Romantic Garden Party Wedding Inspiration

Grace and Ty’s Romantic, Joyful Wedding Day

There is something special about a wedding that feels both deeply personal and full of light. Grace and Ty’s romantic garden party wedding brought together soft pastels, family-centered moments, and the kind of joy that comes from knowing you are exactly where you are meant to be. As a Black Hills wedding photographer, I love documenting celebrations that are heartfelt, intentional, and full of connection, and their day was the perfect example of all of it.

Their wedding was held at a beautiful estate with a garden gazebo and sweeping front lawn. The setting created a timeless, romantic backdrop, but it was the couple’s personalities and thoughtful touches that made every moment feel uniquely theirs.

The Heart Behind Their Celebration

Grace and Ty first met at their church. At one point, Grace quietly added Ty to her five year plan without telling him. They ended up connecting more deeply during a respite night at their church, where volunteers watch over foster children or kids with disabilities so their parents can enjoy a night out. From that moment on, everything simply clicked.

I photographed their dating anniversary, their proposal, and their engagement, so it felt incredibly meaningful to step into their wedding day as both their photographer and family. Grace is my cousin, and being part of this celebration in a creative way felt like a privilege. Their energy was warm, high-spirited, and full of anticipation. Ty had already been renting their future home for months, but intentionally waited to sleep in their room until they were officially married. They were ready to begin their life together and could not wait for this day to arrive.

A Pastel Garden Party Theme Filled With Personal Touches

Grace’s vision centered around a romantic garden party wedding with soft pastel tones. Instead of a single defined color, the palette moved effortlessly between pastel pinks, soft blues, and airy spring tones. The bridesmaids wore dresses in different hues, creating a natural, garden-inspired flow.

DIY Florals and Details

One of the most impressive parts of the day was the florals. Almost all of them were created with faux flowers, arranged so beautifully that you would never have known. Grace and her bridesmaids handcrafted their bouquets the night before using blooms from Trader Joe’s. The result was whimsical, colorful, and entirely personal.

Grace’s father, Chad, built a custom phone booth for their audio guest book. It became one of the most-loved details of the day and is such a thoughtful idea for couples wanting to capture the voices of their guests.

The Estate Setting and Garden Ceremony

The wedding took place at the Hawthorne House, an estate-style venue with manicured gardens, a white gazebo, and a tree-lined lawn. While I am a Black Hills wedding photographer, I love photographing estate and garden weddings anywhere because the lighting, textures, and greenery create such timeless images.

A Perfect Weather Day

The weather could not have been better. Sunshine layered the estate in warm light, but by the time the ceremony began, the gazebo and lawn were shaded. This created beautifully even lighting that made the ceremony feel soft and cinematic.

Lighting plays a big role in photography, and this setting offered exactly the kind of diffused, clean light that brings out true colors and flattering skin tones. It is the same quality of light I always look for here in the Black Hills: soft, directional sunshine, plenty of shade options, and natural reflectors like light walls or greenery.

Heartfelt Moments That Made the Day

Grace and Ty shared a first touch around the corner of the building, a quiet moment filled with emotion as they held hands and took in the meaning of the day. It was peaceful and grounding before the celebration began.

Later, we realized Ty was missing for a brief moment, only to find him in the chapel finishing his vows and praying. His vows ended up being nearly ten minutes long, heartfelt and honest, a true reflection of the relationship they have built together.

A Family-Centered Celebration

Family connection played a huge part in this wedding. Nearly every guest was a family member or long-time friend, which created a sense of warmth similar to many Black Hills weddings I photograph. The entire day felt like home.

Tips for Couples Planning a Romantic Garden Party Wedding

If you are dreaming of a soft, pastel-inspired celebration, here are a few helpful notes inspired by Grace and Ty’s day.

Prioritize Good Lighting

Lighting affects everything. Venues with plenty of windows, open shade, and light-colored walls make a significant difference. North and south facing windows offer the most consistent diffused light throughout the day.

Build a Pastel Palette with Flexibility

Your bridesmaids do not need to match perfectly. Select a color family instead of a single shade. Pastel pinks, blues, and creams pair naturally together and look beautiful across photos.

Infuse Personal Touches

DIY florals, custom-built installations, and family-centered details make your wedding feel true to you. Guests remember the authenticity more than perfection.

Consider the Season

Spring offers soft, glowing light and naturally complements pastel tones. If you love garden-party aesthetics, spring and early summer are ideal seasons to bring that vision to life.

What I Loved Most About Photographing Their Day

Photographing Grace and Ty’s wedding was both personal and creatively fulfilling. Watching two people I love finally get married felt incredibly special, and their joy was contagious throughout the day. Their wedding reflected who they are: thoughtful, genuine, expressive, and rooted in family.

As a photographer, I loved documenting a wedding that felt so aligned with my style. The pastel palette, meaningful details, and warm, emotional moments created a timeless and heartfelt gallery. These are the weddings I love to photograph most: celebrations filled with connection and personality.

View Gallery Highlights

Enjoy the photos below from Grace and Ty’s romantic garden party wedding. The gallery highlights the joy, color, and heartfelt moments that made their day unforgettable.