Intimate Backyard Summer Wedding

By now you’ve probably figured out that we love weddings. In all of the shapes, sizes, color schemes, and themes that they come in. We LOVE them. We LOVE that no day is ever the same as another. Even if it’s the sister of a bride that we’ve already photographed, or a cousin. Or if the churches or reception venues are the same. No day is ever the same, and that’s because of the people involved.

You see the people, and those moments and reactions are what make weddings so great and memorable. For us it’s not necessarily about all of the pomp and circumstance (although we love traditions and some of the P&C too), but it’s about the real, genuine moments.

Rebecca and Tristan’s wedding day was no different for us.

These two had an absolutely AMAZING wedding day. The weather was perfect, all of their VIPs were able to attend, and they exchanged the most loving, hand-written vows we’ve ever heard.

But you know what we really, really loved about Rebecca and Tristan’s wedding day? They really, truly made their wedding day about what they wanted. And that was their people. You see, it’s because of Rebecca’s Grandma that they had a third wedding day. (Read more about that in their sneak peek post here.)

Time after time one of the things that our couples tell us they look forward to the most on their wedding day is having all of their friends, family, and VIPS together in once place. It’s those conversations and moments and reactions that they can’t wait to see, and that they want us to capture. And we knew that on Rebecca and Tristan’s day their people were extra important.

So what happened on their day? Well, here’s the full scoop. And, of course, some of our favorite photos to go with it.

Intimate Backyard Summer Wedding

Getting Ready | At Home

Rebecca and Tristan spent their morning at Rebecca’s cousin’s house (where they were staying while they were in town) getting ready for their big day. Since this was their third ceremony, neither one of them were really worried about seeing the other before the ceremony. And neither really wanted to do a first look.

So instead, Tristan casually came in and out of the kitchen where Rebecca got her hair and make-up done to chitchat. And he helped Rebecca’s parents set up the chairs, arbor, and garlands in the backyard where they would exchange vows. It was such a genuinely chill morning.

After Rebecca’s hair and make-up were done, it was time to get dressed. And, despite neither one of them wanting to make a fuss about a first look, they decided to do one anyway. What Tristan didn’t know was what Rebecca had up her sleeve. Or rather, what sleeve she was up.

You see, a few years ago she had gotten Tristan a blow-up T-Rex Costume. He’d never worn it, but had absolutely loved it. So to spice things up for their third first look? Rebecca decided to wear it. We can 100%, genuinely say that Tristan never saw it coming. This was definitely one of the most memorable first looks that any of our couples have ever shared.

And after their first look? Well, Tristan in his cowboy boots and hat helped his beautiful bride in her T-Rex costume up the porch stairs so she could go in and put her gown on.

Portraits | Downtown Overland Park

If you saw Rebecca and Tristan’s sneak peek, you might remember that we mentioned that girlfriend spent a lot of time in downtown Overland Park with her Grandma. So, naturally, that’s exactly where Rebecca and Tristan wanted to go to take their wedding photos. Our first stop? Grandma’s house so Rebecca could say good morning to her grandma, and then take some photos in one of her most favorite places on earth.

Rebecca’s grandma happens to live right next door to her Aunt’s house, where she and Tristan broke out the throwing knives for some fun before heading to downtown OP. Throwing knives are illegal in the UK, so Tristan only gets to use his set when he’s here in the states. So of course, it had to happen on wedding day.

And after grandma’s house? We headed to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop for some authentic Kansas Farm settings. Have you ever been to Mahaffie? It’s pretty cool if you’re looking for a new experience and place to check out.

Ceremony | At Home

Rebecca and Tristan’s ceremony took place in her cousin’s backyard. Complete with an arbor, garland that her mom made, a dragon fairy flower girl, and her Grandma it was pretty much the sweetest, most intimate ceremony ever. Rebecca’s best friend officiated the wedding, and Grandma got a seat of honor.

Tristan’s vows to Rebecca were quite possibly some of the sweetest we heard, and incorporated his love for Kansas BBQ and country songs. And Rebecca’s vows for her husband were just as heartwarming and loving.

Reception | At Home

Instead of having a formal reception, Rebecca and Tristan decided to have their favorite Kansas City Food (Jack Stack and Mi Ranchito), and to just enjoy their guests. Everyone hung out in the backyard listening to music and munching, toasting and sharing stories for hours after their ceremony. Grandma even stole Tristan’s hat for a little bit!

Just as the sun started to go down, Rebecca and Tristan shared their “first dance” in the golden backyard as their friends and family watched on. Friends, it was just so, so, so incredibly sweet and romantic. We would be lying if we said we didn’t enjoy every single moment of it.

One of Rebecca’s very, very favorite places in Overland Park is the Rio Theater. So of course, she wanted to do a few nighttime photos at the theater with their neon lights turned on. You guys. This was quite literally the most perfect ending to the day for these two lovebirds. Dancing in the street under a gorgeous summer sunset, wrapped up each other’s arms.  Just amazing.

Rebecca and Tristan – thank you so, so, SO much for letting us capture your wedding day! We are so extremely lucky and grateful that we’ve gotten to know you both, and that you let us be there to witness one of your biggest days.

Feel like you’re missing something? Check out Rebecca and Tristan’s Sneak Peek here.

Wedding Vendor Dream Team

Ceremony & Reception Location | Family Backyard

Officiate | Genevieve Trainor

Hair & Make-up | Liz from Hello Lovely

Catering | Mi Ranchito & Jack Stack

Dessert | Upper Crust Pie Bakery, Dolce

Gown & Corset | Felicity Westmacott, Moody Corsetry

Suit | Choppin & Lodge, TM Lewin

Peg Dolls | Jeportebonheur

Laser-Cut Signage | RabarBerry

Wedding Photography | Rivas Weddings