“He has made everything beautiful in it’s time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11

Erica & Ryan’s Backyard Wedding

We adore all of our couples’ wedding days but this backyard wedding was extra special. Erika and I grew up together. Our moms are best friends, so our childhood was spent building forts and running barefoot in her backyard, playing with her dog Mima.

I’ve always admired Erika’s tenacity. She’s gracefully relentless when she has her sights set on accomplishing a goal. She wanted to get into the University of Texas, she did it. Then she wanted to get into nursing school, and she did it. Finally, she wanted to go after her masters, and she did it. No one pursues a dream with more courage and heart than this girl right here.

Ryan’s quiet confidence and equally goal-driven attitude is the perfect match for Erika. These two make quite the team and I couldn’t have been happier for them when they announced their engagement.

In today’s society, it’s so easy to get caught up in #allthethings surrounding a wedding; five-course meals, seven-tiered cakes, and lavish decor are all eye catching. Don’t get me wrong, I get butterflies seeing a massive peony bouquet, but my heart soars when our couples stay grounded and focused on each other. I’d occasionally check in with Erika to see if she needed anything or to be nosey and ask what she had planned. Her response was usually something along the lines of “I need April to hurry and get here so I can marry Ryan.” Bless.

The Wedding Day

When their wedding day finally came it was pure magic. They were married in her neighbor’s backyard right on the river. Backyard weddings hosted at a private residence always have unique obstacles to overcome so I woke up bright and early to get to the house as soon as possible and help put out any fire that were sure to pop up. However, when I arrived Erika and her girls were sipping mimosas and having the best time together. I walked down to the reception site on the river ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work but I found Ryan and his guys just finishing set up and leaving to go relax. So I spent my morning sipping a cup of coffee while watching a family of deer graze in the yard. I could get used to this backyard wedding thing! 

Erika’s understated elegance easily translated to her decor. Almost everything was made by hand. Her and her mama made all of the centerpieces – wax candles in perfect vintage tea cups. My favorite part of the backyard wedding had to be their exit. They floated down the river in a floral-adorned canoe while guests lit candles and sent well wishes floating after them.

Erika and Ryan, I pray your love for one another continues to grow throughout the years and you continue to tackle life together with non stop laughter. Love you both!

 

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Photography – Gary Blake Photography

@garyblakephoto