Covid-19 threw challenge after challenge at Julie + Gene, but in the end, they turned everything around to hold a special backyard wedding to end 2020 with a celebration. These two started off their love story with a long distance relationship, and ironically, pandemic closures brought them closer together. After J’s parents suddenly fell seriously ill, they knew they wanted to get married as soon as possible, and the backyard oasis that J’s mother spent 25 years creating seemed like the perfect place. With the help of Event Designers, Pop the Champagne Events, and Planners, Backyard Wedding Collective, J + G created an inspiring backyard wedding day complete with a unique rust and blue color palette, a beautiful floral arch, and a fun vintage getaway car. They even live-streamed the ceremony for their loved ones who couldn’t be there in person! J shares:
As crazy as it sounds, I would say it’s because of COVID and the dire circumstances that really expedited my relationship with Gene. The words, “fate” and “serendipity” were very much the influence for our backyard wedding. Gene and I both wanted the wedding to be very intimate, romantic, whimsical, yet modern and glamorous, and so we wanted the aesthetic to be a bit traditional but, yet totally unexpected with a modern twist.
The couple knew they had to have Heirlume Photography there to capture a beautiful mix of editorial and candid shots. Ready to see them? Let’s go!
Unique Vintage- Inspired Color Palette
J + G wanted a traditional day with a modern twist. That’s why they chose the stunning but unique color palette of rust + pale blue.
Backyard Wedding Ceremony Inspiration
Best Day Ever Florals created such a beautiful atmosphere in the backyard. It was already so lush and vibrant, but this flower arch with a mix of dried and fresh blooms just brings it all together and makes it feel like a wedding.
Jenny, LA Wedding Woman Officiant, presided over the couple’s intimate vow exchange.
The inspo behind our micro wedding just happened very organically – we just wanted to end 2020 with a high note, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Even though it was a micro-wedding, it just felt like we were destined to have this most serendipitous moment of our life at the most perfect place at the most perfect time.
Ralph with Second Song Livestream set up a live wedding feed so that loved ones from all around could share in the special day!
Those “Just Married” smiles…
How The Couple Decided on a Backyard Wedding
Many 2020 couples were navigating the world of non-traditional wedding planning. Just take a look at this Positive Proof of how these other couples said “I Do” during Covid 19! For J + G, they knew a backyard wedding could be just a special as a large shindig!
My mother had actually pushed for our wedding to be in 2020 because she just didn’t know how much longer she would be able to live, and spookily, a fortune teller had told her that I was destined to get married in 2020! My mom was the type of person who always prepared for everything in life. In fact, she had personally designed and worked on the landscaping for her 1-acre backyard with my father for the past 25 years (almost my entire life!) and had always envisioned that I would ultimately get married in their backyard.
A Micro Wedding Reception
A smaller wedding gives you the freedom to run wild with creativity when it comes to wedding decor. Bring in special furniture rentals, loads of flowers, and curated table top settings to create an extra special space.
Those florals though!! Obsessed with the trendy toffee roses next to the fun and funky pale blue anthurium and phalaenopsis orchids!
Mini Micro Wedding Cake
Don’t forget the sweets to seal the deal! Nicole Bakes Cakes crafted this beautiful gold mini cake that we LOVE! See some of our other favorite small cakes that are perfect for a micro wedding!
A Fun Photo-Op
J + G took full advantage of their opportunity to bring in fun and memorable moments to their micro wedding day! They rented a vintage Mercedes from Vinty Classic Car and these pictures are soooo GOALS!
Congratulations Julie + Gene! We are wishing you guys the very best as you settle into married life. We know your Covid-19 backyard wedding day will inspire other couples as they navigate their own planning obstacles. So much love to you both! – The GWS Team
photography: Heirlume Photography // venue name: Private Residence, Los Angeles, California, United States // event design: Pop the Champagne Events // planning: Backyard Wedding Collective // florals: Best Day Ever Florals // cake: Nicole Bakes Cakes // officiant: Jenny, LA Wedding Woman Officiant // classic car: Vinty Classic Car // livestream: Ralph, Second Song Livestream