1. Real Weddings

A Yellow Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Maple Valley, Washington

Jessica Wallsinger (39, a bartender) and Michael Passig (38, a cement mason) met while Jessica was working and relentlessly pursued her until she agre

Jessica Wallsinger (39, a bartender) and Michael Passig (38, a cement mason) met while Jessica was working and relentlessly pursued her until she agreed to set up a play date for their children to meet. Throughout the summer, the kids would get together and, as a result, Jessica and Michael became much closer. When the New Year came around, Jessica and Michael celebrated the holiday with making their relationship official. For Valentines Day, Michael took Jessica out for dinner and a romantic gondola ride in Seattle, Washington. As Jessica was distracted taking pictures, she turned to Michael and he was down on one knee with a beautiful diamond ring. The couple had their wedding at Michael’s father’s home at the bank of Cedar River, with two acres surrounded by trees. The rustic, country wedding was decorated with wooden elements that Michael built himself, ranging from the dining tables to the bar and even the sweetheart table that had the couple’s initials “M+J” carved into it. Jessica’s favorite flower were ditch daisies, which accented the outdoor venue as well as served as the inspiration for the yellow color palette accented with blue shades. Mason jars were used as vases and candleholders, and handmade pine box centerpieces decorated tables with burlap runners. The dance floor was made with five gallons of gravel and wooden posts that held up string lights, creating a magical space to dance the night away!

Rings on Customized Wedding Rock
The bridal bouquet was a mix of yellow roses and ditch daisies, accented with baby's breath. “My favorite flowers have always been ditch daisies, the ones that grow along the freeway,” says Jessica. “Those were my flowers and the color scheme for the wedding. I added accents of blue for the "something blue" tradition of old days.”
Jessica wore a strapless ivory wedding dress that was accented with a yellow belt.
Wedding programs were printed on white paper with a blue and yellow flower design.
Flower Girl Tossing Petals at Ceremony
Ring Bearer Bringing Rings Down Aisle
Father Walking Bride Down Aisle
“We chose Michael's childhood home, where his father still lives,” says Jessica. “The house sits on 2 acres surrounded by trees and on the bank of the Cedar River. Not only was this exactly the setting we wanted to have for our wedding it was sentimental and was a great savings on our budget.”rn
Couple Holding Hands at Ceremony
Jessica stood with her bridesmaids and daughters who served as the flower girls for the wedding day. The bridesmaids were dressed in a variety of yellow dresses. One flower girl wore a yellow dress and blue belt, while the other wore a blue dress with a yellow belt.
Groom with Groomsmen Wearing Suspenders
“The bridesmaids all chose simple yellow sundresses,” says Jessica. “I wanted each girl to have her own look, and the colors were all in different shades of yellow. The gents had the same slacks and I pulled from the wedding colors of yellow and blue for all the accessories.”
Couple with Daughters and Son
Walking Through Natural Fields in Backyard
"Just Married" Black Circular Water Tubes
Couple Floating in Water on Tubes
Guest Book Board with Initials
“I was inspired first by the idea of using wooden pallets for all the furniture and tables,” says Jessica. “Michael built the tables our food tables, the bar, the arbor, croquet stand, the guest sign in, a lemonade stand, and even the cake table. I sketched everything I pictured it in my mind and he built it!”
Wine and Beer Wooden Signs
Fresh Vegetable Spread at Reception
Fresh Fruit Spread at Reception
“Michael built a special table for the two of us to sit at,” says Jessica. “The front had a heart with our initials M + J in the center, burnt into the wood. It was beautiful, and we sat alone by the riverbank to eat our first meal together as a married couple.”
White daisies and yellow roses filled glass mason jars that served as table centerpieces.
Couple First Dance at Backyard Venue