Autumn & David’s Backyard Wedding, 4 Years in the Making

Surrounded by loved ones and whimsical florals, Autumn and David celebrated a wedding that was years in the making.

The two first met in graduate school, where they became friends and coworkers before their relationship blossomed into something more. David quickly earned a reputation for planning extravagant, over-the-top romantic dates, so when he invited Autumn to Piedmont Park with a photographer in tow, she didn’t immediately suspect a proposal. After all, she had already snooped around the house for a ring, even checking his pockets for a box, and had come up empty-handed. That afternoon, the couple strolled through the park, soaking up the sunshine, when David dropped to one knee at the edge of the lake. Through happy tears, Autumn said yes.

In 2020, however, their carefully planned wedding was canceled due to the pandemic. Instead, Autumn and David chose a safe, intimate elopement. Even then, they knew they still wanted to gather family and friends for the bigger celebration they had always imagined. Four years, a move to Colorado, career changes and a beautiful baby boy later, the time was finally right. On their original wedding date, they exchanged vows again — this time in the groom’s family’s backyard, just steps away from where they had legally wed.

The ceremony itself carried symbolic touches they had missed the first time around. Chairs formed a circle around Autumn and David, creating an “in the round” setting. They also incorporated a ring-warming ritual, inviting loved ones to hold and bless the wedding bands before the exchange. Adding the sweetest layer to the day, their toddler son was the ring bearer and barely left his mother’s side all day.

The setting couldn’t have been more fitting. Autumn, who jokes that she secretly wishes she could live on a homestead while continuing her career in medicinal chemistry, found the backyard celebration perfectly aligned with her spirit. Leaning into the idea of an intimate garden dinner party, she and David invited guests to wear their floral best and don whimsical fascinators. The earthy décor featured thrifted vintage glassware, mossy wildflower arrangements, glowing string lights and framed family photos thoughtfully placed throughout. With florals by her Autumn’s aunt and DIY pieces throughout, the celebration was truly one-of-a-kind.

Four years after their elopement, Autumn and David’s long-awaited wedding day was everything they had hoped for: a celebration not just of marriage, but of patience, family and the beauty of gathering together again.