Tim and Joanna’s first date consisted of swimming in his parents’ backyard pool. Six years later (May 29, 2010), they took the plunge into married life in the exact same spot. Surrounded by the swimming pool, 220 guests and lots of outdoor natural beauty, the Appleget backyard became the perfect site for this laid-back, Southern affair.
A lover of antiques and all things vintage, Joanna knew she wanted her wedding to be reminiscent of simpler days gone by. Thus, it included everything from antique furniture to glass bottled cokes, a front porch and other sweet Southern comforts.
How They Customized
Labor of love. Joanna and Tim, by themselves, harvested the lumber for their homemade backdrop from her great grandmother’s childhood home, which was scheduled to be torn down. “This was a very fun and physically demanding project for us but one that we will remember forever; we took lots of pictures,” the bride said. With help from their dads, Tim and Joanna nailed together the pieces of lumbar, creating an especially vintage and unique backdrop and stage for the ceremony.
Ode to the past. The tables, too, had a rusitc flair, each adorned with a burlap runner, a floral fabric runner, an embroidered flour sack runner, an old wooden soda box or pail, blue mason jars, vintage books and old pictures from the weddings of grandparents and other relatives.
Just for kids. The couple catered to their guests with children by creating a special “Kids Korner” area, filled with bubbles, coloring books, crayons, Play-Doh and a wooden swing hanging from a huge oak tree.
Tasty treats. In addition to fruit, vegetables and chicken salad in puff pastries, guests were treated to a savory spread of sweet treats. “I’m obsessed with desserts!” Joanna confessed. The “Sweet Treats” table included raspberry and cookies-n-cream cheesecakes, chocolate pies, red velvet and carrot cake cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, and rock candy suckers on wooden sticks. In good Southern fashion, beverages included sweet tea, strawberry lemonade, bottled cokes and “Grandma’s punch.”
Ways They Saved
Free location. Not only was Joanna’s in-laws’ backyard full of memories and nostalgia, it was free to use. By having the ceremony and reception at a free site, the couple was able to save a lot of money.
Natural beauty. Joanna said that holding their wedding outdoors supplied “free natural decorations.” Their backyard site was already replete with landscaping and natural beauty so there wasn’t a need to go overboard buying things.
DIY decorating. Joanna said she loves being “crafty” so she was excited to do most of the decorating herself (along with free help from family and friends). Practically everything at the wedding was “homemade” including the ceremony backdrop and stage, tablescapes, aisle markers, programs and all other reception décor.
Style for Less
Joanna and Tim used pretty lawn furnishings they already had and borrowed many décor items, such as tables and tablecloths from loved ones. “Use connections,” she said. “People are so willing to help, if you just ask!”
Q: What detail truly made the wedding yours?
“The overall vintage theme and the use of family heirlooms in the décor really made the wedding mine.”
THE DETAILS
- Photographer: Grant Harrison Photography
- Florist: The Flower Shoppe, Batesville
- Caterer: Ann’s Bridal & Etcetera, Searcy
- Cakes: Shauna Baxter, Smithville (cake); Ann’s Bridal & Etc., Searcy (desserts)
- Rentals: Arkansas Tents, Jonesboro
- Ceremony music: Danny Dozier, Batesville
- Rings: Skinner’s Jewelry, Batesville
- Bride’s dress: Low’s Bridal & Formal, Brinkley
- Garter: A Formal Affair, Batesville
