Some think having a wedding reception in your backyard is a cheap and easy alternative to a fancy venue. Spoiler alert: It’s not. BUT, for those up to the challenge, it will be unique, very personal, and with the right setting and vendor team, absolutely magical. Read on to see how Elkhart couple Ashley and Tyson absolutely nailed all three!
A June Saturday that was supposed to be rainy and stormy all day turned out gorgeous and hot with temps in the upper 80’s and big puffy white clouds in the blue sky. While Ashley, Tyson, and about 100 of their friends and family were tying the knot at the gorgeous Wellfield Botanic Gardens in downtown Elkhart, Indiana, Sticky Boots was on-site at their home on the south bank of the upper St. Joe river preparing for the party to come.
Burns Rentals had already set the scene with multiple tents to cover the dancing, dining, and catering areas on both the pool deck and backyard, along with a bounce house for all the kids. We brought in our Platinum wedding package to fill the backyard with sound and set up under the large walkout deck/balcony that spanned the entire back of the home.
Guest enjoyed cocktails with beach sounds from Jimmy Buffett, Zach Brown, and Bob Marley while the bridal party prepared for an epic grand entrance from the balcony. To the rap sounds of “Panda”, Ned and Derek set the tone with a full 90-second dance skit complete with gold chains, a panda head, and shades for the crowd from the balcony. The rest of the bridal party kept the vibe with Tyson and Ashley and their two sons bringing the heat with 24k Magic. Definitely the coolest grand entrance of the last year by far!
Just before dinner there was a brief rainstorm, and while most folks stayed dry under one of the tents, Ned and another groomsman took the opportunity to jump into the pool while still wearing their full tuxes. We can’t say we’ve seen that one before, but it was clear this was gonna be that kind of party!
Another memorable moment followed the first dance when Tyson grabbed the microphone and surprised Ashley with a serenade of LANCO’s “Greatest Love Story”. She was completely amazed and so were the rest of the guests, and it was the type of unique moment that we love to help create for our awesome clients!
The dance floor opened as the sun sat over the river, and the drinks continued to flow from the open bar. Once it was dark, Ashley and Tyson organized two dance competitions complete with prizes for both the kids AND the adults. Kids’ prizes were a trophy and a lot of LED bracelets. Adult prizes were a bit bigger with a large bottle of Grey Goose Vodka and some wireless ear-buds.
By the end of the evening, most of the remaining guests, bridal party, and even parents had joined Ned in the pool, the hot-tub opened up, and Tyson even did karaoke versions of 90’s hip-hop classics “Jump” and “Informer”. While not one our typical wedding receptions, it was certainly a unique evening that highlighted the best aspects of having a party at your house and making it 100% yours! During a pandemic, that’s something we can ALL celebrate! Congrats Ashley and Tyson – you guys rock, hard!
READ THE GOOGLE REVIEW:
Ashley 5-Stars
DJ Sticky Boots was instrumental in keeping the flow of the evening on our wedding day! He exceeded every expectation that we had and pays attention to every detail!! We would hire him again and again!!
STICKY’S INSTAGRAM STORY:
Reception song selections:
Grand Entrance: Panda – Desiigner; Tipsy – J-Kwon; The Humpty Dance – Digital Underground; 24k Magic – Bruno Mars
Cake Cutting: Cake By The Ocean - DNCE
First Dance: This I Promise You - NSYNC
Father-Daughter Dance: My Wish - Rascal Flatts
Mother-Son Dance: Don’t Blink – Kenny Chesney
Anniversary Dance: Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis
Special Vocal Performance: Greatest Love Story - LANCO
Vendors:
Antonio’s Italian Restaurant
Ryan Hodges Photography
Burns Rent-Alls