Rebecca and Brendan’s backyard wedding in Andover, MA was everything they envisioned—joyful, laid-back, and completely authentic to who they are. Hosted at Rebecca’s childhood home and captured beautifully by Brass Tacks Photography, their wedding was a heartfelt celebration of love, family, and all the little details that made the day uniquely theirs.
From cross-country road trips to forever
Rebecca and Brendan’s love story had been years in the making. Growing up in neighboring towns, they had mutual friends but didn’t truly connect until after college. A friendship quickly turned into something deeper, and their relationship was put to the test during the pandemic when they quit their jobs to travel the country together—camping the entire way.
“Spending months in a car together really taught us how to communicate effectively,” they shared. “It’s the foundation of what makes our relationship so strong.”
In March 2023, Brendan planned a picture-perfect proposal in Puerto Rico. He booked a flight to the island of Culebra, where he popped the question on a secluded beach at sunrise. It was intimate, romantic, and completely perfect.
Planning a backyard wedding in Andover, MA
With just five months to plan, Rebecca and Brendan initially envisioned a casual backyard gathering. But as they started planning, the vision quickly expanded into a full-scale backyard wedding in Andover, MA, complete with a tented reception and a one-of-a-kind glass dance floor over the pool.
“We knew we didn’t want a formal venue or vibe,” Rebecca said. “My parents’ backyard was the obvious choice—it’s where I grew up, and we have so many special memories there. With the help of Access Tent, we transformed the space into something magical.”
Brendan’s attention to detail helped keep the planning process on track. “I hated making all the little decisions,” Rebecca admitted. “I just wanted to show up and marry my best friend! Brendan was such a huge help in making everything less overwhelming.”
Personal touches and unforgettable moments
The day itself was filled with love, joy, and plenty of personal touches. One of the most emotional moments came during the ceremony when Rebecca and Brendan exchanged handwritten vows.
“I had no expectations for how serious or sentimental they would be,” Rebecca said. “Brendan was so nervous about it, but he completely blew me away. He had everyone in tears, and I just remember thinking, ‘I can’t believe he loves me THIS much.’”
The reception was just as memorable. Rebecca’s brother surprised everyone by grabbing the mic and performing a few songs, and their beloved dog, Penny Lane, was featured throughout the celebration—from the stationery to the cake topper.
“We wanted our wedding to feel true to us, and including Penny was a big part of that!”
A relaxed, nature-inspired aesthetic
For decor, the couple embraced the natural beauty of the backyard, incorporating lush greenery, soft blues, and organic florals to complement the flowers already in bloom. The overall vibe was relaxed and effortless, perfectly matching their vision for the day.
“We didn’t want anything too formal or over-the-top—it’s just not who we are,” Rebecca said. “We were so excited to get married and start our lives together, and we wanted that excitement to be felt by all of our guests.”
Looking back on the day
When asked to reflect on their favorite memories, Rebecca shared:
“The words that come to mind are joy and gratitude. I don’t think I’ve ever been as present as I was that day. I was just so happy to be marrying Brendan and surrounded by the people I love most in the world. I didn’t stop smiling.”
Brendan added, “I was nervous in the morning—mostly about the vows—but once that was over, I was able to just enjoy the day with Rebecca and feel all the love and excitement.”
Wedding planning advice from Rebecca and Brendan
Their biggest piece of advice for engaged couples is to trust that it will all come together.
“It can feel so overwhelming, but I promise, it will work out,” Rebecca said. “Prioritize what’s important to you, delegate when you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!”
Venue: Private Residence | Photographer: Brass Tacks Photography | Planner/Coordinator: Silver Tie Servers | Florals: Elizabeth Audet | Band/DJ: Northern Lights Party | Caterer: Catering by Erin | Cake/Desserts: Andover Bake Shop | Hair & Makeup: Boston Beauty Network | Dress: Tulle Bridal Andover | Dress Designer: Tara Lauren | Cinematographer: Kay Joplin
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