Lizzy & James – An Intimate Wedding at Home
By Mary Dann
A family friend of mine was planning to have her daughter’s wedding in her backyard for 280 people.  She had 6 months to put everything together for Lizzy and James, including the renovation of the backyard.  Thankfully she had many loving and creative friends and family members that came together to create a magical, meaningful and intimate wedding.  The wedding took place on a very hot sunny day in San Dimas, California. Â
This wedding was especially significant to me because the home was a block from where I grew up and the ceremony was at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church where I attended grammar school.  I accepted the coordination job 30 days before the wedding day and what I received was priceless!   It was an experience full of so many lovely people.  With so many family and friends pitching in to help, what resulted was a day full of vintage spirit with modern day flair.
The night before the wedding, fifteen of the family’s friends worked together to create the centerpieces for the tables. Â These centerpieces were made using the soil from the family’s yard.
The caterer, another member of the family, created a lovely meal and such a beautiful cake!
The couple sipped their champagne from their custom-made silver champagne flutes that were adorned with the Irish symbol of the Claddagh, which symbolizes the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown).
Guests spent the evening under the stars, with extra lighting provided by strands of twinkle lights and Chinese lanterns. Â
So much was done to the home to prepare for so many guests. Â A plateau was built against their hill to allow for mingling room, an area was leveled out to hold a dance floor, and amphitheater style seating was created and decorated with beautiful pillows for guests to relax under the stars. Â They also created beautiful alcoves of lounge furniture throughout the backyard.
It was a beautiful day full of people caring about each other.  Special thanks to Classic Party Rentals and Witon Photography (the only non-family vendors!) for creating and capturing all of the special moments of the day.Â
Much Gratitude,
Mary