Once the reception got properly underway, we were free to just enjoy spending time together and with our guests. The picnic atmosphere seemed to bring the perfect amount of informality and relaxation to our reception—exactly what we had hoped for.
I have a moment with my brother and Mr E (guest photo)
(guest photo)
My youngest cousin examining a lavender heart
Some cousins and an uncle demonstrating the “proper” way to hold their teacups
These guys look like they are at a cricket match! With cups of tea, of course.
No, my 17 year old sister is not holding a beer bottle. It’s soda! 
Having dinner served from the food cart worked out surprisingly well. The line moved fast, so no one had to wait long. And the food…so delicious! Mexican food is not very common in New Zealand, but everyone seemed to enjoy the chicken fajitas, guacamole, tortillas, etc., even my notoriously fussy grandmother! However, you know how so many brides complain that they didn’t get much to eat on their wedding day? Well, I was determined to eat as much as I could. But my stomach had other plans. I was so caught up in the excitement of the day that my stomach just switched off. As a result I only managed about a quarter of the main course. The cheesecake, on the other hand, was another story—I stuffed down a whole piece of that. There is always room for cheesecake!
While we ate, the mingling and mini reunions between family and friends continued.
That lady hugging my mum delivered three of my mum’s four kids! Despite moving all over the place, it was as if the wedding brought people from all parts of Mr E’s and my life history together again.
Any other brides out there having/had a more informal reception? What ideas do you have for keeping it casual (but still special)?
———————————–
So far in our midsummer dream…
I love your bunting! I wish I went to your wedding it looks like the perfect afternoon. …and you had me at guacamole!
What an awesome reception. That food cart is amazing and I’m sure the food was so good. I’m so jealous of your guests!
I love all of these pictures!!! Everything looks so relaxed and fun. Perfect. Oh, and mmmm to the Mexican cart 
I love looking at your wedding photos. Your pictures looked like they were ripped from a magazine. I love the way your guests are sprawled out on blankets and drinking tea.
I love everything about this, it’s so perfect! And I love your purple bolero!
Something about sitting on a blanket in the sun with a warm cup of tea sounds so amazing right now! This looks so perfect E!
We’re being catered by a food cart as well!! My FI’s favorite food is hamburgers, and so as a surprise for him we’re having a burger cart cater our reception. He thinks we’re having chicken parm or something like that Your reception looks so beautiful!
I love it so much
You picked the perfect recap title, because that sunny afternoon does look like a dream!
I love the relaxed nature of your reception, it looks so approachable and fun! And your bunting is so perfect!
I’ve probably said it before, but I just love the feel of your wedding!
Your recaps have been breathtaking, I feel like it’s something out of a movie. These could easily be magazine photos!
Ahhh I’m in love with your wedding! It looks like it was SO much fun!
Love this idea! We decided outdoors in the South in July was not the best idea, but I am super jealous of these gorgeous photos! We’ll be having a very low-key reception too. Making floral arrangements ourselves including Farmer’s Market blooms, hoping to find perfect picnic-style tablecloths, and encouraging everyone to be relaxed instead of feeling too formal!
@Hannah: What an awesome surprise for your FH!
@Ember: Your reception sounds like it will be amazing!
You’re right, there is DEFINITELY always room for cheesecake!
Also, I so love your reception. This is the type of feel I hope to create at my own.
My reception was similar to yours. We got married at a lodge in a canyon in the Rocky Mountains. The whole day was pretty lax. There was nothing planned for the reception other than lawn games, informal cake cutting, and my husbands fraternity singing their love song to me. It was absolutely perfect.
Your wedding looks absolutely amazing and you looking very beautiful.
Your reception looks wonderful. And food cart Mexican – yum!
This looks so lovely, Earrings! I would have loved to have been there!
Mrs. Earrings, Fresno, CA/ Nelson, New Zealand Age and Occupation: 20, Student, Wannabe Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 19, Photography Student Engagement Date: February 14, 2010 Wedding Date: January 2011 Venue: Gardens of the World About Me: I'm a girl from down under who grew up in Indonesia and I'm marrying a California boy. I'm addicted to all things sweet, have never met a chocolate silk pie than can get the better of me, and have dreams of one day being a fulltime novelist. I go weak in the knees for lace, tea cups, and a beautifully crafted sentence. When I get excited about something (whether it is historical linguistics or the Beatles) I tend to go overboard in research, and planning this wedding is no different. Mr. Earrings is my high school sweetheart, my best friend, and somehow we combine all our quirks into one big happy mess.
Latest Gallery Pics