Lovely Summer Wedding BBQ

If it’s a relaxed, heartwarming gathering you want for your summertime nuptials, then look no further than an outdoor BBQ reception! And for inspiration, look what I found! A real BBQ wedding featured on the fab site United With Love, the source for “fresh inspiration for DC-area weddings.” This Maryland celebration is just brimming with homey charm, from the DIY decor to the delightful florals to the seriously scrumptious food!


Nole of United With Love allowed the wonderful photos sent in by Red Shoes Photography to speak for themselves.

An All-Natural Palette

I love how the couple, Justin and Lauren, opted for a palette that exudes simple, homespun warmth. So what you see are crisp white table linens and serve ware against the natural tones of wooden chalkboard frames and utensils, burlap runners, woven baskets, and uncovered slatted tables. And for pops of color, bunches of orange, pink, and yellow blooms in simple mason jars. So pretty!

Chalkboard Charm

Continuing the handmade vibe of the occasion, chalkboard signs were used liberally in place of fancy printed ones. And this was carried throughout, from the signs listing the menu of popular BBQ dishes (made us hungry just reading it!) and the well-loved desserts to the table numbers to the frame marking the newlyweds’ table.


And speaking of signs, check out the weathered planks of wood mounted on a simple pole pointing the way to the ceremony area, the BBQ reception and activities, all the way to the drinks and dancing. Another touch high on rustic appeal!



“Escort Jars” and Fun Favors

Still in keeping with the welcome-to-our-home vibe, empty mason jars served as creative alternatives to escort cards. With one per guest and each holding a pretty striped straw, I'm guessing these doubled as drinking glasses at the BBQ, too! And for take-home treats, jars of caramels and a bin of candles stood ready for guests to each take some.



Self-service in Style

And of course, there was the BBQ spread itself! Too bad no photos of the main dishes, but the sweet treats were served atop lovely white pastry stands and clear glass cake plates befitting the special occasion. Don’t those chocolate-dipped strawberries look irresistible?


A beverage station boasted over-sized drinks dispensers, plus bottles of cane cola lined up for guests to serve themselves. And last but not the least, how sweet is the couple’s simple wedding cake? Now, to see if Justin and Lauren really look like their cake topper, go enjoy more lovely pics in the full post on this BBQ Picnic Summer Wedding at United With Love!


All images: Red Shoes Photography