There’s something incredibly special about a backyard wedding—especially when it's full of family, love, and the kind of meaningful moments that stay with you forever. On May 3, 2025, I had the joy of coordinating Avery & Steven’s stunning backyard wedding in Alexandria, LA, and it was truly one for the books.
A Family-Transformed Wedding Space
Avery and Steven’s family went above and beyond to turn a simple backyard into a magical wedding venue right in the heart of Alexandria. Every detail—from handcrafted decorations to thoughtfully arranged florals—was a testament to their love and creativity. The result? A warm, welcoming, and enchanting space that felt both personal and unforgettable.
As an Alexandria, LA wedding coordinator, I’ve worked in a variety of venues, but there's something extra meaningful about seeing a family transform a familiar space into something extraordinary for such a big day.
A Moment That Took My Breath Away
One of the most touching moments of the day happened just before the ceremony. Behind the curtain, it was just Avery and her dad—quietly soaking in the moment. I’ll never forget the way she glowed, holding back happy tears, ready to walk down the aisle and step into this beautiful new chapter of life. It was simple, emotional, and absolutely perfect.
A Team Effort Behind the Scenes
My assistant coordinator, Hannah, and I were honored to help bring Avery and Steven’s vision to life. We assisted with everything from arranging flowers on guest tables to flipping the ceremony space into a reception area, to queuing the processional music for grandparents, parents, the bridal party—and of course, the bride.
We also coordinated closely with each vendor to ensure every moment unfolded smoothly. From small, behind-the-scenes adjustments to last-minute touch-ups, our goal was to make sure the bride, groom, and all VIPs were stress-free and completely present for the celebration.
Can We Talk About the Dogs?
One of my absolute favorite parts? Their two sweet dogs as the ring bearers! They were so well-behaved and brought the perfect touch of charm and personality to the ceremony. Guests (and let’s be honest, we coordinators too) couldn’t stop smiling.
Kind Words from the Couple
“Hanna went above and beyond to execute our dream wedding! She made the whole process feel easy and stress free. The value her and her team bring throughout the wedding process is priceless. Highly recommend for any event!” - Steven, The Groom
“Hanna was the BEST to work with. We brought her in for day-of coordination a couple months out from our wedding and I could not have done it without her. She made my vision come to life and went above and beyond in every way possible! She has loads of experience and was ready for any situation. She kept me sane and I loved working with her. I could not have imagined not having her there!” - Avery, The Bride
"Hanna, a pleasure to meet you! Thank you for your impeccable coordination and flawless execution in helping my daughter (and Steven) achieve her dream wedding…and for keeping everyone relaxed in the process. You are a God-send and I’m very thankful for your presence and expertise!" - Jennifer, Mother of the Bride
Planning a Wedding in Alexandria, LA?
Avery and Steven’s wedding was a beautiful reminder of what matters most: love, family, and the little moments in between. Whether it’s a backyard transformed into a dreamy venue or the quiet seconds shared behind a curtain before walking down the aisle, these are the memories that make a wedding unforgettable.
Being a part of their day in Alexandria, LA was such an honor, and it’s celebrations like this that remind me why I love what I do. From the joy on their faces to the wagging tails of their four-legged ring bearers, this day was pure magic from beginning to end.
A Huge Shoutout to the Team of Vendors
This celebration truly wouldn’t have been the same without this amazing lineup of talented vendors. Each one brought their A-game and helped make the day absolutely unforgettable:
- The Groom’s Parents and Friends: They did an impeccable job of transforming the backyard into a beautiful wedding location. Every detail was touched with love, care, and creativity. The time and effort they poured into the space truly made it feel magical.
- Angela Flack Photography: Angie flew in all the way from Michigan (the bride’s home state!) and completely knocked it out of the park. As a close friend of the bride’s family, she captured every joyful moment with such care and creativity. The photos are not just beautiful—they're full of heart.
- ELE Studios (Ellie Jeansonne): Not only is Ellis the groom’s brother, but he's also a seriously talented DJ! He kept the party going all night with the perfect playlist.
- Southern Creations: Their food is always a crowd-pleaser, and this wedding was no exception.
- Jack’s Drinks: The bar was stocked and the wine was flowing, thanks to Jack’s!
- Harlow’s Bakery: This cake was a total showstopper—gorgeous to look at and just as amazing to eat.
- A Rental Gallery: From tables and chairs to all the little details in between, A Rental Gallery helped bring the entire setup together seamlessly. Everything looked incredible.
- Hair by Heather Powers of Lush Salon & Spa: Heather worked her magic and made sure everyone looked effortlessly stunning.
- Makeup by Taylor Boyd Beauty: She gave the bridal party that flawless, glowing look that lasted all day (and night!).
Planning a Wedding in Central Louisiana?
Check out our Central Louisiana Wedding Planning & Vendor Guide — a 65+ page digital resource filled with checklists, expert tips, and trusted vendors serving Alexandria and surrounding areas.
- Purchase the Guide - use coupon code M7DG3RJVQ2 for 25% off
Looking for a Wedding Coordinator?
Let Gatherings by HB handle the details so you can relax and enjoy your day. Every package includes Hanna and an assistant, timeline creation, vendor coordination, and our fully stocked emergency kit.