An intimate rustic fall outdoor wedding

The Offbeat Bride: Sandra-Lee, Photographer

Her offbeat partner: Conrad, Lighting Technician

Date and location of wedding: Strawberry Hill Inn, Little Rapids, Newfoundland, Canada — October 8, 2013

Our offbeat wedding at a glance: We knew exactly what we wanted: small, offbeat, intimate, and fun. We had two years between the proposal and the actual wedding, so during that time I handmade all of the bunting flags, the fabric backdrop, and signs. Things I couldn't make, we thrifted or bought at yard sales/antique stores. The mens' and families' boutonnieres were also handmade, with a little cursing and hot glue. The ladies' bouquets were picked up at the local supermarket. I went with the bulk filler flowers for a wildflower look, and tied them together with twine and floral tape.

On the morning of our wedding, we woke up together, ate breakfast, ran errands, and as our bridal party arrived, we went to our separate parts of the chalet and got our duds in order. The ceremony was followed by our first dance right there on the altar, and everyone then made their way to the main chalet for poutine and drinking!

Shortly after the ceremony, it started to absolutely pour. Our photographers and bridal party were troopers right until the end. They were covered head to toe in mud, and were still smiling in all the photos.

Tell us about the ceremony:
Our officiant really helped make our ceremony beautiful. We created a ceremony from bits and bobs from around the internet, poetry, stories, and our hearts. Our friends Victoria and Megan (alongside Megan's 11-month-old daughter, Olivia), read Edward Moulton's “A Lovely Love Story” and my grandmother blessed us with an Irish blessing.

Our biggest challenge:
The biggest challenge was explaining that we weren't doing the type of wedding that is the norm around here: ceremony, followed by a five-hour break, then a formal reception with supper and dancing, usually in the hometown of the bride or groom.

We're both from the east coast/central portion of Newfoundland, but decided on a “destination” Newfoundland wedding, in the stunning area of Humber Valley on the West Coast. To make things more difficult, we decided on a Tuesday in October — not exactly prime time for people to have holidays off of work. There were complaints, but we stuck to our guns, and these challenges really helped to skim down the guest list.

My favorite moment:
Waking up next to Conrad knowing that it was the morning of the day we'd finally become husband and wife was a really amazing feeling. I'm so happy we decided to buck the tradition of not seeing each other the night before/day of.

Next to that, it would be walking down the aisle with my father to “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes. I had imagined that moment over and over in my head, but the music fit the moment and created the perfect vortex of emotions… meaning I walked down the aisle crying like a banshee.

What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding?
Do what makes you happy. Be true to yourselves. You're obviously doing something right if you're reading Offbeat Bride, but really… be true to yourself. This is hopefully a marriage to last the ages, and wouldn't you rather look back and remember the fun you had rather than the stress? At the end of the day, you're in love, you're happy, and you had FUN!

Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?

• Photography: Tyler and Katie Branch
• Dress: Grace Loves Lace
• Baby's breath hair piece: Hazel Faire
• Flower hair piece: Beau XOXO
• Dried flowers: Superior Craft Supply
• Cake topper: 100 Original
• Garter: Effie & Lo

Enough talk — show me the wedding inspo!