Aaron & TJ’s Dog-Lovin’ Food-Fightin’ Wedding

The Offbeat Bride: Aaron Ashley, Master Colorist

Her Offbeat Partner: Tanner Jacop, Master Hair Stylist

Location & date of wedding: The tenth tee overlooking the intercoastal, Lake Worth, Fla. — January 18, 2009

What made our wedding offbeat:

There were many reasons why our wedding was truely unique, but there was one that stuck out above the rest! We were commited on having our dog, eMo, as our ringbearer. So commited that i had to change the location of the ceremony three times because of unfair, “no pet” policies. Our dog is like our son, so we were not going to rest until we found a venue that matched our animal loving personalities. Thankfully we did and the location couldnt have been more beautiful!

Another unique detail was that i had 5 maids of honor — yes 5. I refused to fall into tradition and pick one of my girls over the other, I love them equally therefore they should be honored equally. I also decided that it wasnt only my day to be stunning it was there's too. So i decided to let them each choose whatever style black cocktail dresses they wanted in order to let their personalities shine and to be certain they would feel beautiful. In order to coordinate the different dresses I had the girls get matching shoes and made matching silk bouquets! Our 5 best men did the same with their suits and pants and we cordinated them with matching ties, and classic vans that the groom wore as well.

Another detail I wanted to stay with was making my look as vintage as possible without the moth holes and dust. So we stuck with a simple ivory silk dress that cost less then 200 new and had a friend make a homemade birdcage veil. To top off the look, my co-workers rocked out an updo with a hint of pinup and a dash of bride.

Finally, the majority of all decor and accessories were handmade by friends and family! Our entire wedding party was tattooed. And an unexpected but hilarious food fight broke out after TJ smashed cake in my face.

Our biggest challenge: During the planning i dealt with a lot of problems. It felt as if the lower the budget is, the harder it gets. But that is ok!

The way i dealt with not getting my way with certain details was remebering my priorities. I had to decide if what i was stressing out about was really that important. I would write down all the problems i was struggling with — the ones I could imagine being flexible with, I bent, and the ones i didn't, I stood strong. It's amazing how much better you feel when you cave in a little.

On the day i ran into issues that could of easily ruined my day. For example, a handfull of guests didnt show up after RSVPing. So instead of staring at the empty seats i adjusted my eyes to the seats that were filled and focused on the friends that love us and wanted to share these special moments with us. It's only a couple of hours, so it is really important to stay focused on enjoying it!!

My favorite moment: The moment that sticks out from all others is after I had cake smashed in my face from my new husband, I heard the chuckling of my three best friends. I turn and see the three of them pointing and laughing. I feel the cake in my hand and suddenly smash cake across all three of their faces. The sudden silence and shock on their faces was priceless. We soon all fell into a fit of laughter and a food fight broke out. When I think of that moment it reminds me of a saying we stand by — “If I go down, they're coming with me”

My advice for other offbeat brides: No matter how “strange” people will tell you your new found tradition is, if it means something to you, DO IT! These are your moments, and your memories, and next time someone says, “you're going to regret that” just remind yourself that you're going to regret NOT doing it your way! Oh, and dont forget to HAVE FUN!!

Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?: Use your creative friends as resources! Nothing makes a more unique wedding then having everything made especially for you by the people that love you!

• The dress was bought at Jcrew.com
• The dog tux bought on Ebay.
• The bride bouquet arranged by Robert at Park Ave Touch, Delray Beach Fla

Enough talk — click on the photo below to see more cute doggy pictures, I mean, more wedding porn!: