A Colorful DIY Backyard Garden Wedding in Leawood, Kansas | Molly & Jeremy
When Molly and Jeremy reached out about photographing their backyard garden wedding at Molly's childhood home in Leawood, I knew it was going to be something special. This wasn't just any backyard garden wedding in Kansas City. This was a full-circle moment where a bride would marry the love of her life in the same space where she grew up.
Molly and Jeremy are exactly the kind of couple I love working with: artistic and creative enough that every detail matters, but genuine and warm enough to stay present instead of fussing over shot lists. The second I walked into that beautiful mid-century home and saw the quartet of baby pictures hanging in Molly's getting-ready room, I knew this wedding would be packed with storytelling details. From the yards and yards of rainbow tie dye bunting handmade by the wedding party to the incredible garden attracting dozens of monarch butterflies, September 16th delivered on every level. This was authentic celebration over orchestrated viral moments, and honestly, that's my favorite kind of wedding to photograph.
Why Backyard Garden Weddings in Kansas City Are Having a Moment
I've been seeing more and more couples ditch traditional venues for backyard garden weddings, and I totally get why. When you choose a backyard, especially one that's personal to you, you're setting yourself up for an intimate celebration that actually feels like you. No stuffy ballroom vibes. No venue coordinator telling you to wrap things up at 10pm sharp.
Garden backyard weddings are having a moment because they bridge the gap between super personal and seriously stylish. You get all the charm of a meaningful location without sacrificing the aesthetic of a big venue. Plus, the flexibility is unmatched. Want to bring in your favorite taco truck instead of a traditional caterer? Go for it. Want to hang handmade tie dye bunting everywhere? Absolutely.
I'm a huge fan of what I call "relaxed luxury," and Molly and Jeremy's wedding was the perfect example of that vibe. They created a stunning, thoughtful celebration without the rigidity that often comes with traditional wedding venues. It felt expensive and intentional, but also laid-back and genuine.
The Perfect Mid-Century Setting: Molly's Childhood Home in Leawood
This mid-century gem tucked into a quiet Leawood cul-de-sac was exactly what a backyard garden wedding should be. Big windows, interesting architectural details, and colorful art covering the walls. You could immediately see where Molly and Jeremy got their inspiration for the celebration. The home practically demanded a vibrant, creative approach.
The color palette for the day was vivid pinks, sky blues, teal greens, oranges, and reds. Think circus big top energy but with a candy-coated twist. It sounds like it could be chaotic, but somehow it all worked together perfectly. That's what happens when artistic people plan their own wedding instead of following some Pinterest board.
The backyard itself was split into two main zones. The large multi-level deck became the dining area with long tables and chairs, while the open yard transformed into the ceremony space with neat rows of white chairs and vintage rugs creating the aisle. And the timing? September in Kansas City means the garden was absolutely thriving. Scores of Monarch butterflies floated through the space all day, landing on flowers and occasionally photobombing ceremony shots. You can't plan for that kind of magic.
DIY Wedding Details That Brought This Backyard Garden Wedding to Life
One of my favorite things about backyard garden weddings is how much room there is for personal touches. Molly and Jeremy didn't just add a few DIY details. They went all in, and the result was a celebration that felt completely unique to them.
Rainbow Tie Dye Bunting and Handmade Decorations
Let's talk about the tie dye bunting situation. Molly, Jeremy, and their wedding party got together for a tie-dye party before the wedding and created yards and yards of rainbow bunting to decorate the backyard. When I say yards, I mean it was everywhere. Draped across the deck, hung between trees, creating pops of color against the green garden backdrop.
This is exactly the kind of DIY project I love seeing at weddings. It's not some half-hearted craft project that looks like it came from a beginner's Pinterest fail. This was intentional, vibrant, and totally on-brand for the couple. Plus, you know everyone at that tie-dye party had a blast making it.
Pink Embroidered Florals on the Bride's Gown and Groom's Tie
Molly's gown came from High Vibe Bride, who customized the embroidery to match her vision perfectly. The pink embroidered florals were absolutely stunning and completely unexpected on a wedding dress. But here's the best part: Molly had Jeremy's tie custom embroidered to match the florals on her gown, and she surprised him with it during their first look.
Watching Jeremy realize that his tie matched her dress was one of those genuine emotional moments you can't stage. That's the kind of thoughtful detail that makes backyard garden weddings so special. You have the time and creative freedom to pull off something this personal.
A Quirky Family Tradition: Great-Great Grandmother's Wedding Dress
I heard mentions of this quirky family tradition during the getting-ready portion of the day, but I didn't actually see it in person until later. Honestly, the timing worked out perfectly.
During golden hour, I spotted Molly's great-great grandmother's wedding dress displayed on a statue right in the middle of the cul-de-sac. The light hit it just right, and the timeless embroidery on the vintage gown was absolutely glowing. It was one of those moments where you stop what you're doing and just appreciate what you're seeing.
What I loved most about this placement was how it felt like the entire neighborhood was invited to celebrate along with the wedding guests. Instead of keeping this heirloom tucked away inside or limiting it to immediate family, they put it front and center for everyone to see. It was bold, unexpected, and completely fitting for a couple who wasn't afraid to do things their own way.
I've photographed a lot of backyard garden weddings at this point, and I've never seen anything quite like this. It's the kind of personal touch that makes a wedding memorable, not just for the couple but for everyone who was there.
Cats, Cats, and More Cats: Incorporating Beloved Pets Into Your Wedding Day
If you're planning a backyard garden wedding, one of the biggest perks is being able to include your pets in ways that would never fly at a traditional venue. Molly and Jeremy took full advantage of this, and their cats were everywhere.
Their sweet old orange tabby was the star of the show. Molly placed a special bow tie on him at the end of getting dressed, and then he was carried down the aisle by Molly's mom during the processional. But the best moment? Mid-ceremony, he decided to casually stroll across the ceremony space for his own five seconds of fame. Everyone laughed, and I got the shot. You absolutely cannot plan moments like that.
The rest of their cats were represented by four massive hand-crafted wooden lawn decorations that Molly painted herself. Each one was a portrait of one of their cats, about four feet tall and two feet wide. They were total show stoppers in the decor department. Guests were taking photos with them all night.
This is exactly why I love backyard garden weddings. Where else are you going to display four-foot-tall hand-painted cat portraits and have your actual cat walk down the aisle? Traditional venues would never. But in your own backyard? You can do whatever you want, and honestly, you should.
Getting Ready in the Space Where It All Began
Molly got ready in her mother's room at the back corner of the house, and the space was perfect. Huge windows in each corner flooded the room with beautiful natural light. As a photographer, I'm always grateful for good window light, but there was something extra special about capturing Molly getting dressed in the same house where she grew up.
Her mother, sisters, and multiple nieces (who were also serving as flower girls) filled the room with energy. The girls played with balloons and received special dolls from Molly as thank-you gifts. Watching the little ones get excited about their presents while Molly got into her gown was exactly the kind of genuine moment that makes backyard garden weddings so compelling to photograph.
The vibe was celebratory with an unmistakable air of "I can't believe it's finally here!" Nobody was stressed. Nobody was frantically checking timelines. It was just a bride getting ready with the people she loves in a space that means something to her.
Meanwhile, Jeremy stayed put in another bedroom in the home with his two groomsmen. They got dressed while relaxing and joking around. No pressure, no rush. Just three guys hanging out before one of them gets married in the backyard. That's the beauty of hosting your wedding at home. Everyone can actually relax and enjoy the day.
The Backyard Ceremony: Intimate, Colorful, and Perfectly Them
The ceremony setup was simple but striking. Neat rows of white chairs on the open lawn, vintage rugs creating the aisle, and that incredible garden providing the backdrop. With all those Monarch butterflies floating around and the tie dye bunting adding pops of color everywhere, it looked like something out of a magazine. Except it was real, and it was happening in someone's backyard.
Molly and Jeremy's good friend officiated, and it was absolutely perfect. She was so genuinely happy for them that joyful tears paused her a few times during the ceremony. That's the thing about having someone close to you officiate. It's not a stranger reading generic vows. It's someone who actually knows your story and cares about your marriage.
Jeremy had a few special moments during the ceremony that really stood out. He poured one out for friends who couldn't be there, which was both touching and very him. Then he stepped on a glass in the Jewish tradition, and the guests erupted in celebration.
The whole vibe was intimate, joyful, and extremely personal. This is what backyard garden weddings do best. You're not performing for a venue full of distant relatives and your parents' coworkers. You're celebrating with the people who actually matter to you, in a space that means something.
Reception Vibes: Golden Hour Cake Cutting and Emotional Toasts
Molly and Jeremy kept things simple with their cake. Two classic sheet cakes, one chocolate and one vanilla, with purple piped flowers and congratulations written across the top. Nothing fancy, nothing elaborate. Just cake that people would actually want to eat.
The timing of the cake cutting couldn't have been more perfect. The sun was making its way down and bathed everything in that rich, warm golden hour light. If you've never experienced Kansas City golden hour in September, you're missing out. It's the kind of light that makes every photo look like it belongs in a magazine.
As soon as the cake was cut, friends and family moved into toasts. These weren't the awkward, rambling speeches you sometimes get at weddings. They were personal, light-hearted, and genuinely heartfelt. Molly and Jeremy got emotional a few times, but the laughter always won in the end. That's exactly what toasts should be.
After toasts wrapped up, the couple spent time migrating between their guests, visiting, hugging, and soaking in the joy. This is another huge benefit of backyard garden weddings. There's no pressure to stick to a rigid timeline. You can actually hang out with your guests.
At just the right moment, I grabbed Molly and Jeremy for sunset portraits in a corner of the yard. We had about fifteen minutes, and we made some real magic happen. That golden light, that garden backdrop, and a couple who was genuinely happy to be married? Chef's kiss.
Why You Should Consider a Backyard Garden Wedding in Kansas City
If you're on the fence about whether a backyard garden wedding is right for you, let me break down some practical considerations that might help you decide.
First, make sure you have designated ceremony and reception areas. Molly and Jeremy nailed this by using the open yard for the ceremony and the multi-level deck for dining. Guests knew exactly where to go, and the flow worked perfectly.
Accessibility matters. Molly had a relative who is differently abled, so they added ramps to the deck accordingly. This is something you need to think about early in the planning process. Your backyard might be perfect for you, but can all your guests actually navigate it comfortably?
Depending on your guest count, you might need to rent portable restrooms. I know it's not the most glamorous detail, but it's necessary. Nobody wants a line fifteen people deep for your one bathroom.
Provide plenty of seating. No one wants to sit on the grass in their nice wedding clothes. Rent chairs if you need to. Your guests will appreciate it.
One of my favorite practical details from Molly and Jeremy's wedding was their kid zone. They set up a picnic blanket in a quiet corner with baskets of toys to keep the little ones busy. Genius move. The kids were entertained, and the adults could actually enjoy the celebration.
Backyard garden weddings in Kansas City work because you get complete creative control without sacrificing style or comfort. You just need to plan thoughtfully.
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Marrying Where Your Story Started
Molly and Jeremy were literally dream clients. I love photographing high-end downtown weddings, but I'm also a huge fan of anything personal. This backyard garden wedding hit every mark because they nailed something so many couples struggle with: they didn't fuss over things they couldn't control, but they thoughtfully incorporated personalized DIYs and transformed the space into something truly special.
Here's what I want more couples to understand. Having an eye for design and details is great. But you also need the ability to turn off "planning mode" on your wedding day and actually be present. I see so many Gen Z couples who want perfect candids, but then they're inundated with Pinterest boards telling them what those "candids" should look like down to the colors and backgrounds.
If you want candid photos, you need to be candid. Look at each other and stay close to each other. Talk to your guests and hug them. Smooch each other a million times during the day. Hold hands during your ceremony. I can prompt you during the 15 to 30 minutes we'll get for portraits, but the rest of those unposed, documentary candids simply must be a product of you two being present. You can trust that I see it, but I can't manufacture it for you.
Molly and Jeremy understood this perfectly. They front-loaded all the aesthetic details before the big day, knew their artistic style would render beautifully, and then happily received the day exactly as it was with arms wide open. That's the magic formula.
Ready to plan your own backyard garden wedding in Kansas City? If you're the kind of couple who values authentic moments over orchestrated perfection, let's talk. I photograph weddings for people who care about the details but care even more about being present. Reach out here and let's make something beautiful together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a backyard garden wedding cost in Kansas City?
Backyard garden wedding costs vary widely depending on what you're renting and how many guests you're hosting. You'll save money on venue fees, but you'll likely need to rent tables, chairs, dinnerware, and possibly restrooms. Many couples also invest in landscaping, lighting, and a tent for weather backup. The beauty of a backyard wedding is you control where your budget goes. Want to splurge on catering and save on decor? You can do that. Overall, couples often find backyard weddings more budget-flexible than traditional venues.
What do you need to plan a backyard garden wedding?
For a successful backyard garden wedding, you'll need seating for all guests, a designated ceremony and reception area, adequate restrooms (rent portable ones if needed), tables and chairs for dining, and a backup plan for weather. Consider accessibility needs like ramps or flat pathways. You'll also want to think about parking, lighting for evening celebrations, and a sound system if you're having music or toasts. DIY decor and personal touches make backyard weddings special, but don't forget the practical logistics.
Are backyard garden weddings better than traditional wedding venues?
Backyard garden weddings offer flexibility and personalization that traditional venues can't match. You control the timeline, vendors, decor, and overall vibe without venue restrictions. They're ideal for couples who want intimate celebrations in meaningful locations. However, they require more logistical planning since you're building everything from scratch. Traditional venues offer convenience and built-in amenities. The "better" choice depends on your priorities: if creative control and personal significance matter most, a backyard wedding wins. If you want turnkey simplicity, a traditional venue might suit you better.
