1. Real Weddings

Ragan & Barry: An Outdoor Wedding in Stillwater, OK

Ragan Seefeldt and Barry Boland wanted an outdoor wedding and they didn't have to look far for a venue. Held at the home of the bride's parents in Sti

Ragan Seefeldt and Barry Boland wanted an outdoor wedding and they didn't have to look far for a venue. Held at the home of the bride's parents in Stillwater, Oklahoma, their pink-infused affair was made possible by the hard work of generous friends and family. The Bride Ragan Seefeldt, 27, operating room nurse The Groom Barry Boland, 29, equity trader The Date June 19 Ragan and Barry both attended the University of Oklahoma but did not meet until many years later through mutual friends at a college football game in Dallas. On Valentine's Day, Ragan cooked Barry a romantic dinner and they spent the evening cuddling on the couch. Though Barry didn't have the ring yet (it came a few weeks later), together they decided to get married. Ragan had the best wedding planner of all: her mom! The two women spent time collaborating long-distance since Ragan lives in New York City. Getting married at home definitely put extra stress on my parents, she says. My mom worked tirelessly on the house and my dad spent months 'babying' his lawn.

The Reception Decor
This bride was not shy about her love of pink. Unique pink details were seen everywhere and accented with green, black, and white hues. I wanted an eclectic yet romantic look, says Ragan. The invitations my mom and I designed were pink plaid/striped with a pink and green bow on top and a circular tag with a tiny picture of Barry and me on it.
Before the buffet dinner, the pair served pink punch out of large glass jars. Guests then indulged in strawberry lettuce salad, parmesan chicken, pork tenderloin, and garlic mashed potatoes. I didn't get a bite, but heard it was delicious! Ragan says.
Ragan gave her florist (a friend of her family's) free reign for the decor -- as long as the bulk of the flowers were pink. I was a little pickier about my bouquet, which ended up being various shades of pink roses dotted with pearled stephanotis, she says. Instead of doing the traditional toss, the bride gave her bouquet to one of her oldest friends who traveled from Boston for the festivities. I made a little toast about how much she meant to me and handed over the flowers, says Ragan.
For the evening garden wedding, Ragan and Barry stood under an arch her parents had built for the occasion. They were flanked by two light pink urns filled with floral arrangements, while the bride's favorite detail, a chandelier covered with flowers, hung from the arch. There was lots of laughter and touching moments, not your typical ceremony, Ragan says.
The Favors
A few yards away two white tents were set for the reception. White Chinese lanterns, tiny white lights, and candle-filled jars hung from the surrounding trees. Inside, tables were covered with either black-and-white checkered cloths that were banded in pink or green-and-pink-striped cloths. The centerpieces were all diverse: three-tiered cake plates covered with flowers and candles; large floral arrangements in various vases; and large hurricane lamps filled with marbles and hot pink candles.
Before leaving for a sun-filled week at the Occidental Grand in Cozumel, Mexico, the newlyweds spent one night at a hotel in Tulsa. Their friends snuck in earlier that day and decorated the room (they even placed Hershey's Kisses on the bed and under the sheets). Ragan adds: We were so tired that night that we didn't notice the chocolate and we woke up the next morning covered in melted chocolate.
The three-tier strawberry cake with cream cheese filling was decorated in a baroque style.