Planning an outdoor barn wedding and wondering if it can actually look like the dreamy Pinterest board in your head? Becca and Nick’s vibrant, joy-filled wedding in Trumansburg, NY is proof that a DIY barn or backyard celebration can be even more magical than a traditional venue wedding.
Set on their own property in the beautiful Finger Lakes region, this real Savvy Wedding is packed with creativity, meaning, and so much rustic charm—making it the perfect inspiration for couples planning a barn or backyard farm wedding that feels personal, relaxed, and unforgettable.
If you’re planning a DIY wedding or working with a limited budget, keep scrolling—you’ll leave with more than a few doable ideas from this backyard-meets-boho masterpiece.
A Backyard Farm Ceremony with Heart (and Their Dog)
This backyard farm ceremony took place right behind their home—set against a lush, green, wooded backdrop. Becca and Nick said “I do” under a white DIY chuppah draped in lace and overflowing with flowers (shout out to the bride’s cousin, Marie, for the stunning florals!), all anchored by boho rugs from Revival Rentals.
They kept their ceremony personal and meaningful, incorporating Jewish traditions like the breaking of the glass and leaving open chairs with framed photos of loved ones who had passed. It was emotional, real, and totally them.
But the real star? Their dog, who made an appearance, proudly escorted down the aisle by a groomsman. Iconic.
Inside Their Rustic Barn Wedding Reception
This outdoor barn wedding reception felt like a cozy summer dream.
After the ceremony, guests headed to the couple’s barn for cocktail hour, catered by the local favorite Ithaca Bakery. A beautiful spread of fruit, charcuterie, crackers, and dips welcomed guests, followed by a buffet-style dinner that included:
- Grilled chicken and sliced pork
- Sauteed summer vegetables
- Fresh garden salad
- Pasta salad
A hydration station (a summer wedding must!) helped guests cool off and stay refreshed.
Inside the barn, the couple also displayed their seating chart (a vintage thrifted frame + strung cards = easy DIY wedding signage win), a sweet guestbook station, and a spot for cards and gifts.
Meanwhile, tables were arranged under a tent just outside, with bistro lights casting a warm glow overhead.
💡 Planning a tented wedding too?
Don’t miss my Ultimate Tented Wedding Guide.
Outdoor Barn Wedding Reception and Summer Decor: Color, Texture & DIY Details
For Nick and Becca’s outdoor barn wedding reception, guest tables were arranged under a large tent next to the barn, creating the perfect indoor-outdoor flow for the evening. The couple’s sweetheart table sat just outside the barn doors—ideal for dinner and speeches.
Their tablescapes? A dream.
- Each guest table was topped with a soft blush runner, mismatched bud vases bursting with bright orange, red, pink, and yellow blooms, and taper candles in both glass and vintage brass holders.
- Instead of table numbers, Becca and Nick used framed fruit and vegetable prints for each table, a playful touch that added to their farm-chic aesthetic.
- No fancy china here—they opted for plate-less place settings, perfect for a buffet-style dinner and totally on trend for a more relaxed, non-traditional vibe. Each place was set with a gold charger and vintage goblet from Little Goodies Boutique.
All in all, the details from this outdoor barn wedding reception is proof that you don’t need a formal venue to serve serious style.
More Budget-Friendly Outdoor Barn Wedding Ideas You’ll Want to Steal
Every inch of this outdoor barn wedding had a personal touch.
- Instead of traditional wedding favors, the couple made a donation to Animal Care Sanctuary on behalf of their guests—a heartfelt nod to their love of dogs.
- Their DIY wedding signs, from their thrifted vintage framed seating chart, to their fruit and veggie table numbers, were thoughtful, intentional, and personalized to them.
- Becca’s flowers weren’t just gorgeous—they were meaningful. Instead of DIYing or hiring a florist, her cousin Marie (@mariez_rose on IG) created all of the floral arrangements, including the ceremony arch, bouquet, and vibrant bud vases for the tables. This was a huge cost saver—and a beautiful way to include family talent in the celebration.
- After dinner, guests danced the night away to live music by the incredible A Girl Named Genny, whose energy kept the dance floor packed.
- The evening wrapped with bistro lights twinkling above, the bride and groom getting hoisted up during the hora, and laughter echoing across the backyard.
It was, in short, a dream.
How to Plan a Barn Wedding That’s Totally You
An outdoor barn wedding or backyard celebration doesn’t mean sacrificing style or magic. You just need the right plan—and a little inspiration from couples like Becca and Nick who did it so right.
If you’re nervous about planning your big day, I’ve got you. Here are more resources you should check out next:
- My guide to transforming blank slate venues will help you figure out how to turn any space into your dream wedding venue!
- This DIY backyard wedding guide covers everything from logistics to lighting to backup weather plans.
- Learn how to find affordable wedding vendors without sacrificing style in this detailed guide (includes a printable checklist!)
- Planning a Summer Wedding? Here’s some summer wedding must-haves to consider!
Vendors Who Helped Bring This Wedding to Life:
Anastasia’s Photography captured every beautiful detail of this unforgettable day. Be sure to check out her work if you’re planning a barn, backyard, or Finger Lakes wedding—her eye for candid moments is unreal.
- Florals: Marie Keefer (the bride’s cousin!) | @mariez_rose
- Coordinator: Cara Nichols, Pixie Designs
- Catering: Ithaca Bakery
- Band: A Girl Named Genny
- Rentals: Revival Rentals, Little Goodies Boutique
- Photography: Anastasia’s Photography
- Dress: Tadashi Shoji from BHLDN
- Hair & Makeup: Jill George & Sierra Conroy at La Belle
- Rings: Mansour Jewelers