A Rustic Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Hillsborough, North Carolina

Sometimes the best venues are right in your backyard—or a friend’s. After going to a wedding at her grandfather’s friend’s home in Hillsborough, North Carolina, Ashleigh Erwin (25 and a dental assistant) knew it would be the perfect spot to hold her and Ryan Thompson’s (24 and an engineering inspector) peach and mint wedding. “There are two ponds on the property, an LED-lit gazebo and many more focal points that I just adored,” Ashleigh says. On their wedding day, Ryan’s parents highlighted the space with a sweet, DIY lace-covered wedding arch accented with rustic hay bales on both sides. Their 215 guests watched from simple folding chairs as Ashleigh made her entrance. She walked toward the waterfront ceremony in a modified A-line dress covered in ruche detailing, beading and lace appliques. After she and Ryan exchanged vows, the party continued with a relaxed, tented reception. Flower Patch designed centerpiece trios of mint and clear-glass jars filled with baby’s breath and accented with horseshoes. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, games of tic-tac-toe and music from their DJ as they watched the sunset. Before they ended the celebration, Ashleigh and Ryan encouraged their guests to take a few treats from the custom candy bar. “Kiddos and adults were laughing. Grandparents were kissing,” Ashleigh says. “It was a very happy and stress-free night for all.” The team at Big Star Studios captured every moment of their day, below.