Tyler and Lexi’s Heartfelt Western September Wedding at The Urban Cowboy in Nashville, TN
Stylish, Intimate Family Picnic Wedding: Courtney & Cosmo
I have been so excited to share this wedding with you guys today! First lets talk about this brides style! She didn’t have just one but two dresses. The first was a pretty and chic floral number and the second, a seriously sexy red dress. Next we should talk about the couples awesome choice of venue which was a very cute little library in Westminster and finally, the best part (in my opinion!) was the couples choice to ditch the normal reception ideas and head to Hyde park with family and friends instead for a picnic – perfect! Oh did I mention, this whole event was planned in just 6 weeks!!! Seriously, there is so much more I could talk about, but instead, I am going to let Courtney fill you in on the rest of the details…
“Cosmo and I have been together for over 10 years and were engaged for 6 of them. Bringing up two boys and juggling family and work life we just hadn’t found the right time to get married yet. Now the boys are a bit older we decided it was the perfect time so I looked online for a venue which wouldn’t cost the earth. I came across Mayfair Library and from the pictures I knew it would be perfect for us. We both wanted a fun, intimate wedding with just the people who mean most to us in the world. The next available date was six weeks away so without even going to see it in person we booked it and then forgot all about it for a few weeks. Suddenly the wedding was just two weeks away so I emailed and Facebooked invites to our friends and family. For some it was the first time they knew of our plans.
My mother in law sells vintage fabrics and women swear on Ebay for a living so I chose a couple of dresses from her shop which I absolutely loved. Cosmo and I sell men’s vintage tailoring, cravats, ties and other accessories so Cosmo was sorted for a suit. For the flowers I took a strip of material from the belt of the dress to my favourite florist in Queens Park Station.
The day was more perfect than I could ever imagine, perfect weather, family, mates, kids playing, a food fight, lots of bubbles and teary speeches. After the ceremony we had a picnic in Hyde Park. Cosmo’s mum was amazing and sorted the food for us and even made the cake. His sisters decorated it and it tasted amazing! Afterwards we all caught cabs to Paradise bar in Kensal Green. It was one of the best days of my life and I will treasure the memories forever. I love my pictures as they just bring back the day all over again. I nearly didn’t have a photographer but I’m so glad I did and Nicola was so lovely.”
Super Suppliers – Photography: Nicola Jo Photography// Venue: Mayfair Library// Brides Dresses: Ebay// Flowers: Queens Park Station Flowers//
Courtney and Cosmo are seriously schmoking, don’t you think! That red dress is to die for! Tell me have you considered having two dresses on the day? We would love to know about your choices in the comments!
xxx
Tips For Planning a Family Picnic Wedding
Planning a family picnic wedding is a delightful way to combine the charm of an outdoor celebration with the intimacy of a laid-back gathering. There’s something magical about the combination of nature, family, and delicious food spread out on a blanket under the sky. It’s the perfect option for couples who love the idea of a casual yet memorable day filled with love, laughter, and, of course, picnic baskets.
Location is Key
Choosing the right spot for your family picnic wedding sets the tone for the entire event. Look for a scenic park, botanical garden, or even a family member’s backyard that can accommodate all your guests while providing a beautiful backdrop. Ensure there’s plenty of shade, whether it’s from trees or a rented marquee, to keep everyone cool and comfortable. Additionally, pick a location with restrooms nearby (especially if children are invited) and easy access to parking.
Picnic-Style Seating
One of the hallmarks of a family picnic wedding is the relaxed seating arrangement. Instead of traditional tables and chairs, provide large picnic blankets or low tables surrounded by cushions. It encourages mingling and gives a cozy, casual vibe to your celebration. To make it even more comfortable, consider offering a few benches or hay bales for older guests who might find sitting on the ground a challenge. Having a mix of seating options ensures everyone feels at ease.
Pack the Perfect Picnic Baskets
The food is a huge part of any wedding, and for a picnic wedding, it’s all about the baskets! Opt for simple but delicious picnic fare like gourmet sandwiches, fresh fruit, cheeses, and salads. You can either pack individual baskets for each group of guests or set up a buffet-style spread where people can fill their own plates. Don’t forget to add some fun extras like mason jars of lemonade or fruit-infused water to keep everyone hydrated. And of course, keep the wedding cake light—think strawberry shortcake or lemon drizzle—perfect for an outdoor setting.
Games & Activities
A picnic wedding is the perfect opportunity to incorporate games and activities for both adults and kids. Set up lawn games like croquet, bocce ball, or cornhole to keep guests entertained. For children, you could create a craft station or organise a scavenger hunt around the venue, ensuring everyone has something fun to do while enjoying the fresh air.
Personal Touches
Small, thoughtful details can make your family picnic wedding even more special. Provide personalised picnic blankets as wedding favours, or offer homemade jam jars with a cute “spread the love” label. Think about adding a playlist of your favourite songs to create the perfect soundtrack for your laid-back celebration.
In short, a family picnic wedding is all about fun, comfort, and celebrating love in an easygoing environment. By focusing on the details that make guests feel welcome and relaxed, you’ll ensure everyone has a great time while creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Love the blue dress, feels so light and sexy!