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The offbeat bride: Laura, Environmental Educator
Her offbeat partner: Martijn, Park Ranger
Date and location of wedding: Yosemite National Park, CA — June 25, 2011
Our offbeat wedding at a glance: As a couple who has formed careers around conserving wild spaces and caring for the environment, we wanted a wedding that minimized waste and spending. Living in a more remote area (just outside Yosemite National Park), we thought about how we could reuse or upcycle what we have or purchase items that are meant for much more than a one-time use. It was also very important that this wedding strongly reflected who we are as individuals, who we are as a couple, and spotlighted the place that we love and where we fell in love.
Tell us about the ceremony: Our ceremony included three readings. One reading was to acknowledge the place. We both share a love for Yosemite and we wanted to have a time in the ceremony to share with our guests how important it is to us. We also had a reading to acknowledge our family and friends. The third reading was about love and was a perfect transition for us to fully focus on each other. It meant a lot to be able to hear the voices of our loved ones in our wedding ceremony.
Our biggest challenge: Sometimes questioning whether we needed something led to a lot of healthy discussion, but also work and research to make educated decisions that worked for us. Why have white tablecloths, wine glasses, or even real flowers (in a time where wildflowers are not usually abundant locally)? There were times where we thought we couldn't complete all the projects we took on. With the help of friends (and a long winter), we were able to pull it all off, from the home brewed beer to the bridesmaids' pinwheels.
My favorite moment: When we exchanged our rings and said our vows, it felt like we were the only people that existed. What made that even more powerful and meaningful was receiving and hugging each friend and family member right after the ceremony. Our vows were between each other, but strengthened immensely by the loving community that surrounded us.
My funniest moment: Beyond our officiant dancing on the bar without his shirt on, one of the funniest and most meaningful moments in our wedding came when one of the bridesmaids surprised us with a rap she had written for us. As a person who has known us since we met, it was very touching, but also reminded Martijn and I of all the funny moments that have brought us together as a couple.
My advice for offbeat brides: Sit with your fiance and write down what matters to you in the beginning, so that if you feel lost part way through, you can look at it to help guide your decisions. Knowing what matters to you will help you decide how to spend your money, when to compromise, and when to stand your ground.
What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding? After any big life event, take some time to relax! We were so happy that we decided to leave for our honeymoon a couple days after the wedding. Planning the wedding was stressful and we were glad that we had this time to connect. Taking time away to spend with each other is an important lesson that we'll take with us through life.
Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?
- Photography: Ryan Cook
- Dress: Unique Vintage
- Rings: Etsy seller BethCyr
- Jewelry: Etsy seller MostlySweet by LothLorien Stewart
Enough talk — show me the wedding inspo!
dresses: Unique Vintage
About the Author: Offbeat Weditors
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What a gorgeous setting for the wedding. I also love the hanging parasols in the decor. Congratulations!
Yippee! I almost bought the same dress from Unique Vintage! I ended up getting one from Etsy, but I always wondered how the UV one would look in real life. I also love the plaid shirts!
Wow. I have to ask about the location: can *anyone* get married there, or did Martijn’s park-ranger status open some doors not available to the public?
I believe anyone can get married in Yosemite.
http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/weddings.htm
Yep, anyone can be married here, but you do have to seek permission. We worked with the park concessionaire and the park service to have our wedding in an approved location. You need to get a special use permit by the National Park Service for a wedding and they have guidelines according to numbers of guests and such for different places. Park service in Yosemite is the above link and the concessionaire is http://yosemitepark.com/MeetingsEvents_Weddings.aspx.
This is so beautiful! Congratulations on a wedding that is so reflective of who you are.
(And I love that Patagonia dress the bridesmaids wore!)
Wow! How gorgeous & personal! I love the different colors of tablecloths – makes it more festive.
Thanks! The tablecloths were a mix of what was in a box at our community hall (you never know what you’ll find in the closet, haha) and borrowed from our local CSA that catered our rehearsal dinner. We were lucky that she had collected so many fun colors.
I seriously love everything about this wedding! Can you tell me more about the beautiful bouquets? Did you make them yourself? If you did, did you use a tutorial? If not, where did you buy them?
Thank you! I did make the flower bouquets myself with a couple friends. I didn’t use a specific tutorial, but more so played around with the cloth and wire. Stiffer thin cotton fabric was the easiest to work with. I cut the fabric into squares and then made petal like lobes the way you would when you fold and cut a paper snowflake. I put a piece of wire through the middle of the fabric so it would go through the button hole and then back down through the other button hole and center of the fabric. I kept some fabric pinched beneath the button and wrapped tightly around the pinched piece with the wire. I then used some floral tape to hide the bare wire (along with some old white tissue paper around the house).
Beautiful! Out of curiosity, what was your plan in case of rain?
Hello! I am getting married in Yosemite in a few months and using the same venue for our reception. I used to work in Yosemite and actually recognize you two. Anyway, really curious to know if you have any tips for us, specifically on the reception venue… what is available etc. If you are able, I’d love some tips!