Backyard Party by Jessamyn Harris
I am officially taking the day off. It just might be the first time I’ve REALLY taken a day off. I am going to spend the day catching up on all of those little things that seemed to have spun out of control (read…my mail, my inbox, my closet) since I’ve been so addicted to all things SMP. But, I didn’t want to leave you without your little bit of eye candy. And although this isn’t a wedding, I’m pretty sure that you are going to fall MADLY in love with it and find so many steal-worthy ideas tucked inside.
Jessamyn Harris, a photographer that we love here on SMP, sent us this anniversary party that she was lucky enough to attend and of course, she couldn’t resist snapping a few pics while she was there. Along with the photos that the hostess herself, Michelle, shot…the result has left me as giddy as a schoolgirl!
How completely adorable is this? Family style tables, white linens, a kraft paper runner and single stem dahlias. Absolute perfection. Jessamyn shared a few details from the evening with me that I thought I’d pass right along…
Michelle and Nathan threw a beautiful, relaxed party on their (rural Sonoma County) property for their 10th wedding anniversary. The weather was the last of the late summer perfect evenings, and guests mingled with homemade custom cocktails in the extensive flower and vegetable gardens before sitting family style at long tables in their backyard. There were candles, twinkle lights, adorable placecards, and tons and tons of amazing dahlias.
The food was all homemade (with Michelle’s dad manning the BBQ), including produce completely from their garden (tons of cherry tomatoes, and steamed kale for 40+ guests!). The cupcakes were from a favorite local cupcakery, Sift. There was also a popcorn machine during the cocktail hour, with more than 10 optional seasonings and condiments for flavor, and homemade chutney as favors.
AMAZING! Thank you so very much to Michelle Feileacan and to Jessamyn Harris for sharing this incredible celebration with us! I can COMPLETELY see it translated into a great, casual backyard wedding not to mention how many genius ideas are nestled inside the day. Absolute perfection!
Precious! And I love that this is located in Sonoma County. I fully intend to retire in Sonoma and become a grape and vegetable farmer. Try to enjoy your much deserved day off!
The more I see those little jars used for vases, candles, etc. The more I fall in love with them! It's so simple, but it adds so much to decorating! I'm seriously considering adding this to decorations for the reception! I just need to find either a DJ or a http://bradleyyoungentertainment.com/ " rel="nofollow"> Chicago Wedding Band to play some music. But I'd want it to have a lot of sweet songs since the whole theme of the reception is just going to be sweet everything!
I'd absolutely love to know where all of those beautiful vases and jars are from. I am having a simple winter wedding and would love to do something similar, I just need some help or advice on where to find such things.
Beautiful post - thank you!
[...] this might officially be ‘celebrate Jessamyn Harris day’ on Style Me Pretty! Abby has Michelle and Nathan’s too-cute backyard anniversary party up on the SMP cover … and now we have a few more shots from Melissa & Brett’s [...]
oh i'm so excited! thanks so much for featuring my party - it was truly a great time!
Nicole, all my vases we either ones i already had or ones i had picked up at thrift stores or flea markets. I don't think i paid more than one dollar for any one vase.
Awesome! Thanks Michelle! What a beautiful event - you've got a great eye. And what a bargain! Congratulations on 10 years of marriage! Cheers to you!
Wow michelle, your flowers are simply stunning! congrats on a gorgeous wedding!
great colors. so lively and fun!
I agree!! Those assorted vases and flowers of all colors are so cheerful! Who wouldn't want them?
I love the look of all the different dahlia varieties!!
Really really wish more people would use wedding inspiration at home parties. There is no reason not to have a stylish dinner or birthday party every now and then.
This has got the be the party my friends Amy and Cary were telling me they attended. I really wish that I was back home again in Sonoma...makes me so homesick to see these stunning photos. I love the floral arrangements and placecards!
love these decorations!
Michelle, what font did you use for all of your printed materials? love it, I have been looking for something exactly like that!
I love this! totally what with my wedding. very simple yet so beautiful! the little clear vases and paper lanterns are so adorable.
Cara, yes! Amy and Cary are our friends, so funny.
Tracy, The place cards were just tags from the craft store, stamped with alphabet rubber stamps - the signs were just craft colored paper with a typewriter font.
Oh I do love this. Especially the bud vases and flowers. So pretty. So simple. So elegant.
how sweet. what a fun color palette too.
Darlings dahlias and cut glass...perfection x