A Shabby-Chic Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Louisville, Kentucky

Melissa Chandler (24 and a nursing student) and Jonathan Vance (25 and in the Kentucky Air National Guard) got engaged and have many memories in Melissa’s parents’ backyard in Louisville, Kentucky, making it the perfect place to host their wedding. “I chose this location because it had always been my dream,” Melissa says. The heartfelt ceremony took place in the woods behind the house, where Melissa and Jonathan said “I do” under a beautiful arch by Mills & Young. Our favorite detail? At the entrance to the aisle were a pair of vintage doors decorated with "M" and "J" wreaths, which made for a super-cute recessional photo (captured by Jennifer Thornhill Photography, below). The reception took place in the backyard underneath a tent, where guests dined on barbecue and bourbon—totally Kentucky, right? Melissa and Jonathan’s photo booth doubled as their guest book. After their guests took a picture, they received an extra copy and wrote a note for the newlyweds. Fun fact: The morning of their wedding, Melissa and Jonathan had a first look so they could spend more time together before the ceremony. We all know horse racing is a big deal in Kentucky, so the couple and their family and friends, sat in Melissa’s parents’ living room and watched American Pharoah win the Triple Crown.