When Briana + Scott canceled their large 130-person wedding just two months before their date, they knew the wanted to strip it back to what was truly important- a celebration of their love with the people closest to them. They say it takes a village, and that’s exactly what it took to make their backyard wedding in Montclair, New Jersey a boho-vintage dream. With thrifted wedding table decor, DIY dried flower bouquets, borrowed vintage rugs and handmade signage they’re showing us all how you can totally transform your at-home wedding decor.
About two months before our day, we decided to switch gears to an intimate, woodsy, backyard micro wedding. In retrospect, I think there is something beautiful about stripping a wedding to its bones. We chose a vintage, free-spirited, whimsical, and bohemian vibe and an earthy neutrals color palette. I am a graphic designer + yoga teacher and Scott is a Chef so our creative spirits were weaved in throughout the day. We had to stage the entire backyard the day prior — a labor of love as our family and friends helped to make sure every detail was in place. Every detail of our day was steeped in love.
Anais Possamai Photography was there to capture all of the beautiful details. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Boho Bridal Accessories
Seniman Calligraphy designed B’s vow books and her ring is vintage. We love how she paired old and new with these rad celestial studded bridal boots!
If this isn’t the coolest bridal jacket we’ve ever seen!! Stay Astray Art truly made a masterpiece! If you’d like to try and DIY your own painted bridal jacket, we have a how-to here!
First Look in the Woods
A Bohemian Lace Bridal Gown
B’s head-to-tie lace gown is Willowby from RK Bridal. We LOVE those sleeves! Lex Borino styled her flowy waves and Lauren Diaz of Mascara Noir created her natural makeup-look.
I lost both of my parents and navigating how to honor them through the day without getting lost in grief was a very challenging balance. In the month leading up to the wedding, I would light a candle every morning in their honor and let myself cry as I spoke to my parents. I found this ritual was like slowly letting the air out of a balloon so that when our day came, I felt able to truly embrace all the love and joy surrounding us. We also set up an altar in their memory with bells strung across – symbolizing their presence each time the bells rang.
Rad Groom Attire
S’s groom attire is from Studio Suits + Frank & Buck. We are loving that cool owl pin too!
Backyard Wedding Ceremony
B + S sourced flowers from local Park & Bloom to create their ceremony designs and wedding table decor.
Ambrosia on the Porch provided all of the fun vintage rugs and furniture! A boho lover’s dream!
Our ceremony was my favorite part of the day. Really nothing about it was traditional. I decided I wanted to walk myself down the aisle, knowing that I wasn't really alone. Scott met me halfway and we walked the rest of the way together, symbolizing this next chapter of our lives together. I asked my friend, Erin, to begin our ceremony with a guided meditation to help ground everyone into the moment. We wrote personal vows and then placed them into a wine box to be opened on our anniversary.
They did it!
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
B let her girls choose their own dresses from Lulus, Baltic Born, and ASOS. The only rules? Fit the color palette and show off your style and personality!
These dried flowers!!!
Thrifted Wedding Table Decor
This is how you do a backyard wedding reception with A Party Center tables and furniture!
How’s this for thrifted wedding table decor?! Bride, Briana Bednarski, thrifted the vintage floral plates and amber glassware for each place setting. She also designed the paper goods for the day!
Guests dined on catering from Wholesome Hospitality with Chef Aaron Randi and Cake Mule wedding cake.
Adorable!
Annie Mash provided music and it looks like B + S danced the night away!
My biggest piece of advice to future brides is to stay true to who you are as a couple. Let that be the thread to guide you in planning. I think sometimes people get so caught up in tradition and what they think they "should" do, that they forget they have the power to make their day anything they want it to be. Also, have fun! Planning is inevitably stressful so lean into the support you have around you and don't take it all so seriously :)
Congratulations Briana + Scott! We are IN LOVE with the vintage and DIY elements from your backyard wedding day. You guys nailed it! The GWS Team is wishing you the very very best!
photography: Anais Possamai Photography // venue name: Backyard, Montclair, New Jersey, USA // florals: Park & Bloom // wedding dress: Willowby // wedding dress boutique: RK Bridal // bride's ring: Vintage // bridesmaid dresses: Lulus, Baltic Born and ASOS // hair stylist: Lex Borino // makeup artist: Lauren Diaz of Mascara Noir // groom attire: Studio Suits and Frank & Buck // paper goods: Briana Bednarski // calligraphy: Stay Astray Art // catering: Wholesome Hospitality with Chef Aaron Randi // cake: Cake Mule // tabletop rentals: A Party Center (tables) // furniture rentals: Ambrosia on the Porch (vintage furniture + rugs) // music: Annie Mash // vow books: SenimanCalligraphy // leather jacket: Stay Astray Art
Beautiful wedding and photography.