Intimate Backyard Summer Wedding in Lake Forest

There’s something undeniably special about a backyard wedding - the kind of celebration that feels personal, relaxed, and filled with heart. Mary Katherine and Danny’s August celebration was exactly that: an intimate gathering of just 18 loved ones, set against the familiar comfort of home and surrounded by colorful, garden-inspired blooms. Their day blended classic elegance with joyful summer charm, featuring vibrant yellow, pink, and orange flowers, lush greenery, and blue patterned tablecloths that added the perfect pop of personality. Take a look at the following photos, captured by Fox + Ivory, below!

For the ceremony, two lush floral hedges created a vibrant and natural frame, resting atop woven wicker baskets provided by the couple. The combination of abundant blooms and textured baskets brought an organic, garden-inspired feel to the setting - effortlessly tying together the warmth of the backyard with the colorful, classic style of the day.

The personal flowers were designed to feel timeless yet joyful - a perfect reflection of Mary Katherine and Danny’s intimate day. Mary Katherine carried a loose, natural-shaped bouquet featuring a bright mix of garden roses, dahlias, zinnias, snapdragons, and ranunculus in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and white. The stems were neatly wrapped in white ribbon, allowing the seasonal blooms to take center stage.

Danny and his dad each wore a classic white ranunculus boutonniere accented with a hint of greenery and finished with black ribbon for a clean, elegant look. For the mothers and grandmother, gold metal wrist cuffs adorned with colorful blooms tied beautifully into the day’s palette — a cheerful and stylish detail that added a personal touch to the celebration.

For the reception, guests gathered around three long tables for a relaxed, family-style meal. Down the center of each table, clusters of white ceramic bud vases in varying sizes held cheerful, colorful blooms - a simple yet striking design that complemented the intimate setting. The mix of heights and hues added a sense of movement and warmth, perfectly echoing the garden-inspired charm of the day.

Congratulations again, Mary Katherine and Danny! To a lifetime of happiness together.

Vendor Team:

Photography: Fox + Ivory

Venue: Private Residence

Flowers: Romee Willow Florals

Catering: Pear Tree Catering