Siri Linz and Justin Morgan's backyard wedding was the epitome of simplicity, elegance, and homespun love. They decided to marry in Justin's parents' backyard, which a year before the wedding, was a completely different garden!
Justin's parents live near the south end of Bainbridge Island on steep, terraced acreage surrounded by tall evergreens with a peek-a-boo view of the water. When we visited the home to do site research, the Morgans had done extensive terracing of the property -- but had just leveled out an area just large enough for a party of 75-100 to congregate and eat dinner. There were some plantings on the perimeter of the gardens, but the majority of the property remained "raw" and natural. They promised us they were planning a winter and spring devoted to yard work -- planting, creating steps and railings down to the property, and rewiring sections of the house for extra electricity for caterers, lights, and sound systems.
When I returned to the home 6 months later, a total transformation had occurred -- there were beautiful gardens filled with flowers, vegetables, and flowering bushes; all the paths had brand new steps and handrails (handmade by Justin's dad) complete with cafe lights along the edges, and the lower level of the house had been remodeled with a new bath, new electrical wiring, and extra space for caterers to do their prep work. Talk about a labor of love!
Siri and Justin were longtime sweethearts, and both grew up on Bainbridge. Their wedding fit their warm personalities perfectly, and it was lovely to see so many old family friends, high school pals, and family members joining together to pitch in for their wedding celebration.
We arrived early to begin setup under the tent, which was the location for both ceremony and reception.
Siri's brother made their "altar" of free flowing ribbons, and Siri and Justin's family friend, Deb, married them in a touching and very personal ceremony.
