Tuscan-Inspired “I Do BBQ” Backyard Wedding Reception in Rochester, NY
Backyard wedding receptions have a certain magic to them. They’re intimate. Personal. Comfortable. Full of familiar memories.
But just because you’re hosting at home doesn’t mean it can’t feel elevated, intentional, and chic.
For this Rochester couple, the goal was clear: they were getting married overseas, but not all of their family and friends could travel to celebrate with them. So they wanted to host a backyard wedding reception in Rochester, NY that felt meaningful, stylish, and unforgettable — without the price tag of a full second wedding.
Enter: the “I Do BBQ.” And not your average backyard barbecue.
This was Tuscan-inspired, citrus-soaked, candlelit, glow-stick-on-the-driveway magic — an elevated backyard wedding reception that proved casual can still feel completely refined.
An Elevated Backyard Wedding Reception In Rochester
The celebration took place at a family home in Rochester, NY, transforming a private backyard into a fully styled wedding reception space.
Under the tent, we designed five guest seating tables and two dedicated buffet tables, creating a backyard wedding reception layout that felt intimate but still allowed guests to move freely. The bar was stationed near the patio for seamless flow, and up on the driveway we carved out a separate dance and activity zone to keep the energy flowing and the space feeling layered.
A Dramatic “I Do BBQ” Welcome Entrance
The welcome area was nothing short of a moment, and easily one of the most dramatic wedding reception entrances we’ve ever created.
A bold “I Do BBQ” sign hung from a sleek black frame tied with soft yellow ribbon, while a custom decal featuring the couple’s last name made a statement on a white pedestal. Citrus-filled baskets spilled onto the driveway, layered with florals and texture that instantly set the Tuscan upscale BBQ tone.
It was warm. Playful. Elevated. And completely unexpected for a backyard wedding reception in Rochester.
From the first step in, guests knew this “I Do BBQ” wasn’t just burgers on a grill.
Tuscan-Inspired Tablescapes With Citrus And Florals
One of the defining design moments of this Rochester backyard wedding reception was the tablescape.
Instead of traditional centerpieces alone, each table featured:
a framed engagement photo of the couple
fresh lemons and oranges for that Mediterranean warmth
lush florals by Sungrove Blossoms
linen napkins at each place setting
The citrus added texture and vibrant color, while the engagement photos made each table deeply personal. The combination struck that perfect balance of elevated and relaxed — exactly what you want for an elevated backyard wedding reception.
(And yes — each setting included an “I Do” wet wipe for post-BBQ cleanup. Because practical can still be chic.)
All rentals — including tables, chairs, linens, napkins, and the tent — were provided by McCarthy Events, giving us the foundation to transform this Rochester backyard into a fully styled wedding reception venue.
Rochester Wedding Catering With Bold BBQ Flavor
An “I Do BBQ” wedding reception calls for iconic local flavor.
Catering was provided by Dinosaur Bar-B-Que – Rochester, delivering bold, crowd-pleasing dishes that kept the celebration relaxed but deliciously elevated.
The bar was handled by Seared & Saccharum, ensuring cocktails were crafted and presented beautifully — adding a refined layer to the backyard wedding atmosphere.
For dessert, guests enjoyed individual apple pies from Leo’s Bakery & Deli — displayed at the photo backdrop before being cut for photos. It was the perfect nod to classic comfort, fitting seamlessly into the upscale BBQ theme.
When planning a backyard wedding reception in Rochester, working with trusted local wedding vendors ensures both quality and ease.
Personal Storytelling Woven Into The Design
This Rochester backyard wedding reception wasn’t just about décor — it was about connection.
We created:
a “his, her, and their story” board detailing their individual journeys and shared love story
an activity table complete with a card box, dessert display, chalk, yellow and brown bubbles, glow sticks, and coloring pages for kids
a soft fabric photo backdrop with vinyl decal for photos and their apple pie cutting moment
As the sun set, the driveway dance floor came alive with glow sticks and laughter — a joyful, layered celebration that felt completely authentic to the couple.
It felt like family. It felt intentional. It felt like them.
This is what we love most about backyard wedding receptions in Rochester: they allow space for personality, storytelling, and meaningful details that larger wedding venues sometimes can’t replicate.
“backyard doesn’t mean it can’t feel like a destination”
Backyard Wedding Receptions In Rochester Are Trending
More and more couples in Rochester, NY are choosing backyard wedding receptions for their flexibility, intimacy, and cost control.
This Tuscan-inspired “I Do BBQ” proves that with the right vision and execution, a backyard wedding reception can feel relaxed while still delivering class, cohesion, and wow-factor moments.
And yes — we handled it all. With thoughtful design, layered details, strong zoning, and the right vendor team, this backyard Rochester wedding felt every bit as polished as a traditional venue celebration — and even more meaningful.
Planning A Backyard Wedding In Rochester, NY?
If you’re dreaming of a backyard wedding reception in Rochester, NY that feels chic, cohesive, and completely you, we’d love to help.
From full-service planning to design and execution, we transform backyards into beautifully styled wedding celebrations — without sacrificing ease or elegance.
Let us help you bring your wedding dreams to life. Book a vision call today.
