An Intimate Backyard Wedding on Gulf Pond in Milford, Connecticut

Inspired by their waterfront venue (that was also the  groom's childhood home), Khrysty Griswold (27, a product manager) and Dylan Mark (33, a sailmaker) added nautical flair throughout their outdoor nuptials. But rather than incorporating standard navy and white details, the couple opted for a pastel color palette of pink, blue and green paired with pops of gold. "It was important to us to use softer colors so as not to take away from the natural beauty of the setting," Khrysty says. After exchanging vows in Dylan's mother's backyard, the newlyweds and their guests moved to a tented reception decorated with paper lanterns and DIY details—including fish shaped table numbers, wine bottle centerpieces, and custom "K & D" signs. Strings of white market lights hung throughout the tent and were strung up on nearby trees, along the deck and above the dance floor. Guests were treated to a lobster bake complete with stuffed clams and signature strawberry mojitos before dancing the night away under the stars. As for advice for future to-be-weds, Khrysty suggests keeping things in perspective: "Your dress will get stepped on and a guest will probably spill something on you—both of those things happened to me! But really, who cares? You're marrying the love of your life. If that isn't the best day ever, then I don't know what is."