Category Archive

Features

When we want to get more thoughtful, this is the spot for our feature articles. Sometimes we talk big-picture philosophies, other times we discuss wedding trends, and every once and a while we just go ape-shit over a wedding WTF?!

wedding scam alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Luring scams and fake travel schemes: Why wedding photographers need to be careful too!

I recently received an inquiry from a woman who was asking if I would fly out to Hawaii for a portrait session. Everything seemed on the up-and-up… until they told me they would not pay my travel expenses up-front and wanted me to accept a payment for their event planner, who would only take cash, and then send it to the planner myself. I then did some research to see if there were any scams like this going around, and found something really scary…

changing first and last name after marriage on offbeat bride alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

I’m changing my first AND last name after marriage

Did I want to keep having the same tiresome, negative conversation with every new person that I meet? Not really. Is changing my entire name going to be incredibly inconvenient? Most certainly, in terms of process, costs, and social confusion. Is my happiness worth the inconvenience? When I asked myself that question, the answer was a resounding YES. Additionally, I now have no problem taking my partner’s (delightful) last name when I will also be taking my own first name, on my own terms.

no wedding make up alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Why I will not be wearing an ounce of make-up at my wedding

Based on how many people have asked “where are you getting your make-up done?” — without ever pausing to consider the possibility that I won’t have it done professionally — it’s clear that choosing to have no wedding make-up goes against what many people think a “normal” bride should do. On my wedding day I will not be wearing an ounce of make-up. Why?…

I kicked my best friend out of my wedding alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

I kicked my best friend out of my wedding and I refuse to feel bad about it

As time has gone on, and the wedding has drawn closer and closer, several really harsh truths have come to light about my friendship with my leading lady. Namely, that it’s changed. So I kicked my best friend out of my wedding, and this is why I refuse to feel bad about it…