
Most couples book a venue and plan a wedding.
Backyard couples have to plan a wedding and build a venue at the same time.
That's why backyard brides often end up feeling more like event managers than brides.
Every backyard wedding comes down to three things...
The Ground beneath the wedding.
The Groundwork beneath the day.
And the Guidance to help you navigate both.
Because when you have all three, you can build the venue, plan the wedding, and still feel like the bride.
Most couples book a venue and plan a wedding.
Backyard couples have to plan a wedding and build a venue at the same time.
That's why backyard brides often end up feeling more like event managers than brides.
Every backyard wedding comes down to three things...
The Ground beneath the wedding.
The Groundwork beneath the day.
And the Guidance that helps you navigate both.
Because when you have all three, you can build the venue, plan the wedding, and still feel like the bride.

Ground
Assess The Space You're Building In
→ Build the Venue
Groundwork
Lay The Groundwork Beneath The Day
→ Build the Wedding
Guidance
Stay Supported as you navigate both
→ Be the Bride
Ground
Assess The Space You're Building In
→ Build the Venue
Groundwork
Lay The Groundwork Beneath The Day
→ Build the Wedding
Guidance
Stay Supported as you navigate both
→ Be the Bride


Start with the ground beneath it all.
The strongest celebrations are built from the ground up.
Before the flowers.
Before the timeline.
Before the décor.
There is the ground.
Before you can dance under the stars, you need solid ground beneath your feet.
Start there.
Every photo you see here comes from a real backyard wedding.
Real spaces.
Real people.
Real logistics.
When my oldest daughter got engaged, we transformed our backyard into a wedding venue for 180 guests in eight short weeks!
That's when I discovered that backyard brides aren't just planning a wedding. They're building a venue, too.
Today, I help overwhelmed backyard brides navigate both, so they can stay present for what matters most and feel like a bride instead of an event manager.
Here's to celebrating love, your way, under the stars.
I’m in your corner… always.
Every photo you see here comes from a real backyard wedding.
Real spaces.
Real people.
Real logistics.
When my oldest daughter said "yes", we transformed our backyard into a wedding venue for 180 guests in eight short weeks.
That's when I discovered that backyard brides aren't just planning a wedding. They're building a venue, too.
Today, I help overwhelmed backyard brides navigate both, so they can stay present for what matters most and feel like a bride instead of an event manager.
Here's to celebrating love, your way, under the stars.
I’m in your corner… always.
~Kellydawn
~Kellydawn
~Kellydawn
Welcome!
If you're here, chances are you've fallen in love with the idea of a wedding under the stars..
And honestly... I understand why.
Backyard weddings are deeply personal. They allow you to celebrate in a place filled with meaning, surrounded by the people you love most.
But what Pinterest doesn't always show is that you're not simply planning a wedding.
You're creating the space where those moments will unfold.
Most couples book a venue and plan a wedding.
Backyard couples have to plan a wedding and build a venue at the same time.
At first, it feels exciting.
Then the questions start piling up.
Rentals. Layouts. Guest flow. Parking. Power. Timelines. Vendors. Weather plans.
Dozens of decisions no one warned you about.
It's no wonder so many brides feel overwhelmed.
The good news?
You don't have to figure it all out by yourself.
That's exactly why Vows Under the Stars exists.
To give you a Guiding Star as you navigate the process of building your venue, planning your wedding, and staying focused on what matters most.
Because this journey isn't about creating a perfect wedding.
It's about creating a meaningful one.
And still feeling like a bride while you do it.

Aaliana & Ethan
Backyard Bride & Groom, 2025

"Kellydawn, we really want to thank you so much. You've been such a blessing to us, and everyone was amazed at how beautifully everything came together. The yard looked incredible, and the wedding ran so smoothly, that's all thanks to your amazing planning! We honestly can't imagine how things would've turned out if we hadn't met you. Thank you again!"

Leticia
Backyard Bride, 2022

“I didn’t even know how stuck I was until our visit. You helped me break down everything into manageable steps and made me feel like I could actually do this. Thank You for everything."

Kailey & Justin
Backyard Bride & Groom, 2024

"Working with you was such a lifesaver for our backyard wedding! Your layout suggestions completely transformed the space and everything flowed so naturally, and our guests had no trouble navigating the setup. it made the whole day feel more relaxed and seamless. thank you for making such a big difference in how everything came together!"

Tailor & Adam
Backyard Bride & Groom, 2021

"Thank you so much. The Backyard looked absolutely stunning, and the entire day flowed effortlessly. We truly can't imagine how it all would've come together without your help. It was perfect in every way."

Hana & Kolby
Backyard Bride, 2022

“Thank you for absolutely everything! You made our special day so amazing. We appreciate you!.

Karah
Bride, 2022

"Thank you, everyone really enjoyed the games, and the aisle looked beautiful! You made the experience feel personal. Like I had someone who genuinely cared in my corner."

Every backyard wedding comes down to three essentials:
✓ Ground
✓ Groundwork
✓ Guidance
Together, they help you:
✓ Build the Venue
✓ Build the Wedding
✓ Be the Bride
Because your wedding day should be remembered for the moments, not the management.
"Will my space work?"
1:1 coaching
60-minute session
$49
Review your space with experienced eyes. Together we'll evaluate your layout, identify opportunities, and uncover potential challenges before they become problems.
"Will my Plan work?"
1:1 coaching
90-minute session
$97
Bring your ideas and questions. Together, we'll review your plans, identify missing pieces, and help you move forward with confidence as you build your wedding and venue.
Group Coaching
90-minute sessions
Bring your questions.
Get trusted guidance.
Continue building with confidence.
Step Into Nova's Nook A Free, Cozy Community for Backyard Brides

Step Into Nova's Nook
A Free, Cozy Community For Backyard Brides




FAQS
Venues come ready-made. When you choose a traditional venue, much of the infrastructure already exists. When you choose a backyard, you're creating it yourself. That's why backyard weddings aren't just beautiful... they're built. My role is to help you build thoughtfully, both the wedding and the venue, so you can be fully present for what matters most.
The Vows Under the Stars Planning Method is a four-phase framework created specifically for backyard brides. Instead of guessing your way through hundreds of decisions, you'll follow a clear path that helps you build the foundation first, plan with confidence, and stay present throughout the process. You can experience the method through private coaching or inside the Guiding Star Society community.
It depends on your wedding and where you are in the journey. Some brides need a single strategy session to work through a challenge or make an important decision. Others want dedicated help building a timeline that keeps their day flowing smoothly. Many choose the Guiding Star Society because they appreciate having ongoing guidance, a supportive community, and a place to ask questions as they build their wedding and venue together. The goal isn't to have more support than you need. It's to have enough support to plan with confidence and stay focused on what matters most.
That’s Okay! You don’t need to start over. My support is designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re just beginning or finalizing the details. Together, we'll identify what's working, strengthen any weak spots, and create a clear path forward so you can plan with confidence.
That’s the beauty of backyard weddings—they don’t have to be. Backyard weddings aren't about perfection. They're about creating something meaningful in a space that already matters. With thoughtful planning and a little creativity, even an ordinary backyard can become the perfect setting for an unforgettable day.
Not at all. Most of the brides I work with are planning their own weddings. I provide the guidance, planning tools, and support that help you make confident decisions and stay focused on what matters most. Think of me as your backyard wedding coach... and a bonus wedding mom without the drama.
Absolutely! All sessions are virtual, so no matter where you're located, I can guide you through planning both your wedding and the venue you're creating around it. From layout and logistics to timelines and guest experiences, you'll have an experienced guide in your corner every step of the way.
The Starlight Session focuses on problem-solving—lightening the load, clarifying decisions, and cutting through the chaos. A Stellar Sequence session focuses on flow—shaping your timeline, refining the rhythm of your day, and creating harmony between logistics and love.
The Guiding Star Society is one supportive community made up of two types of Circles. You can join a Weekly Circle or a Monthly Circle, depending on the level of support that feels right for you. During each 75 minute session, you'll receive coaching, ask questions, work through challenges, and connect with other brides who are building weddings in their own backyards. Because planning is easier when you don't have to figure it all out alone.
A Circle is a small, supportive group of brides who gather regularly for coaching, conversation, and connection. Whether you meet weekly or monthly, each 75-minute session creates space to learn, share, and grow together. It’s your place to ask questions, find clarity, celebrate progress, and plan your wedding with heart and confidence.
Weekly Circles offer a close-knit rhythm of steady coaching and connection, ideal for brides who love consistent support. Monthly Circles gather once a month for a 75-minute session that allows more space between calls while still keeping you inspired and on track. No matter which you choose, all Circles share the same community space—so you’re never planning alone.
Workshops are optional add ons where we roll up our sleeves and focus on one task together. Examples include building timelines, mapping layouts, or finalizing budgets. They are open to both weekly and monthly circle brides and give you the chance to make real progress alongside your peers.
