An Intriguing Backyard Farm Wedding Day

Backyard farm weddings always manage to top my list of “favorite days ever”. And if you’ve hung around here for more than a hot second, you already know we’re big fans of ditching tradition when it doesn’t feel like you. I will always cheer for the couple who breaks the mold, tears up the timeline, and says “nah” to cookie-cutter anything. Because at the end of the day, it’s your wedding—not a Pinterest board or your Aunt Susan’s fantasy from 1993.

So, when Lauren + James invited us to photograph their backyard farm wedding at the hilariously named and impossibly sweet Fluffy Butt Farm, we knew this day was going to be something special. Spoiler alert: it absolutely was.

A Family Farm with History—and Chickens

Let’s talk about this venue. Nestled in Edgewood, Washington, Fluffy Butt Farm is the kind of place that oozes family, love, and a little bit of chaos in the best possible way. Lauren’s parents moved onto the property a few years back, and it’s since become a gathering place for weddings, celebrations, and yes—backyard chickens with personalities big enough to inspire the farm’s unforgettable name.

Fun fact: Lauren’s siblings also got married here, so hosting her own wedding at the family farm wasn’t just convenient, it was meant to be. With a giant white tent, a tiny dance floor, and lush greenery doing its thing all around us, the setting didn’t need much else. Nature really stepped in as the unofficial florist and decorator. (10/10 would recommend.)

Slushy Bars, Early Ceremonies & Piñata Finales

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “But isn’t a backyard wedding, like, super casual?” Listen. Backyard doesn’t mean boring. In fact, Lauren + James brought their full personalities to the table with some truly fun twists.

First up: The Perfect Pour’s SLUSHY BAR. Yes, you read that right. A full-blown adult slushy bar with two signature flavors—pina colada (my personal fave) and a mysterious red one I wish I could remember. Toss in a candy bar and fresh fruit toppings, and we were all basically living our best summer-camp-dreams-meets-wedding-fantasy. The heat didn’t stand a chance.

And while most weddings tend to lean into that 3:00 or 4:00 pm ceremony sweet spot, Lauren + James went full rebel mode and opted for an 11:30 AM ceremony. Y’all. When she told me, my photographer heart did a happy dance. I know it meant we were rolling out of bed at sunrise, but it was so worth it. We started photos around 8:30 am and wrapped up the party before dinner time—which meant everyone got to dance, celebrate, and still head home in time to kick off their shoes and cozy up with leftovers. Dream timeline? Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

Getting Ready, Shenanigans & a Handcrafted Piñata

Our day started at the Silver Cloud Inn, where I literally met one of Lauren’s bridesmaids in the elevator on my way up. (Hi, Megan!) The getting-ready suite was buzzing with music, hairspray, and the happiest kind of nerves. Lauren had gathered the sweetest, simplest details—true-to-her heirlooms and special touches that made flat lays a joy to photograph.

Meanwhile, Jake was over at the farm capturing groomsmen shenanigans. And let me tell you, when he saw his name had been added to the family message board, he knew he was part of something special. (Cue the happy husband feels.) The guys had a blast roaming the property, snapping photos, and just soaking in the laid-back farm life before the ceremony.

After the vows and a round of slushy bar refills, guests ducked into the shade of the tent to snack, sip, and celebrate. As the afternoon rolled on, Lauren’s dad made one final surprise entrance—with a piñata handmade by Paoula, one of the bridesmaids. The squeals, the candy flying everywhere, the pure joy—it was the perfect final touch to a day that was deeply personal and joyfully imperfect in the very best way.

Backyard Farm Wedding Goals? Achieved.

There’s something magical about a backyard farm wedding that you just can’t replicate at a traditional venue. Maybe it’s the way everything feels more yours—from the chickens clucking in the background to the family-fueled timeline quirks. Or maybe it’s the way the memories feel baked into the land, with each celebration adding a new chapter to its story.

Lauren + James reminded us why we love what we do: because every couple, every wedding, every love story deserves to be told their way.

Whether you’re planning your own backyard farm wedding or just dreaming about breaking the rules and doing things a little differently—know this: we’re here for it. And we’re here for you.

Want to see more backyard wedding inspo? Check out some of our favorite true-to-life weddings over at www.markiejonesweddings.com or follow us on Instagram at @markiejonesphotographyllc.