Category Archive

I was the editor of the now-defunct Offbeat Families, and owner/photographer at Stephanie Kaloi Photography in Portland, OR.
two brides happy alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

A beach-and-boat-house Cape Cod wedding with a canine ring bearer

Amanda and Ilana were wed in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and the pair’s “wicked good” wedding day included roses, a furry ring bearer in the form of the couple’s dog, and a charming hand-painted wooden directions sign. The two traveled by golf cart from their intimate beachside ceremony to the paper lantern and twinkle light covered boat house reception spot, where they were greeted by guests and a tower of chocolate desserts. Remember how Megan thought this photographer’s work looked almost unreal? Wait until you see the final shot of the night — it’s a cinematic explosion of lens flare love!

darth vader photo booth alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Two 501st Legion nerds host a British fête fit for a Sith Lord

Emily and Phil met in 2002 through mutual friends in the UK Garrison, a Star Wars 501st legion group, and have been together ever since. The pair chose to have a wedding that combined all of their favorite things: leopard print, music, and, of course, Star Wars. The bridal party wore leopard-printed dresses to match Emily’s self-designed shoes, and the bride’s floor-length red bridal gown was matched by the groomsmen’s red shirts.

red and black bride details alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

A red and black self-catered wedding with group dances and a bounce house

Michelle and Jose fused black, red, and a playful sense of fun for their wedding at California’s The Secret Garden Lindsay. The pair brought a whole lot of DIY to the day, including Michelle adding a detachable section to her red wedding gown, and even self-catering her reception. The ceremony was presented in both English and Spanish, and the wedding party managed to pile into a bounce house for a handful of unexpected bridal party photos!

first dance game of thrones wedding alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

A Game of Thrones-inspired wedding with a dash of Star Wars, unicorns, and a pet guinea pig

Elise and Dick are big fans of Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Battlestar Galactica. They wove their fandoms into a delightfully geeky tapestry, including decorating in Lannister red and yellow, hanging banners with iconography from the films and TV shows, and using blue and purple dragons as tabletop decor. Elise even donned a knee-length Lannister red wedding gown!