Gabrielle + Thomas | At-Home Wedding

When a violinist and opera singer get together, love is bound to be composed. Gabrielle, 28, and Thomas, 30, of St. Louis Park, met while pursuing their Master’s Degrees at Rice University. On August 30, 2020, they wed in a romantic summer backyard wedding at Thomas’ parent’s home. 

Thomas popped the question with Gabrielle’s parents, sister, brother, and friends in attendance. She was shocked as what was supposed to be a promise ring turned out to be a full-on engagement proposal. They began planning their dream wedding which was soon to be altered due to Covid “We were originally supposed to wed at the Orchestra Hall, but Covid. Then the backyard idea hit us and we were like ‘duh!’ ” says the bride. 

Planning a Summer Backyard Wedding

So with 40 people and their pup, Pepper, in attendance, the couple held a summer backyard wedding that had both traditional and modern elements that the bride describes as “personal, soft, and classic”. The color scheme consisted of pinks and blues with floral and DIY decor that played up the garden feel. 

Gabrielle walked down the aisle in a ball gown adorned with floral applique from top to bottom and a plunging neckline from Winnie Couture in Houston. She says it was the “first shop – third dress. I just started sobbing!” and that’s how she knew it was the one! The bridesmaids were given a range of colors to choose from for their outfits and resulted in a fun array of colors and textures. The groomsmen wore sleek dark blue pants with white button-ups and floral-printed ties.

The couple incorporated sentimental elements including the bride’s grandparents’ prayer cards and her abuela’s earrings. “We also had other family photos from weddings on display with pictures of people who couldn’t come due to Covid,” Gabrielle says. They went non-traditional with their unity ceremony by placing items into a time capsule instead. 

Supporting local businesses throughout their wedding day was very important to the couple with the party favors being from a local salt business, and picnic-style catering coming from Common Roots Cafe including “Sandwiches with mini cheese plates, foie gras, and meats,” Gabrielle describes. 

Though their summer backyard wedding was a diversion from their original plans, the day was intimate, fun, and dreamy. The bride’s advice for couples currently planning is “Love, listen, and laugh with your partner the whole process.” As for honeymoon plans, Gabrielle says that things are on hold. “This year was already quite the adventure being stuck together!” This is something we can all relate to for sure!

Vendors Cont.  — Videography: Summit Hill Studios | Hair Pieces: Twigs & Honey | Bridal Jacket: The Mermaid Effect | Rings: Manly Bands & Tiffany & Co. | Favors: Side Hustle Salt | Musicians:  Emilia Mettenbrink on Violin and Jared Waln on Guitar

Be sure to check out more modern formal wedding inspo on the Real Weddings page!