Lauren & Aaron’s Backyard Wedding

Nov 13

There’s something undeniably magical about a wedding held at home — the familiarity, the memories, and the feeling that every inch of the celebration was crafted with love. Lauren and Aaron chose to exchange vows right in their own backyard, transforming their property into a dreamy outdoor wedding venue complete with a sailcloth tent, wooden farm tables, and romantic draping that made guests forget they weren’t at a formal venue at all.

Their Iowa backyard wedding was intimate, personal, and beautifully designed — proof that you don’t need a ballroom to create a show-stopping celebration. From string lights sparkling under layers of soft chiffon to lush greenery and a custom backdrop behind the head table, every detail was intentional and filled with meaning. Guests gathered on long wooden benches, shared dinner under the tent, and celebrated the newlyweds surrounded by the comfort of home. Lauren and Aaron’s wedding is the perfect inspiration for couples considering a backyard ceremony or tented reception in Iowa — and it’s just as stunning as any traditional venue.

One of the biggest perks of having a backyard or at-home wedding is the built-in sense of comfort and familiarity. Instead of feeling like guests are stepping into a rented venue, they get to experience a location that’s meaningful to the couple — the place they built a life together, raised pets, created memories, and call home. Hosting a wedding on your own property also gives you complete creative freedom. There are no venue rules, no décor restrictions, no required vendor lists — you can truly make the space look and function exactly how you want it.

Another benefit? Flexibility in the timeline. You aren’t rushing out by 11pm, worrying about strict noise cutoffs, or being charged extra for early setup. Couples can start decorating the week before, enjoy a relaxed rehearsal, and keep the celebration going as long as they’d like. Plus, at-home weddings often feel warm, intimate, and personal — guests can roam the yard, play lawn games, hang out by the bar, and enjoy a celebration that feels more like a family gathering than a formal event.

Backyard weddings are also surprisingly practical. You can choose your own caterer, bar service, rentals, music, and photography without venue markups. And when the decor, layout, and timeline are customizable from the ground up, the entire day becomes a reflection of your personality. Lauren and Aaron’s wedding is the perfect example — thoughtful, relaxed, fun, and full of heart.

Getting Ready in the Morning

Lauren started her wedding morning in the most peaceful way — inside a beautifully styled Airbnb chosen specifically for its dreamy light, elegant details, and photo-worthy charm. Rather than dealing with the chaos of getting ready at home, she created a relaxed space where she could enjoy the morning without stress.
Sunlight streamed through large windows, highlighting her gown as it hung delicately in the hallway. She spent slow, sweet moments lounging in a vintage clawfoot bathtub with a mimosa in hand — easily some of the most iconic and personality-filled photos of the day.
Her bridesmaids gathered outside in matching sage satin pajamas, wrapping her in hugs and laughter against a backdrop of lush florals. The whole morning felt calm, intentional, and joyful — the perfect way to start a backyard wedding.
By choosing a separate space for getting ready, Lauren not only kept her home exactly as it was, but ensured her morning was as smooth, beautiful, and stress-free as possible. It set the tone for a day full of love, fun, and unforgettable little moments.

Backyard Wedding Ceremony in Iowa – Cozy, Personal, and Full of Heart

Lauren and Aaron exchanged vows in the sweetest corner of their backyard, transforming their own property into a meaningful ceremony space. With rows of charming vintage pews, pampas grass arrangements, and a custom wooden backdrop, their Iowa backyard wedding felt intimate, elegant, and completely them. The surrounding trees and open sky made it feel like a private garden chapel—proof that a backyard wedding can be just as breathtaking as a traditional venue.

One of the most memorable parts of the ceremony happened when the groom walked their beloved pup down the aisle. Dressed in the cutest floral collar and veil, she absolutely stole the show and added the most personal, joyful touch. Guests couldn’t help but smile, and the photos are priceless.

Instead of a traditional unity candle or sand ceremony, Lauren and Aaron chose something far more unique and symbolic—a branding ceremony. Together, they branded a custom wood piece with their family brand, representing strength, unity, and building a life together from the ground up. It was rustic, meaningful, and perfect for their outdoor Iowa wedding setting.

Every detail of their ceremony reflected personality, warmth, and love—proof that hosting your wedding at home brings a level of sentimental beauty no venue can replace.

Backyard Wedding Reception – Cozy Tents, Yard Games, & Endless Fun

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the backyard reception tent, where long farmhouse tables were dressed with lace runners, greenery, candles, and vintage-inspired place settings. It was the perfect blend of rustic charm and romantic detail, proving that backyard receptions can be every bit as elegant as a traditional venue.
One of the biggest highlights of the night was the beverage burros — yes, miniature donkeys delivering drinks! They wandered through the reception, greeting guests and serving refreshments straight from their saddlebags. It was adorable, unforgettable, and an instant hit.
The evening continued with classic wedding traditions, starting with heartfelt toasts and speeches that had everyone laughing and tearing up. Lauren and Aaron cut their cake together, shared a sweet bite, and then moved into the always-popular shoe game, where guests learned even more about the couple and their relationship. There wasn’t a moment without laughter.
Because it was a backyard wedding, the reception wasn’t just beautiful — it was interactive. Guests enjoyed yard games spread throughout the lawn, from cornhole to ring toss and more, giving everyone something fun to do between dancing and socializing. Kids ran around and played, adults competed, and the relaxed atmosphere made the night feel warm and welcoming.
As the sun set, twinkle lights under the tent glowed softly, drinks poured, music played, and the celebration carried on well into the night. It was the perfect example of how personal, joyful, and unforgettable a backyard wedding reception can be.

Beverage Burros + The Bride’s Favorite Chicken: The Cutest Wedding Guests Ever

One of the most unforgettable highlights of Lauren and Aaron’s backyard wedding was the arrival of the beverage burros—yes, real miniature donkeys dressed in floral garlands and carrying baskets filled with drinks and goodies for guests. It was the perfect surprise touch and had everyone smiling, laughing, and lining up for photos. Beverage burros are becoming a popular trend for outdoor weddings and rustic receptions in Iowa, and these two stole the show. They trotted around serving drinks, giving guests a fun and interactive experience that fit perfectly with the relaxed backyard vibe.
And if that wasn’t adorable enough, Lauren made sure her favorite feathery girl got in on the celebration, too—her beloved chicken, Betty White. Fluffy, fabulous, and living up to her iconic name, Betty White posed for the sweetest portraits with the bride and groom. Those candid moments added so much personality, proving that backyard weddings give couples the freedom to include the pets they love most.
Between the beverage burros and Betty White, this Iowa backyard wedding had some of the cutest wedding guests we’ve ever seen—and the photos are pure joy.

Lauren and Aaron’s wedding was proof that a backyard celebration can be every bit as magical, elegant, and unforgettable as any traditional venue. Every detail was personal — from sunset portraits in their own field, to beverage burros delivering drinks, to their dog walking the aisle, and even a special photo-op with their favorite chicken, Betty White.

They transformed their property into a one-of-a-kind wedding space filled with joy, color, laughter, and love. Guests relaxed, played games, shared drinks, and danced the night away under twinkle lights strung from the tent ceiling. It was comfortable, meaningful, and uniquely them.

As a planner, these are the weddings that stick with me — the ones full of heart and intention. Lauren and Aaron put thought into every moment, creating a day that was just as fun as it was beautiful.

To Lauren and Aaron — thank you for trusting me with your vision, and for letting me be part of a day filled with so much love, personality, and celebration. Your backyard wedding was pure magic, and I know it will be remembered by everyone who was lucky enough to be there.