Avery and Gavin’s backyard wedding in Bells, Texas was one of those days that felt effortless in the best way. Hosted on family property, their wedding was relaxed, meaningful, and deeply personal. It was proof that backyard weddings can be just as intentional (and beautiful) as any traditional venue. From the very beginning, they shared how important it was to them to stay present and soak up every part of their day, and that intention shaped everything!

Avery & Gavin’s Backyard Wedding in Bells, Texas

One thing I loved most about working with Avery and Gavin was how much trust they gave me. They handed over full creative freedom, which was such a gift and made documenting their day feel incredibly natural. They also chose to skip preview images and wait for their full gallery — something I genuinely love and now fully stand behind. There’s something special about letting the day live in your memory first before reliving it through photos, and their patience made the final gallery feel even more meaningful! 

Their backyard wedding was filled with the most intentional, personal touches. They thrifted mismatched glassware and invited each guest to choose one to use and take home as a keepsake. Instead of traditional boutonnieres, they used antique brooches. It was such a simple detail, but one that added so much character. Their remembrance table was incredibly thoughtful, and yes… the cannolis were a major highlight. Finish Line Pizza kept things fun and relaxed, which fit the energy of the day perfectly!

Why Backyard Weddings Will Always Have My Heart

What made Avery and Gavin’s wedding so special wasn’t a formal venue or a packed timeline, it was the freedom! A backyard wedding gives you the space to slow down, prioritize connection, and create a day that actually feels like you. Their wedding was calm, joyful, and full of genuine moments, exactly the kind of experience they hoped for from the start.

Tips for Planning Your Own Backyard Wedding

Think About Flow, Not Perfection

Backyard weddings are at their best when they feel easy and lived-in, not overly staged. I always encourage couples to think about how the day will naturally move (from the ceremony to dinner to dancing) and keep things close together. The less guests have to wonder where to go next, the more relaxed everyone feels (including you).

Make Comfort a Priority

This one might not be the most exciting, but it matters so much! Restrooms, seating, shade, and lighting can completely change how your backyard wedding feels. A few thoughtful rentals go a long way in making guests comfortable while still keeping that laid-back, at-home vibe intact.

Lean Into the Personal Details

This is where backyard weddings really shine, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite parts. Thrifted glassware, family heirlooms, handwritten signs, or keepsakes guests can take home add so much character. These are the details people remember! They are what make your day feel unmistakably yours!

Give Yourself Extra Time

One of the biggest gifts of a backyard wedding is flexibility. Build in space to slow down, hug your people, and actually be present. Some of the sweetest moments happen when nothing is “scheduled,” and those are often the ones you’ll treasure most later on!

Planning Your Own Backyard Wedding in Texas? 

When planning a backyard wedding, you want photos that reflect how your day felt, not just how it looked. Backyard weddings allow so much room for creativity, intention, and presence — and Avery and Gavin’s day is a perfect example of how meaningful they can be!

Hannah Peterson Photo & Film

See more from Avery & Gavin’s backyard wedding in Bells, Texas below.