Love in Full Bloom: Lyly Mitchell-Teoh and Ben Teoh’s backyard wedding

When the time came to plan the wedding, they knew the place would mean as much as the people. “We wanted to start our marriage with as much love and comfort as possible,” says Mitchell. “That’s why we chose my grandparents’ backyard—a place full of childhood memories and family gatherings.” With Mitchell’s mother, Monica Alvarez Mitchell, as their wedding planner, the couple transformed the familiar backyard into a lively and unforgettable celebration. “It was like the perfect summer day,” Mitchell describes—a mix of street fair fun and family reunion.

“Food trucks, street stalls, all of it—it’s our favourite way to spend a summer day,” they explain. From wood-fired pizza, a nod to Mitchell’s family’s first years in Staten Island, to lamb, a dish Teoh’s family reserves for special gatherings, the couple shared bits of their lives with their guests. “We wanted them to experience us as a couple, our history and quirks,” Mitchell says. Meals were served family-style, echoing the way their families had always gathered around the table, a gesture that made the day feel like “one big family feast.”

“One of the biggest surprises was the live performance by the Black Eyed Peas,” Mitchell adds. The couple wanted to give everyone a moment they’d never forget. The dance floor was filled with friends and family who’d flown in from around the world to be there. It felt like time stopped for both Mitchell and Teoh for a few minutes. “It was intimate and small,” they say. “Absolutely perfect.”

Walking down the aisle barefoot, Mitchell brought a touch of her childhood into the ceremony. “I used to run around barefoot in that yard with my cousins,” she says, “so it felt right.” They even kept away from the pool since Teoh had a gauche accident there once. Their choices reflected a wedding built on the details they held closest to heart.

In honour of their engagement, a flower cart filled with blooms awaited guests, a symbol of the love that had blossomed. Inspired by Mitchell’s love of astrology, a gem cart allowed everyone to take home “good vibes and energy”. Their ceremony music had a personal touch—a string quartet played Teoh’s favourite pieces, filling the air with gentle melodies as the couple exchanged their vows. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen, adding warmth and meaning to the ceremony.

Related: Inside the wedding of Laureen Uy and Miggy Cruz

Looking back, both bride and groom share a piece of advice for other couples: “Think of your wedding as an introduction to the world as partners. We wanted everyone to feel the love, laughter and warmth that has defined us.” They add, “We went into wedding planning thinking, ‘This day is for everyone; our marriage is for us.’ That simple idea made it all fall into place.”

The night concluded with laughter and dancing—a finale that felt less like an ending and more like a beginning. Mitchell and Teoh were grateful; it was precisely the day they had hoped for: filled with love, joy and the people who mean everything to them, creating the “most surreal and incredible moment” of their lives.

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