You have heard me talk a lot about “the garden wedding” in the last few weeks as I have experimented with and shared with you different cupcake recipes. The wedding was for the son of a good friend of mine. Her son is also a good buddy of my son Clark – they played Lacrosse together in high school, roomed together their freshman year of college and played college Lacrosse together. I figured helping with the wedding was good practice for the day that one of my children eventually gets married!
Here is the darling bride and groom – Jordan and Molly.
Molly chose teal blue, lime green, fuchsia and orange as her wedding colors. Her bouquet was made of bright colored Gerber daisies and she accented her wedding dress with teal accessories. I loved her shoes!
The wedding was Saturday and it was a great success. It ended up being one of the hottest days of the year here in Portland!
Garden Wedding Decorations
When I heard what the wedding color scheme was I suggested we use blue mason jars as candle holders and flower vases. I think they were a perfect choice.
They decorated all the tables as well as hung from the fence, some full of candles, others full of flowers.
They hung photos of the bride and groom growing up as well as a couple on a cute ribbon clothes line with teal and orange clothes pin along the fence too. People were able to view them as they walked into the reception.
And just in case people were confused about how to get into the backyard we lined the grass with more canning jars, candles and bows!
Despite a last minute ribbon emergency when the hundreds of yards of ribbon that we had ordered didn’t show up, we quickly made a mad ribbon dash all over Portland Friday morning and bought up every roll of teal, lime green, fuchsia and orange ribbon we could find!
We tied bows of brightly colored ribbons on every other chair since we were a bit short on ribbon.
The cupcake bar looked lovely….
We used all my white serving pieces on a white table cloth. I found these fun green vases at Goodwill a while ago and they looked perfect on the cupcake table with a single gerber daisy in them. Just a punch of color!
Garden Wedding Cupcakes
Lovely Lime Cupcakes were the most popular cupcake of the evening. And the cream cheese frosting held up great in the heat.
The Banana Cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting were another big hit. Everyone loved the frosting on these.
We also served Brown Sugar Cupcakes with Browned Butter Icing. These were my personal favorite!
Because it was so hot out, I had to change the frosting I used for the Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes. I used Sara’s recipe over at Our Best Bites and it too held up great in the heat! I used natural cherry extract that I found at Whole Foods instead of vanilla and it worked beautifully.
The final cupcake selection was the Perfect Lemon Cupcakes . They were yummy but the frosting on these had a hard time in the heat and the strawberries bled on the frosting. They didn’t look very pretty, but they were still delicious!
Garden Wedding Food
When asked what food he would like for the reception the groom, Jordan, suggested that we just throw some burgers on the grill and have some chips and salsa. Not exactly traditional wedding reception fare but we did accomodate his wishes with a salsa bar. Complete with three types of salsa and two types of chips.
We opted for Sliders and Sauces rather than full on burgers. They were a fun addition to the party and everyone loved them. The groom’s sister made up three different sauces for the sliders that were so yummy. I will definitely be sharing those recipes with you too!
And of course there was lots of water! Regular water and “Good” water. If you have never had “Good” water before you have missed out. It is made with lemon extract, citric acid and sugar and has a wonderful refreshing lemon flavor. That recipe will be coming too!!! Lots to share.
And then just in case anyone was still hungry or hadn’t had enough sweets there was a fun candy bar full of candy in the wedding colors!
Our friend Karen had decorated some darling little boxes for people to take their candy home in.
Even the groom’s little niece fit right in with the color scheme – isn’t she cute!
The groom’s sister added a festive touch of color with an orange flower in her hair. I wished I’d gotten a picture of her orange flip flops too!
The mother of the groom was happy, the bride and groom were happy. Their casual, laid back, fun loving style was reflected in the reception. Everything looked beautiful and tasted yummy and the guests enjoyed themselves – what more could you ask for!
Cali has made me promise that I won’t make any more cupcakes the rest of the summer! So we are on cupcake hiatus for now!! Now I just need a nap!
Hi Leigh Ann
Where did you find the little signs that you put near the cupcakes to say what the flavors were? I am doing a birthday party with 125 guests and I would really like some ideas on labeling the cupcakes.
Thanks…..you’re awesome
Peggy
I bought them off of ebay. I don’t think they are available anymore though – sorry!
Leigh Anne,
I LOVE your blog and have been following it for some time now!! I am going to be making a “cupcake bar” for a friends wedding and have a few questions… How many cupcakes did you make and how many people came to the wedding? Did people take more than one cupcake? How did you have enough containers to store all those cupcakes the day before? You are amazing…and I might have some more questions for you since you are a party expert!! Thanks for sharing your passion!
Mindy
I never found the recipe for “good” water. I would love the recipe!
Here’s the link to the recipe:
https://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/good-water/
Here’s the link to the recipe.
https://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/lovely-lime-cupcakes/
Could I get you lucious lime cupcake recipe – my daughter is getting and is having cupcakes for dessert. Thank you. Judy
I honestly cannot tell you how excited, thrilled, elated I am!!! I stumbled upon your blog while image searching google for decor ideas for our home reception I am planning in June. I had these images in my head of bright summer colors and decor of my favorite flower the gerber daisy. Wow! To my greatest surprise I found this link, perfectly displaying my dreams in a full scale wedding scheme! It was truly one of those sweet moments when I have to look at the man upstairs and just smile…Thank You for this beautiful blog. I am completely addicted overnight!
Do you remember what you searched for on e-bay when you bought those darling metal label holders to hold the names of the cupcake flavors? The link no longer works and I’ve searched the net for similar signs but don’t know what to term the search! Thanks and I love everything you did- amazing1
Sandee, Thanks! I’m sorry the link doesn’t work anymore. I really don’t remember what I searched for but maybe try display stand or something like that? Might want to add in shabby chic in the search. Good luck and if you find a new link let me know and I’ll add it to the comments here – thanks!
I’m a little behind on checking out your site but wanted to comment on this wedding! It looks so fun! I LOVE color and this was great! I also really liked the wedding gown (I know you probably didn’t have anything to do with that) but it is so nice to see a modest but still beautiful gown in this day! I hope when my girls (10 and almost 12) get married I can come back to this site and show them pictures! 😉 Great Job!
Hello-
I am planning a July wedding for 2010, with the same color schemes..
Would you be interested in selling any aqua mason jars and/or the ribbon from your wedding?
Thanks,
Mel
Loved loved loved the backyard wedding. Crisp and simple but fun!!
Please where did you get the signs telling what flavor the cupcakes were?
They would be sooo fun for everything.
Ran across your blog in my search for “salsa bar wedding reception”. I love this reception. You did a great job.
Hi Leigh Anne,
I’ve just stumbled onto your site via My Yellow Farmhouse and I must say I’m hooked. I LOVE YOUR SITE! What an inspiration you are. Please will you share your recipe for your “Good Water”? Sounds like something I’d love all the time.
It looks like it turned out so well. It all looked fabulous. Gorgeous!
Cat,
You definitely want the liquid! Mango sounds fun – let me know if you try it!
Hi Leigh Anne,
I just finished our wedding for my son & daughter in law in Salt Lake! I follow your blog and loved seeing more fun wedding happenings. So fresh and beautiful! I must be related somehow because we are also Theurers. My family originated in Cache Valley, Utah. I don’t see that name often! The photos are on my facebook and I can “friend” you if you request. I’m still working on my blog!
–Stacy
Granite Bay, CA
Hi Leigh Anne – can you stand another question from me? Regarding the Lovely Lime Cupcakes – the margarita mix (is that the powdered kind or the liquid kind?) I was at the store and they had both – wasn’t sure if it mattered? They also had mango, which I wondered how that would taste.
Thanks! Cat
Leigh Anne-
You and Pam did such a GREAT job on the reception. I was SO bummed that we missed it (we were on vacation)!! I left Pam a message on Monday, but haven’t heard back from her yet……..she must be really wiped out too!!!! I can’t wait to see all of the pictures!
Hope you are having a great summer!!
Stephanie,
I found some of the blue mason jars at Goodwill and then Pam found the rest at an antique store at the beach. They are fairly easy to find at antique stores – I only paid a couple of dollars for them at Goodwill but they were more like 6.00 a piece at the antique store.
Margarita Cupcake recipe coming tomorrow!
Leigh Anne,
My parents said the reception was breathtaking! You really did a great job! I love the cupcake idea! And the salsa idea! I’m so excited to get my hands on that Margarita Cupcake recipe! My question is, where did you find those blue mason jars? I love those!
I’m so glad things went smoothly for you! Great work 🙂
Thanks Leigh Anne – I just ordered two sets. I think there are only 2 sets left on that site, if anyone wanted them.
Here’s a link to the ebay auction where I bought the cute little signs.
Place card holders for cupcake signs
I am wondering – were your little sign posts plastic or ceramic? They look ceramic. I found some on e-Bay but they were only 2.99 for 12 – would that be right? Couldn’t tell what they were made of.
oops – forgot to answer your last question – I think they were only around $20.00 each
Cat,
That’s a great idea for a post. I will work on that one. The water dispensers came from Costco. I have two different ones and I love them. I use them for parties, BBQ’s, etc. alot. I like having two so that I can do regular water in one and then flavored water in the other.
oooh, good idea Cat!! that would be a great post!!
One day, when you have some spare time (does that ever happen?) maybe you could post some tips on step by step planning for an event (decorating and food prep) like this or birthday, or whatever, really. You prob. have alot of good insight. Also – where did you find your lemonade dispensers (too cute!!). Were they pricey?
Colours were gorgeous, theme was sweet and the cupcakes and salsa bar were a funky idea! Brave – well done!
I am sure everyone had a wonderful time! Your photos captured a very beautiful event. Such creativity, love and happiness in serving radiate from you.
I love helping with wedding receptions. My mom, sisters and I have done several over the years including our own. We just love it!
What a cute couple too. Thanks for sharing and I hope you get rested up quickly.
Shari
What a fun and beautiful wedding! Leigh Anne, where did you find the label holders for the cupcakes? I am in the process of planning my sister’s wedding and LOVE the holders that you used!
LOVE your blog! Can’t wait to try out some of your recipes! 🙂
What a beautiful wedding, and such a cute couple! You are an angel for making so many cupcakes! Can’t wait to see the rest of the recipes. But first, take a couple of days off. I think you deserve at least two naps. 🙂
TidyMom and Vicki,
A friend and I made all the cupcakes on Friday, the day before the reception. We just stored them in airtight containers and then transported them to the groom’s house on Saturday and laid them all out on the table and frosted them all together on Saturday. We waited until the last minute to add the fruit garnish after the strawberries began to bled onto the icing because of the heat!
If you needed to make them ahead of time cupcakes freeze fairly well. I just wouldn’t frost them before you freeze them.
Hope this helps – let me know if you have any other questions!
Soooo darling! One question: how in the world did you transport ALL of those cupcakes?? Very cute. 🙂
The cupcakes look absolutely amazing–especially love the chocolate cherry ones!! Great job…the whole reception looks looks lovely!!
So cute, someday I expect to see LA’s Cupcake shop, or wedding planning…it’s a toss up!
What a lovely reception. I love the touch of the name holders to label the dishes. The colors are so pretty and I love the jars as vases and votives. Nice work! Beautiful photos.
How fun and pretty!! LOVE it all!!
I have a question – how do you prepare for something like this? how far in advance did you make the cupcakes? did you freeze any? do you ice/decorate them all the day of the event?
What fun!! Thanks for sharing!
~TidyMom
Everything was so beautiful and fun! You did a great job! Like Dawn, I wondered where you purchased the signholders. I may have to get some before the next even I host – or even for when I take a dish to church potluck – I hate it when you have to “guess” what kind of cake or dish something is.
I love the laid-back backyard reception. It looked like everyone had a great time, and I bet it was rather economical as well! I just wish I had seen pictures of something like this 17 years ago!!!
I LOVE the pictures of the decorations. They are all so festive and creative!
Yum! Yum! Wish we could have been there to taste test all those “creations.” Glad you found some fun signs. . . .Those will come in handy for more of your decorating. Hope you got your nap before you tackle a new week and more challenges.
Everything looks beautiful. Both of our receptions were outdoors & casual. It was perfect for us and for our families. Your cupcakes looks delish. Can’t wait to have an excuse to try the recipes.
Leigh Anne, It turned out beautiful and I LOVE your flavor choices. What fun it all turned out to be. Like you, I have found now that the practice will make for the perfect reception someday. I am all for the backyard event for our third daughter. She is agreeable too….the cross country, formal, expensive weddings are gone!
Everyone in our family agrees that the cupcake wedding reception we had here in our home was by far the most fun. You have such great talent and again, it all looks perfect.
what a fun and beautifully colored wedding! everything looks amazing.
AMAZING!!! You definitely deserve that nap. :o)
Dawn, Things did turn out pretty! I found the sign holders on ebay. I loved how they looked too. So fun. I admit -I am ready for a nice nap!
I love the color scheme and the simplicity of the daisies and jars. The cupcake bar would be my dream come true since I love cake and always like to sample each flavor.
Where did you get the sign holders for the cupcakes and the foods? They really made the food look professionally displayed. I’ll bet you are so worn out!