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A Heartfelt Michigan Backyard Wedding Filled With Family, Rain, and Tap Shoes
- Kate McClellan
- 8 hours ago
- 4 min read
A Michigan backyard wedding has a way of feeling deeply personal, and this one was no exception. From hydrangea-lined ceremony views to a surprise tap dance performance that brought the house down, Sarah and Jeff’s wedding was equal parts sentimental, joyful, and hard-earned. This was the kind of day that reminds you exactly why backyard wedding planning can be stressful, magical, and completely worth it.
A Michigan Backyard Wedding That Became Something to Celebrate
When I first met Sarah and her mom, we hopped on a call to talk about Day Of Coordination. Shortly after, life threw them a massive curveball. Both Sarah & Jeff's home in Florida was totally destroyed by two back to back hurricanes, forcing unexpected moves and financial stress right in the middle of wedding planning.
Instead of canceling or postponing, they decided they needed this wedding more than ever. They ultimately booked Partial Planning so I could help them navigate the chaos, keep things organized from out of state, and avoid costly mistakes along the way. It quickly became about more than planning a wedding. It was about creating something joyful during a really heavy season.
Choosing a Backyard That Meant Everything
This Michigan backyard wedding took place at Sarah’s grandparents’ home, a space that holds years of memories and family history. The ceremony backdrop was a row of her favorite blue hydrangeas lining the pool, while the reception unfolded under a sailcloth tent from Knights Tent & Party Rental in the front yard.
Adding to the magic, Sarah’s brother lives right next door, and both her parents and the couple themselves have homes just down the road. It felt like the entire neighborhood was rooting for them.
Weather Drama, Because of Course
If you’re learning how to plan a backyard wedding, just know this: Michigan weather will always keep you humble.
July brought heat, humidity, and a morning of pouring rain during setup. I still have a video standing inside the tent while rain came down in sheets outside. We delayed the ceremony by about five minutes to let a final storm pass just south of us, and once the radar cleared, everything clicked into place.
The tent dried, the hydrangeas glowed, and guests never knew how close we were to a total weather plot twist.
Design That Felt Elevated but Still Fun
Sarah knew from day one that blue hydrangeas had to be part of the design. J Costello Designs brought that vision to life with lush florals paired with crisp whites, layered blue tones, and candlelight everywhere. The bridesmaids wore a mix of blue floral patterns that felt relaxed but cohesive, perfectly matching the “formal but not stuffy” vibe.
One of my favorite details was the light-up marquee letters from Eventadora spelling their last name, greeting guests as they arrived. It instantly set the tone: yes, this is a wedding, but we’re here to have a good time.
The Tent That Almost Didn’t Happen
About a month before the wedding, the landscaping company accidentally dug up and reseeded the grass exactly where the tent was supposed to go. After everything this family had been through, it felt like the universe was absolutely punking them.
While it added major stress in the moment, moving the tent ended up being a blessing. The new placement created better event flow and even better photos. Sometimes backyard wedding planning requires a deep breath, a backup plan, and a little trust.
A Surprise Tap Dance That Stole the Show
After dinner catered by Two Unique Catering, Sarah changed dresses and surprised Jeff with a tap dancing routine. Then, her former dance friends joined in. And yes, their dance coach was there to watch it all happen. It was one of those moments you could never script and no one will ever forget.
With music by Sonia Lee during the ceremony and Dramatic Dimensions keeping the dance floor packed, the night flowed effortlessly.
Why I’ll Always Love This Wedding
What stands out most to me isn’t just the details. It’s how resilient this couple was. My role was being their boots on the ground, their organizer, and often their calm voice when things felt overwhelming. This Michigan backyard wedding could have gone a hundred different ways, but it landed exactly where it needed to.
Even with rain, replanted grass, and long-distance planning, it truly felt like a fairytale.
The Michigan Wedding Vendors Behind This Celebration
Planning Your Own Backyard Wedding?
If you’re starting to think about how to plan a backyard wedding in Michigan, I’d love to help. Backyard weddings come with unique logistics, permits, rentals, weather planning, and timelines, and having the right support makes all the difference.
You can learn more about our planning services here, or grab my Backyard Wedding Guide, which walks you through the essentials of backyard wedding planning so you can feel confident and prepared from day one.
Because trust me, with the right plan in place, even the rain can work in your favor.
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