Kelly & Dylan’s Intimate Backyard Wedding in Grayslake, Illinois
Kelly and Dylan’s wedding felt like the kind of party you don’t want to leave. Hosted at Kelly’s family home in Grayslake, their backyard celebration brought together just over sixty of their closest friends and family for a day that felt easy, expressive, and fully theirs.
From the start, Kelly and Dylan were clear: this wasn’t about tradition for tradition’s sake. They wanted a wedding that felt like them—music playing, drinks flowing, people hanging out, and plenty of time to just be together. No stiff timelines. No forced moments. Just a really good day with their people.
A Ceremony Focused on Family
The ceremony took place on the lawn of the Yoder residence in the late afternoon, surrounded by familiar faces in a setting that already held meaning. Kelly walked down the aisle with her dad, Mark, to Little Wonders by Rob Thomas. Dylan entered with his mom, Lisa, followed by family and friends who made up the processional.
Dylan’s cousin, Olivia, officiated the ceremony, and the couple’s vows felt personal and sincere. Overall, the ceremony felt less formal, more conversational—exactly in line with the couple’s approach to the day.
Cocktail Hour, With a Twist
Once the ceremony wrapped, guests moved straight into cocktail hour—and this is where the day really showed its personality. Drinks were served from the Happy Trailer Co. bar, snacks were passed, and conversations picked up right where they left off.
And then there were the tattoos.
Yes, actual tattoos.
A live tattoo station run by Brian Esparza became an instant hit, with guests lining up for fresh ink and walking away with a permanent reminder of the day.
Add in a cigarette bar, a laid-back crowd, and a retro rock ’n roll playlist, and the vibe was clear: this wedding was about fun, freedom, and doing things their own way.
Dinner Under the Tent
Dinner took place beneath a tent by AAA Tent Masters, where jewel-toned florals by Cou Cou Studios added depth against a black-and-white dance floor and warm bistro lighting. The setup felt elevated without feeling formal—created for movement, conversation, and an easy transition from dinner to dancing.
Catered by family friend Alan Lake of Jazz Food, the meal was served buffet-style. Dinner was quick to get people settled in and ready to stay awhile.
Dancing, Late-Night Snacks, and a Bonfire Finish
As the sun went down, DJ Wrek kept the dance floor full while guests drifted in and out—dancing, chatting, grabbing drinks, and eventually heading outside to the bonfire. S’mores, hot dogs, and late-night laughs carried the celebration well into the evening.
There was no big send-off or formal ending. Just people lingering, talking, and soaking it all in. Exactly the way Kelly and Dylan wanted it.
Why We Loved Planning With Kelly & Dylan
Kelly and Dylan trusted themselves throughout the planning process. They prioritized experience over expectation and focused on what would feel good for them and their guests. As a Chicago wedding planner, it’s always a privilege to support couples who lead with clarity and create days that reflect their real lives.
This is what an heirloom event feels like: thoughtful, expressive, and remembered for how it felt to be there.
Vendor Team
Lead Planner: Haylie Scherr, Heirloom Event Company
Signage: Becca Wyant
Photographer: Jungle Branch
Florals: Cou Cou Studios
Tent & Rentals: AAA Tent Masters
Catering: Jazz Food, Alan Lake
Bar: Happy Trailer Co.
DJ: DJ Wrek, Turntable Manners
Tattoo Station: Brian Esparza
Planning a wedding that’s personal, a little unconventional, and actually fun? We’d love to help you bring it to life.