Grab a microbrew for this lovely & casual fall brewery wedding

Offbeat partner: Megan

Offbeat partner: Christian

Date and location of wedding: Dirtbag Ales, Hope Mills, NC — October 13, 2018

Our offbeat wedding at a glance: We wanted to have a fun party and celebrate us, so we did what we wanted. We fell in love over beer, so that ended up being our inspiration. We had our first look at the bar where we had our first date and a pre-ceremony photo shoot at the beer & wine shop I worked at when we met. I did not want to wear white, so I wore a beautiful navy dress with beading and a navy veil to match. I DIYed/sewed/arranged mostly everything including my veil, the bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, and faux cakes along with the other decor.

Tell us about the ceremony:
The ceremony was at Dirtbag Ales. When the guests arrived, they grabbed either a corsage or boutonniere. I really wanted everyone to feel included in our small, intimate celebration, and this felt like a fun way for us to all match. The guests then grabbed a beer and sat down for the ceremony. It was a quick ceremony, but my husband and I both read personal vows. We both referenced our first conversation online (what really happened to BBC's Sherlock at the end of season two).

We also performed a sand ceremony so that my daughter could be included. My husband has been in her life for years, and we definitely see ourselves as a unit. It meant a lot to her, and I'm glad we were able to do it.

Tell us about the reception:
The reception immediately followed the ceremony. Since the ceremony and reception were in the same space, there was a smooth transition. There was a playground on site so little ones could play. Many of my friends have children, and I think the kids and parents were both excited for them to burn off some energy.

For food, we had my favorite taco truck, Allison's Fast Food, cater. Anyone who knows me knows I love tacos, so it was no surprise that's what we picked for our wedding. With beer and tacos all around, it was a very relaxed and casual reception. At the cake cutting, we used a small cake from the grocery store. A personalized cake was not important to us; we were more interested in tacos and beer. We had a big sheet cake to pass out to the kids.

What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding?
I realized early on that I was too stressed in my daily life to plan anything extravagant. While I love themed weddings, I knew I wasn't up for it. However, I still missed some little things the day of. We forgot extra bobby pins, so my crown was sliding back during the ceremony from the weight of my veil. We forgot the boutonniere pins too, so the groomsmen and guests had to put them in their pockets. But you know what? It. Did. Not. Matter. None of those little details ruined our special day. No wedding goes perfectly, but it will be perfect for you.

For my DIYers: delegate! Yes, they may not do it exactly the way you would have, but no one will care. And it saves you from stressing. I let my mom and her friend pick out the cakes, decorate the altar, and put out all the decor. I am so grateful that I asked for help.

Also, spend money on a good photographer. I was contemplating not getting one since we were planning such a small and casual wedding, but I am so glad I did. My photographer was amazing and I will have these great memories forever.

Finally, don't stress about losing weight before your wedding! I was at my heaviest at my wedding (stress will do that to you), but I felt beautiful! It's not worth the heartache. Just be you.

Vendors
Photographer: Kaitlyn Blake Photography • First Look Venue: Mac's Speed Shop • Second Look Venue: Grapes and Hops • Ceremony/Reception Venue: Dirtbag Ales • Catering: Allison's Fast Food DJ: Chris Lerma • Dress/Shoes: ASOS • Suit: Express • Cake Topper: Custom Laser Studio • Hair & makeup: Leslie Amick Hair and Makeup

Gallery

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