1. Real Weddings

Michelle & Joseph: An At-Home Wedding in Bellevue, ID

A mutual friend introduced Michelle to Joseph when Michelle had just moved to Idaho from Los Angeles. The two took the same weekly yoga class and on t

A mutual friend introduced Michelle to Joseph when Michelle had just moved to Idaho from Los Angeles. The two took the same weekly yoga class and on the last day of class, Michelle asked Joseph if she would see him at their teacher’s good-bye party. He said no, but asked if she wanted to go to a barbecue later that week. She said yes, and sparks flew. The Bride Michelle Feldman, 43, graphic designer The Groom Joseph Castle III, 49, sculptor The Date June 21 Ten months later, the two had decided to go on a hike behind their house. When they reached the peak, Joseph reminded Michelle that she came from the West and he came from the East, but that they met in the middle. Then he asked her to marry him. As they were walking back down from the peak, Michelle asked Joseph where he’d like to get married, and they decided there was no better place than right in their own backyard.

Michelle and Joseph were married in their yard in front of family and a few close friends. Michelle’s brother, Dale, performed the ceremony. The rest of their guests joined them for the reception.
The couple made an effort to use local food for their wedding, even down to the drinks -- the vodka they used is locally produced. Michelle made the cocktail label as well.
Each of Michelle’s young cousins carried a personalized cone filled with biodegradable rice paper confetti (Michelle made them!).
For the centerpieces, Michelle topped water- and rock-filled vases with floating candles. Bottles of wine showed off the table numbers. Michelle designed and printed the wine labels herself.
Michelle and Joseph tied the escort cards onto individual champagne bottles cuing the party to begin.
During cocktail hour, guests nibbled on Idaho potato chips in handmade paper cones with an “Idaho Potatoes” logo.
During the cocktail hour, waiters passed single-serving glasses of pea soup with a salt-and-pepper rim.
A fire pit outside the reception tent was perfect for the kids at the wedding, who were given all the right ingredients to make s’mores.
Each guest went home with a pack of handmade, glittered note cards. Michelle owns her own graphic design company, so she was able to make them herself.
Those who didn’t attend the intimate ceremony arrived just in time for cocktails.
Michelle and Joseph had a tent set up in their backyard for dinner and dancing -- when it got dark, their house shone beautifully in the background.