A Bright, Cheery Red-and-White Backyard Wedding in Florida

bride-groom-reddotportrait0524comp-mwd109592.jpg
Photo: Kathryn Barnard
01 of 20

Katie and John

bride-groom-reddotportrait0524comp-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

Katie Evans and John Reeves met through friends in their home state of Florida when Katie was in high school and John was in college. But it wasn't until the summer of 2009, while he was helping her move to New York for a job, that she realized she wanted to be his girlfriend. The first year, they dated long-distance and one year after John followed her to the Big Apple he proposed to her in Madison Square Park.

On November 3, 2012 they married in her parents' backyard in Florida. Not the types to host a lavish ballroom affair, the Brooklyn couple threw an upbeat and totally laid-back backyard party filled with their favorite things: french fries, friends, and festive pops of red. John, in J.Crew, and Katie, in an Elizabeth Dye dress, shared a smile in front of a wall she adorned with flat vases in red, her signature "playful and happy" color.

02 of 20

The Invitation Suite

invitesuite6073comp-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

Katie designed the bold red, aqua, black, and white suite, which included a fold-out schedule of events.

03 of 20

Pretty Presents

bridesmaidsbangles6101-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

At the rehearsal dinner, Katie gifted Kate Spade sailor-knot bracelets to her attendants, mother, John's mom, and the officiant to wear the following day.

04 of 20

The Bridal Party

bridalparty-reddot08360816comp-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

Katie asked her 'maids to wear knee-length red dresses.

05 of 20

Groom With Style

ties6023-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

John gave his guys gray ties from J.Crew.

06 of 20

The Groomsmen

bridalparty0304-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

The couple posed with John's guys.

07 of 20

Heart Marks the Spot

heart-banner-foodtruck2161-1-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

The bride's mother sewed a striped heart flag that hung from the house, marking the wedding's location.

08 of 20

Thirst Quenchers

beverage-trellis0079comp-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

Pre-ceremony, a beverage station offered decanters of lemonade, water, and iced tea.

09 of 20

Father-Daughter Moment

brideandfather-ceremony1173-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

The bride clutched white David Austin roses, carnations, freesia—and her father—as she walked down the aisle.

10 of 20

Flower Dog

dog0682-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

Miniature pinscher Frankie, one of the bridesmaids' pets, acted as flower "girl," wearing fresh blooms.

11 of 20

A Bright Box

ringbearer0938-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

One of John's nephews held the rings on a polka-dot pillow housed in a lacquer box.

12 of 20

It's Official!

brideandgroom-ceremony1219-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

The new Mr. and Mrs. sealed it with a kiss in front of hanging paper garlands from Shop Sweet Lulu.

13 of 20

Custom Mixes

signaturecocktails1078-mwd1095924.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

A bridesmaid devised signature drinks, such as the Love Lobster (rum, pomegranate, club soda, and lemon) and Dos Flamingos (tequila, grapefruit, club soda, hibiscus tea, and lime). Festive napkins read "Bottoms Up."

14 of 20

On the Menu

reception1743-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

Katie designed a giant menu showing partygoers what to expect and had it hung on the side of her parents' garage.

15 of 20

Food Delivery

foodcart-sliders-reception1777-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

Waiters brought crab-cake sliders from a retro-chic food truck.

16 of 20

Casual Centerpieces

reception1677-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

Rows of vases from Michaels and Goodwill stores were filled with peonies, dahlias, and ranunculus to act as centerpieces.

17 of 20

Backyard Decor

reception-rooftop2224-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

After the 4 P.M. ceremony, string lights illuminated robin's-egg-blue-swathed tables.

18 of 20

Custom Cake Toppers

cakes0017-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

Custom cutouts made from the pair's engagement photos topped six wedding cakes—each one a different flavor.

19 of 20

Ceremony Snacks

pretzel-favor-cookie-packaging6036-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

"I get hungry during long ceremonies, so we put goodie bags of chocolate chip cookies and pretzels out with the programs," Katie says.

20 of 20

Last Stop

brideandgroom-oodtruck1909-1-mwd109592.jpg
Kathryn Barnard

Katie kicked up a heel as she kissed her groom; their food truck provided an impressively on-palette backdrop.

Was this page helpful?
Related Articles