Rustic Wedding Decor DIY for Intimate Backyard Weddings

A rustic backyard wedding is a perfect way to invite your guests into an intimate space that is uniquely you.

The bride, Abby, for this Clinton, CT backyard wedding not only made the rustic decor details for her big day, but she actually built these amazing wood pieces you see in this post. No, like really. While planning her big day she also found the time to build things.
She even made these pieces using free scrap wood someone local was looking to toss out. Total life goals.

You can check out more of Abby's work at Saplings Woodwork & Design.

Imagine exchanging your vows in front of this stunning altar with doors made up of reclaimed wood. The cascading flowers added an elegant touch.

You can entertain your wedding guests with a few rounds of Giant Jenga. Guaranteed for some laughs and fun competition. 

Donuts and homemade apple pie are a great touch to end the evening on a sweet note. Adding homemade baked goods is lovely personal touch.

Small white pumpkin centerpieces are such an elegant touch and work wonderfully alongside the vibrant orange and red of Fall.

Apples are a lovely Fall element that often gets overlooked with wedding decor. Try pairing apples cascading down a statement piece made of refurbished wood alongside self-serve cold cider bar.

Olive oil looks dressed up when placed into small glass jugs and paired with spices such as rosemary. Add a personal touch with hand stamped wooden labels. A perfect "thank you" for your guests to take home.

Use large pumpkins to create jack-o-lanterns that have the Bride and Grooms initials carved into them. Smaller pumpkins make for a great Fall touch in this DIY "photo booth" area. Complete with a crate of glow stick accessories for guests to have fun with late into the evening.

Connecticut Intimate Wedding Photographer, Rebecca Lynne Photography specialized in small Backyard Weddings throughout CT.

Rescue Puppies instead of Bouquets at this Connecticut Wedding

Rescue puppies instead of bouquets

Becky and John were in the middle of planning for their wedding that would take place at The Litchfield Inn in Litchfield, CT, when their local rescue located in West Cornwall, CT The Little Guild had a post about some puppies needing a foster home. 

A local resident posted on The Little Guild's Facebook page looking for a foster home for a litter of puppies that they found in their neighbor's yard. Becky and John saw the post and said to each other "We've raised baby piglets and cows before, so this can't be much different!" 

They first started fostering two puppies from the litter named Penny and Patch. The puppies were so new that they couldn't stay home alone. Becky and John had to make a day trip to Cabelas to get some supplies for their honeymoon so the puppies joined along on their trip, snuggled up inside of a diaper bag in the shopping cart and having bottles in the car ride. 

Soon after they started fostering 3 more puppies from the litter, Roley, Lucky and Freckles. 
When Becky and John were switching the pups from milk to dog food, they got so covered in the food they would have to give them all baths every time they ate, multiple times a day. "It was mayhem," says Becky.
Becky and John were able to foster all of the puppies right up until they found their forever homes.

Including the rescue puppies in their big day was a no-brainer. Who needs bouquets when you can have puppies?!

Families who were interested in adopting the puppies submitted applications and references including a reference from their veterinarian. All of the puppies went to great homes shortly after Becky and John's wedding day. 
Patch, who is now named Mo, found a home with John's aunt, so they are still able to visit with him.

Becky believes all of the incessant puppy cuddling they did while fostering them turned them all into great dogs.

Connecticut Wedding Photography by Rebecca Lynne Photography

Intimate Wedding Photography in Connecticut | CT Wedding Photographer

Small intimate weddings tug at my heart strings. A familiar landscape filled with those dearest to your heart.

Abby and Jim's backyard wedding in Clinton, CT totally blew me away! Somehow between all of the planning that comes with your big day, Abby found time to incorporate her passion into her wedding day. All of the wooden structures you see, from her stunning backdrop she said her vows in front of, to the table decorated with apples and cider...Abby MADE. Like, by hand!! Is awesome is that?! All of the Autumn details of pumpkins and apples were perfect accents to craftsmanship.

Abby and Jim met at work and have been together for 7 years. They are total adventure junkies. Their most memorable date together was their first camping trip in
below freezing temps.

Their Wedding Day started with a First Look near the edge of the water. Abby's wedding dress was the perfect mix of elegant and simplify that goes so well with an intimate wedding.
Family and friends gathered on the lawn awaiting the Bride escorted by her father. Abby's mother was the justice of the peace and it was the perfect touch to their family filled Wedding Day.

The evening was filled with dancing, jumo Janga (yes, Abby made that as well!) paper lanterns and lots of love.

I am wishing Abby and Jim many, many more years filled with amazing adventures!

If you are looking for a small wedding photographer in ct for your intimate wedding day, ct wedding photography packages, wedding photography on a budget ct, wedding photographers hartford ct, price of wedding photographer in ct, price of wedding photographer connecticut, popular wedding photographers in ct, popular wedding photographers in connecticut, connecticut wedding anniversary photographer,  CT wedding photographer, CT elopement photographer, CT anniversary photographer, Connecticut wedding photographer, Connecticut elopement photographer, Connecticut anniversary photographer, ct engagement photo locations, CT engagement photographer,  Connecticut engagement photographer,  ct engagement photography, New London County CT wedding photographer, Tolland County CT wedding photographer, Windham County CT wedding photographer, Litchfield County CT wedding photographer, Hartford County CT wedding photographer,  New Haven County CT wedding photographer, wedding photographers in ct,  please contact Rebecca Lynne Photography today

Neutral Summer Wedding at The Litchfield Inn | Becky & John

Becky and John’s neutral summer wedding at the Litchfiled Inn, in Litchfield Connecticut.

Becky and John had the most wonderful weather for their wedding day at the Litchfield Inn. Bright and Sunny, warm but not humid. Their ceremony and reception took place at the beautiful Litchfield Inn in Connecitcut. Becky and John’s day began with Becky getting ready with close friends and family at the Inn's gorgeous Bridal Suite, can we talk about that red accent wall? Stunning! John and his groomsmen got ready in rustic Cabin Room.

We then headed to Topsmead State Park for Becky and John's first look, which was emotional to say the least. Followed by formals with parents and wedding party.

Just weeks before their wedding, Becky and John took in foster pups from a local rescue. We were able to get all of the pups into their wedding day and it added so much fun, and for a good cause, to help find these puppies their forever homes. I am thrilled to say all of the puppies have been adopted.

Becky and John's Wedding Day was perfection. From the smallest details to the great big emotion filled moments.

Below is just a small glimpse into their wonderful Wedding Day:

Venue: The Litchfield Inn
Hair and Makeup: Allure Traveling Beauty
Catering: Tavern Off The Green
Cake : Cakes Unlimited
Florist: Custom Floral

View fullsize

Rebecca Lynne Photography is a Connecticut Wedding Photographer. Specializing in documenting candid and unposed wedding photography throughout all of CT. If you are looking for an intimate wedding photographer in Connecticut, please contact Rebecca today.

Backyard Wedding Tips

A familiar space, filled with close family and friends, celebrating your wedding day.

This intimate backyard wedding was photographed by Rebecca Lynne Photography in Clinton, CT. The marsh backdrop and DIY decore was icing on the cake to all of the love felt by friends and family.

Are you planning an intimate backyard wedding? Here are a few tips for small backyard weddings.

Ok let's just get this one out of the way.
RESTROOMS. Typically one bathroom per every 50 guests is enough. But do you want that bathroom to be inside your home? That could absolutely be an option, especially if you're planning a small guest list. However, you may want to consider a Port-a-potty to avoid the heavy traffic going into your home.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING. Toward the end of your wedding day, the sun will have dipped below the horizon and your guests (and you) will be left in the dark. You will want to make sure guests and vendors can make their way around the property safely. It is easy to light this inside of your tent with the white walls of the tent helping to reflect even more light. Getting additional landscape lighting for outside of the tent to guide the way to restrooms and cars is also a must.

PARKING. Speaking of cars. Your guests will need a place to park. Keep in mind that some counties actually require a permit for parking a large number of cars on the street. You may want to consider hiring a valet service to help out for the evening.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AN INDOOR OPTION. No one wants to think about rain on their wedding day. But make sure you don't skip over this detail. A great option is renting a tent. Getting a larger tent than you think you'll need will allow for more room to move around and feel comfortable should everyone need to take cover. 

WARM WEATHER. If you are planning your small wedding during the warm months make sure you take some extra steps to ensure your guests are comfortable. Think about having some small buckets filled with small fans, sunscreen, and bug spray. 

COLD WEATHER. If you are planning to have your small wedding during the Fall where the temperature may drop when the sun goes down, it would be a good idea to look into a rental company that provides portable heaters. You can also have small crates will soft blankets and scarves for your guests to wear. 

PARTY POOPERS. Make sure you check with your town about the noise ordinance rules if you have neighbors close by. There might be a cutoff time when a band or DJ needs to stop playing. It can even be a good idea to inform your neighbors ahead of time, they may be a little more understanding if they were given a heads up, maybe even walk a drink over during the night.

DECORE. Are you crafty? Gather up some friends and have a crafting night. Everyone can enjoy their time together and put together some lovely decor for your wedding day. Special homemade touches are a great way to incorporate your style and an intimate feel.

Planning an intimate wedding doesn't necessarily mean less work than a big extravagant wedding. But the benefits of having everyone close by throughout your night where you can easily mingle and enjoy the company of all of your guests is totally worth it.

backyard wedding tips for DIY decor

Intimate backyard wedding photography in Connecticut with Rebecca Lynne Photography

Anniversary Wedding Photography CT | Connecticut Wedding Photographer

ct wedding anniversary photography, engagement session at chatfield hollow killingworth ct

A gorgeous summer evening with this lovely husband and wife during their Wedding Anniversary Photography Session

These two have two children together and I just love that they took the time to have a photography session to celebrate their love!
Heading into the woods was the perfect environment for this couple. We spent time hiking up a path of boulders, splashing in the creek and walking about the tall trees.

Here are some of my favorites from this CT Wedding Anniversary Photography Session :

If you are looking for ct wedding photography packages, wedding photography on a budget ct, wedding photographers hartford ct, price of wedding photographer in ct, price of wedding photographer connecticut, popular wedding photographers in ct, popular wedding photographers in connecticut, connecticut wedding anniversary photographer,  CT wedding photographer, CT elopement photographer, an affordable wedding photographers ct, CT anniversary photographer, Connecticut wedding photographer, Connecticut elopement photographer, Connecticut anniversary photographer, ct engagement photo locations, CT engagement photographer,  Connecticut engagement photographer,  ct engagement photography, New London County CT wedding photographer, Tolland County CT wedding photographer, Windham County CT wedding photographer, Litchfield County CT wedding photographer, Hartford County CT wedding photographer,  New Haven County CT wedding photographer, wedding photographers in ct,  please contact Rebecca Lynne Photography today

Anniversary Wedding Photography CT | Connecticut Wedding Photographer

6 year Wedding Anniversary photography session with these insanely adorable babes.

I mean...can we say marriage goals?? The gorgeous sunset at the beach in Madison, CT was just an added bonus my evening with this husband and wife. It was such a blast being able to document their love for each other. They have two cute kids together (whom I have had the pleasure of photographing many times in past family photography sessions) and I just love that they took the time to have a photography session just for them and their love.

Documenting your love doesn't have to stop after you say "I Do" Celebrate your love for each other throughout all of your stages of marriage. Capturing candid moments together that highlight your love is a beautful thing.

If you are looking for a Connecticut Newborn photographer, CT Newborn photography, CT Baby Photographer, CT Maternity Photographer, CT Maternity Photography, CT pregnancy photographer, Fairfield County CT Newborn Photographer, Fairfield County CT  photographer, CT Family Photographer, CT children’s photographer, Westport CT newborn photographer, New Canaan CT newborn photographer, Middlesex County CT newborn photographer, CT wedding photographer, CT elopement photographer, CT anniversary photographer, Connecticut wedding photographer, Connecticut elopement photographer, Connecticut anniversary photographer, CT engagement photographer, ct maternity photographer, connecticut maternity photographer Connecticut engagement photographer, New London County CT photographer, Tolland County CT photographer, Windham County CT photographer, Litchfield County CT photographer, Hartford County CT photographer, Connecticut family film and photography, ct family film, ct family video, ct photography and film, ct videographer, ct lifestyle film, ct photography and video,  family video, or New Haven County CT newborn photographer, ct senior photographer, ct high school senior photographer, connecticut senior photographer, ct birthday party photographer, ct wedding anniversary photographer, connecticut wedding anniversary photographer, ct lifestyle family photography, ct lifestyle photography, connecticut lifestyle photographer, connecticut lifestyle family photographer please contact Rebecca Lynne Photography today

Connecticut Wedding Preview | Becky + John

Becky + John had an incredible Summer wedding at The Litchfield Inn in Litchfield, Connecticut. 
Before their ceremony we headed to Topsmead State Park for formal portraits and Becky and John's First Look (cue the water works!) The weather was sunny and warm and their day was filled with so much love being surrounded by family and friends.

There are so many touching, hilarious, tear jerking, loving moments captured from their day, but you will have to wait until the big reveal! There's lots more to come, but in the meantime here's a quick glimpse into Becky + John's wedding day!

Be sure to follow Rebecca Lynne Photography on facebook + instagram to see more! 

Hair & Make up: Allure Traveling Beauty
Floral arrangements: Custom Floral

Want to see more? I would love if you followed along onInstagram: @rebeccalynnephoto and Facebook

If you are looking for a Connecticut Newborn photographer, CT Newborn photography, CT Baby Photographer, CT Maternity Photographer, CT Maternity Photography, CT pregnancy photographer, Fairfield County CT Newborn Photographer, Fairfield County CT  photographer, CT Family Photographer, CT children’s photographer, Westport CT newborn photographer, New Canaan CT newborn photographer, Middlesex County CT newborn photographer, CT wedding photographer, CT elopement photographer, CT anniversary photographer, Connecticut wedding photographer, Connecticut elopement photographer, Connecticut anniversary photographer, CT engagement photographer, ct maternity photographer, connecticut maternity photographer Connecticut engagement photographer, New London County CT photographer, Tolland County CT photographer, Windham County CT photographer, Litchfield County CT photographer, Hartford County CT photographer, Connecticut family film and photography, ct family film, ct family video, ct photography and film, ct videographer, ct lifestyle film, ct photography and video,  family video, or New Haven County CT newborn photographer, ct senior photographer, ct high school senior photographer, connecticut senior photographer, ct birthday party photographer, ct wedding anniversary photographer, connecticut wedding anniversary photographer, ct lifestyle family photography, ct lifestyle photography, connecticut lifestyle photographer, connecticut lifestyle family photographer please contact Rebecca Lynne Photography today