1. Real Weddings

A Casual Backyard Wedding in Waretown, New Jersey

Although they went to the same high school, Lauren Tabbacchino (27, school counselor) and Dan Eberenz (26, works in government) didn't meet until afte

Although they went to the same high school, Lauren Tabbacchino (27, school counselor) and Dan Eberenz (26, works in government) didn't meet until after they graduated from college. "It turns out we had a lot of friends in common!" says Lauren. The two formed a close friendship that quickly blossomed into something more. When it came time for Dan to propose, he did it with a cupcake—with the ring sticking out of the frosting. "It was very sweet, and very us," says Lauren. To keep things low-keep, the couple decided on Lauren's parent's backyard for their no-frills wedding day. Her father even built a wooden pergola for the ceremony! Drawing inspiration for their color palette from their surroundings, Lauren and Dan decorated their tented backyard wedding with organic green and blue hues and plenty of DIY projects from Pinterest.

Sentimental Photos Bouquet Wrap
Lauren's bridesmaids chose between three different styles of dresses, all in the same soft, organic shade of green.
Lauren and Dan Wedding Ceremony Ring Exchange
Local Wildflower Bridesmaid Bouquets
Lauren and Dan Wedding Ceremony First Kiss
Rustic Wooden Cocktail Hour Sign
Lauren's dad built a vintage lemonade stand for their signature cocktails: sweat tea vodka and lemonade.
Lauren and Dan's signature drinks were served in jelly jars with blue and white striped paper straws.
Lauren and Dan used seed packets as a creative alternative to traditional escort cards, and tell guests where they were "seeded."
Guests found their seating assignments on seating packets hanging from a clothesline.
Lauren and Dan painted the table numbers of slabs of wood cut from tree branches that had in their brother in law's yard.
I Spy Wedding Reception Game
A single sprig of rosemary was tied to the napkins at each place setting.
Guests rang copper bells to request a kiss from the newlyweds.
Lauren and Dan First Dance
Custom Wooden Bride and Groom Cake Topper
Cupcake Display with Baby's Breath Accents
Guests wrote advice for the newlyweds on Jenga pieces because, Lauren explains, "marriage is a game of balance."