How One Couple Got a Perfectly Intimate Backyard Wedding

Vintage pieces, natural materials and close family and friends are an ideal combination for a Pittsburgh couple

Lauren Piasecki September 21, 2014

I'm a Pittsburgh-based Houzz home tour contributor and interior designer. Aside from interior design I also manage social media and help with creative direction for several Pittsburgh companies ranging from furniture stores to real estate development firms at Black Cherry Creative.

I'm a Pittsburgh-based Houzz home tour contributor and interior designer. Aside from... More

Comment89

Click "Embed" to display an article on your own website or blog.

Alissa Martin, owner of the clothing and shoe store Pavement, and her husband, a psychologist, wanted their autumn nuptials to feel like the two of them just woke up that day and decided to have their wedding. No fuss — just a small, intimate ceremony in the backyard of their Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, row house.

Joey Kennedy Photography

Photos by Joey Kennedy Photography

With the help of close friends and family, their special day happened just as they had hoped. They were able to transform their garden and home for the wedding and an intimate dinner that followed the ceremony as well as host a later reception for a larger group at a local restaurant.

They followed these basic guidelines to create exactly what they wanted.

The Ceremony

Keep in mind that your friends know you best. The couple’s wedding invitation was created by a close friend and an artist, Thommy Conroy of Harvest and Gather, with the couple’s personal style in mind.

Joey Kennedy Photography

Combine subdued natural elements with bright flowers. Martin’s sister, Jessica Martin, has a background in horticulture. She purchased flowers at a local farm and created all of the arrangements.

Joey Kennedy Photography

Think seasonally. The couple purchased a pergola as the focal point for the ceremony. Conroy then styled the backyard for the occasion with seasonal foliage as the inspiration.

Use what you have. Blankets that Martin used to carry at her store Pavement covered the hay bales that were used as seating for the wedding guests.

Invite those who are close to you. When your wedding venue is small, the guest list needs to reflect this. Only immediate family and close friends were invited to the wedding ceremony, which took place in the backyard of the couple’s row house.

Joey Kennedy Photography

Don’t forget that pets are family too. The couple are true pet lovers and included their beloved dogs, pug Milo and an Alaskan Malamute mix named Lakota, in the ceremony.

Martin wore a vintage dress from a thrift store in Seattle accessorized with a feather belt Conroy made.

Lakota wore a feather collar to mimic the bride’s belt.

Joey Kennedy Photography

Take advantage of local architecture for memorable photos. The couple went on an impromptu bike ride through their neighborhood after the ceremony so that photographer and friend Joey Kennedy could capture some unique shots of the couple.

The Wedding Dinner

Remember that home is where the heart is. The couple hosted the wedding dinner that followed the ceremony in their own dining room.

Joey Kennedy Photography

Create an eclectic tablescape with a mix of materials. Jessica Martin created the tablescape with more local farm-grown flowers and the couple’s own plates and linens.

Joey Kennedy Photography

Keep It casual. Hors d’oeuvres were placed on wooden cutting boards for guests to nibble on.

Joey Kennedy Photography

The Reception

Oversize urns and crisp linens create drama. The reception, to which more people were invited, took place at one of the couple’s favorite restaurants, Bar Marco. Small plates, including appetizers and desserts, and a bar for made-to-order espressos were available for guests.

Let candles and vintage accessories create a romantic atmosphere. Vintage brass candlesticks mixed with milk glass adorned the tables.

Joey Kennedy Photography

Mix textures for visual interest and depth. Fall flowers and foliage complemented the vintage feel.

Joey Kennedy Photography

“Set” the mood. Conroy created this backdrop for memorable photos of the couple and their guests.

Show us your home wedding! Did you have a wedding in your home or backyard, or are you planning to? Please share a photo in the Comments below and tell us about your special day.