If you’ve ever dreamed of an intimate, cozy, and completely magical fall wedding—this is the inspiration you’ve been waiting for. Morgan and Nick’s backyard wedding in Stow, Massachusetts was the perfect blend of handcrafted details, personal touches, and natural autumn beauty. This wedding not only celebrated their love but also highlighted how meaningful a DIY fall backyard wedding can be when it’s infused with intention, heart, and a whole lot of creativity.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through all the dreamy moments from their day—from the handmade wedding décor to the bohemian bride look, and give you all the ideas you need to plan your own autumn-inspired wedding in a backyard setting.
A Love Story Years in the Making
Before we dive into all the DIY details and fall wedding magic, let’s talk about this couple. Morgan and Nick had been friends with their photographer (that’s me!) for years through Instagram. The moment Morgan got engaged, she reached out and booked her wedding session the same night—talk about meant to be!
We first met in person during their Oregon engagement shoot, and immediately hit it off. It felt like connecting with a soul sister. So getting to photograph their wedding day felt more like attending the celebration of a close friend than working an event. Their energy, their authenticity, and their love for one another set the tone for the most emotional and unforgettable backyard wedding I’ve ever had the honor of documenting.
The Perfect Setting: A Backyard Wedding in Stow, MA
Stow, Massachusetts provided the perfect fall backdrop for this stunning wedding. The ceremony took place on Nick’s family property, right under an old-growth tree that looked like it belonged in a fairy tale. Surrounded by vibrant fall foliage, this was more than just a wedding venue—it was a sentimental, personal, and deeply meaningful space for the couple.
Hosting their ceremony at home created a level of intimacy that can’t be replicated at traditional venues. Family and friends gathered under the open sky, wrapped in the warm tones of New England fall, to celebrate Morgan and Nick’s union in a space filled with history, love, and stories.
Handcrafted Beauty: A DIY Wedding Done Right
One of the most awe-inspiring elements of Morgan and Nick’s big day? Nearly every detail was handcrafted by the bride herself.
Morgan is the ultimate DIY queen. She created nearly all of the wedding decor, pulling together every piece with the help of friends and family. From hand-painted signs and table centerpieces to vintage-inspired macrame and florals, every detail had meaning. This wasn’t just a Pinterest board come to life—it was a living, breathing expression of their personalities and relationship.
Morgan even runs her own Etsy shop, The Copper Knots, where she sells boho-inspired vintage and handmade wedding goods. Her personal style—earthy, whimsical, and a touch rustic—was reflected throughout the wedding. If you’re into modern bohemian vibes with a vintage twist, you’ll be absolutely obsessed with her aesthetic.
The Emotional First Look on the Porch
The day began with an intimate and emotional first look between Morgan and Nick on the porch of the family home. It was quiet, sacred, and beautiful.
Morgan wore a flowy, bohemian lace gown with ethereal sleeves that billowed in the breeze. Her burnt-orange hair was styled in soft waves, topped with a flower crown that perfectly complemented the fall palette. Nick wore a classic white button-up shirt, paired with a tweed vest, keeping the look timeless and rustic. The simple styling allowed Morgan’s outfit (and their emotional connection) to truly shine.
This moment set the tone for the rest of the day—personal, heartfelt, and full of joyful tears.
Ceremony Beneath the Trees
Morgan and Nick said “I do” beneath the most enchanting canopy of trees in the backyard, right where the autumn leaves were at their peak. The ceremony décor was simple yet soulful—rugs along the aisle, wildflower arrangements beside each row, and a minimal floral installation framing the altar space. It was elegant without being excessive.
During the ceremony, Morgan and Nick lit a unity candle, a symbolic gesture of their shared journey ahead. Their vows were full of depth, tenderness, and just the right touch of humor, bringing more than a few guests (and their photographer!) to tears.
Rustic DIY Decor Ideas That Will Inspire Any Fall Wedding
Here are some of our favorite DIY ideas from Morgan and Nick’s wedding that you can absolutely recreate for your own fall backyard celebration:
1. Handcrafted Signage
From the welcome sign to the seating chart and bar menu, every piece of signage was handmade. Use reclaimed wood and white paint for a rustic chic vibe.
2. Boho Macrame Installations
Morgan’s own macrame art added texture and charm to the ceremony and reception spaces. These statement pieces work beautifully on archways or behind the sweetheart table.
3. Seasonal Florals & Foraged Greenery
They used a mix of locally foraged fall greenery, dried florals, and fresh wildflowers to create arrangements that felt natural and perfectly seasonal.
4. Vintage Rugs and Textiles
Layering rugs down the ceremony aisle added a cozy and eclectic touch that made the space feel inviting.
5. DIY Candle Holders & Lanterns
The couple used glass jars, copper lanterns, and vintage candle holders to line the ceremony aisle and reception tables. These added soft, romantic lighting as the sun set.
6. Personalized Touches at Every Table
Each table had handmade place cards and small tokens for guests, such as pressed leaf bookmarks and mini jars of local honey.
Golden Hour Wedding Portraits in the Forest
After the ceremony, we headed into the surrounding woods for portraits. The light was golden, the leaves were fire-colored, and the love between Morgan and Nick was absolutely radiant.
One of the standout moments? The drone photos. Yes, you read that right—we took a few drone shots of the couple laying across a sage green vintage Mustang that belonged to Nick’s dad. The rich green of the car against the warm fall tones of the trees created the most cinematic shots of the day.
Morgan looked like a woodland goddess—barefoot, glowing, and full of joy. Their wedding portraits are some of the most romantic, natural, and emotional I’ve ever captured.
Intimate Backyard Reception With a Cozy, Communal Feel
Instead of a traditional reception hall, Morgan and Nick created a cozy backyard party vibe. There were string lights zig-zagged between trees, long farm-style tables set for dinner, and soft music playing in the background. Guests sat on benches, toasted with mulled cider, and snuggled under blankets as the evening cooled.
The meal was served family-style, adding to the communal and intimate atmosphere. A local catering team served seasonal favorites—think roasted veggies, squash soup, and apple cider cocktails.
Dessert? A handmade cake made by Morgan’s childhood friend and a table filled with homemade pies and treats baked by relatives. There was even a DIY s’mores station by the fire pit.
What Made This DIY Fall Wedding Truly Special
At the end of the day, it wasn’t the aesthetic that made this backyard wedding extraordinary—it was the heart behind it.
Every element of this wedding—from the candlelit ceremony under the trees to the hand-stitched banners hanging over the dance floor—was created with care and love. The entire event was a testament to what’s possible when a couple pours themselves into their day and invites their closest community to be part of the process.
Morgan and Nick’s wedding reminds us that you don’t need a massive venue or a six-figure budget to have a breathtaking wedding. What you need is connection, creativity, and a clear vision of what matters most.
Planning Your Own DIY Backyard Fall Wedding: Tips & Takeaways
Inspired to plan your own intimate backyard wedding this fall? Here are some pro tips and lessons learned from Morgan and Nick’s big day:
1. Start With the Space You Love Most
Choose a backyard or outdoor space that holds meaning. Whether it’s your parents’ home, your future in-laws’ land, or even a public park with fall views—it should feel like you.
2. Get Clear on Your DIY Limits
It’s tempting to do everything yourself, but know where to draw the line. Morgan was able to create so much because she had a support system and a clear vision. Don’t be afraid to outsource pieces that will cause stress.
3. Plan for the Weather
Fall weddings can be unpredictable. Have cozy blankets ready, a fire pit nearby, and a tent option if rain sneaks in.
4. Keep the Guest List Intimate
Backyard weddings thrive on intimacy. Keep the list small so you can truly enjoy your time with each guest.
5. Use the Season to Your Advantage
Lean into what fall offers—use natural foliage, incorporate seasonal foods, and embrace the color palette of autumn in your decor and wardrobe.
Final Thoughts: Why DIY Fall Backyard Weddings Are So Magical
Morgan and Nick’s wedding was more than a celebration—it was a reflection of their journey, their values, and the love that surrounds them. DIY fall backyard weddings are incredibly special because they’re created from the ground up, infused with your personality, and focused on what truly matters: the people and the love at the center of it all.
If you’re dreaming of a fall wedding that feels cozy, intentional, and personal, let this be your sign: it’s 100% possible, and it will be one of the best decisions of your life.
Loved this fall wedding inspiration?
Check out our guide to How to Elope in Oregon in the Fall for more earthy, seasonal ideas! And don’t miss Abby + Gil’s Romantic Redwoods Elopement for even more forest-filled fall wedding magic.