A Rustic Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Indian Hills, Colorado

Carlen Lumley (31 and works in sales) and Tommy Lumley (31 and works in graphic design) took crafty to a new level with their casual backyard wedding. Even Carlen’s wedding dress was handmade by a family friend. “My daily fashion is somewhat eclectic and bohemian, with a little Western flair,” Carlen says. “Oh, and I love lace. Naturally, this was the look I wanted for my dress, along with a vintage heirloom feel. I knew the only way I was going to get what I wanted was by having my dear family friend design and make my dress by hand. With only a few photos for inspiration, she perfected my dress with both new and old lace, which I swear were my mom’s vintage lace curtains.” Wanting their wedding their way, they exchanged vows at Carlen’s family’s home the foothills of Indian Hills, Colorado. “We really felt having an at-home wedding would be much more intimate and comfortable,” Carlen says. “I always knew I was going to get married there, and my dad wouldn't have had it any other way. Plus, we wanted to play by our own rules.” We absolutely love that they made all the details themselves, everything from the wooden wedding arbor, self-serve wooden bar taps, wire lampshade, doily reception lights and even the red velvet cake. See all our favorite details, beautifully captured by Zack Berlat Photography, below. A tip from Carlen: “Don't always let traditions get in the way. Make your own rules and have fun with it. It is your day, after all.”