Outdoor Wedding Ideas

See how nature lovers David and Mary Beth Shaddix tie the knot in a gorgeous outdoor venue, but keep the purse strings tight with a DIY design.

My mother and a close friend made the bouquets and boutonnieres by hand, using carefully selected cuttings from our farm and and a wholesale shop. The vibrant colors of maple leaves found on our farm were not only perfect for this November day, but also represented our beloved nursery, Maple Valley.

Venues can be a stressful—and expensive—part of wedding planning. While we wanted the homey feel of marrying in our own backyard, we didn’t want the pressure of readying a place where we live and work. Beloved neighbors opened their doors—and their hearts—for use of their gorgeous lake property and cabin.

Old-fashioned zinnias are happy and bright additions to tabletops. Such robust and intricate blossoms are perfectly suited for solitary stems, which save both time and money. It costs one pack of seeds and a little space in the garden.