A Preppy Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Dallas, Texas

Carrie Patterson (27 and an MBA student) and Robert Gillespie (28 and works in finance) wed in the backyard of the bride’s childhood home. “The backyard has a natural garden feel, so ensuring the decor complemented that environment was very important to us,” Carrie says. To honor the bride’s late mother, Carrie and Robert lit a candle prior to the start of the ceremony while a vocalist sang Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.” “It was a special moment for everyone,” Carrie says. The couple’s wedding party gathered around Carrie and Robert in a semi-circle throughout the duration of the ceremony, resulting in an ultra-intimate setting. “The setup made us feel like we were surrounded by love on all sides,” Carrie says. Robert and his 10 groomsmen sported white dinner jackets, while all 13 of Carrie’s bridesmaids wore floor-length dresses of their own choosing, accessorized with corsages in lieu of traditional bouquets. “I loved the crisp, clean look of our entire wedding party in white,” Carrie says. Lucite furniture and gold-rimmed glassware added to the sense of sophistication underneath the reception tent. Guests ate ceviche, sushi and oysters during cocktail hour, but the true menu standout was the Tex-Mex station and late-night spread of soft pretzels.