her birthday, Jeff told her he had made a reservation at their favorite restaurant in the city. Before dinner, Jeff convinced Sara Jane to take a stroll through Central Park. On their walk, Jeff popped the question and Sara Jane happily accepted.

Sara Jane wore a few sprigs of Lily of the Valley in her hair to match her bouquet and complement the natural setting of her reception.
Sara Jane and Jeff used peonies, roses, and hydrangeas in all their flower arrangements. The reception centerpieces also featured small votive candles to add warmth to the tables.
Sara Jane and Jeff’s reception featured three tents: two white-topped tents for food and dancing and one clear-topped tent over the bar area. There was also a courtyard in the middle where guests could mingle.
The couple served a traditional wedding cake with fresh strawberries. The cake display sat on a bed of antique hydrangeas.
Sara Jane and her bridesmaids carried bouquets of pink peonies, roses, and hydrangeas. She had been inspired by the pink azaleas that bloom in the spring in Mississippi and wanted to capture a similar look for her wedding.
Guests received a champagne raspberry cocktail garnished with a fresh raspberry as they arrived at Sara Jane’s parents’ home for the reception.
The groomsmen’s simple boutonnieres featured a small hydrangea cluster.
Guests tossed rose petals on the newlyweds as they exited their reception.
The decadent groom’s cake had chopped up Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Heath bars in the ganache between the tiers. To honor her husband’s love of the New Orleans Saints, the couple also had fleur-de-lis embellishment added to the cake.
Sara Jane and Jeff’s alter arrangements were composed of soft pink and ivory peonies and antique hydrangeas.
During the couple’s first dance, guests could enjoy views of the pond behind the stage.
Sara Jane had always dreamed of having her reception in her parents’ backyard. Despite inclement weather, she and her new husband were able to celebrate with their guests under tents decorated with green topiaries.