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The Offbeat Bride: Cristin, Tattoo Artist (and Tribesmaid)
Her offbeat partner: Frank, Customer Service Representative Supervisor
Date and location of wedding: Mount Olive Church Community Center, Chillicothe, Missouri — October 13, 2013
Our offbeat wedding at a glance: Frank often jokes that my hobby is having hobbies. I love being crafty and making things, and that is exactly what we did for the wedding. I drew the invitation artwork, then made prints and assembled all of our invitations, made all of the jewelry, bouquets, hairpieces, hats, and boutonnieres. My mom stepped in and made all of our decor (framed black and white photos of us, mums, pumpkins, decorated wine bottles, and logs cutout to hold votive candles) as well as our wedding cake and all of the refreshments. We kept it pretty minimal, to save money — but also because Frank and I are both pretty minimal. If we couldn't make it ourselves, it didn't happen.
We did not include many traditional aspects of a wedding: no fancy dress requirement, bouquet throwing, cake cutting, or toasts. Instead, we used that time to try to visit and hug everyone who had attended. Most had traveled a long way to be there!
Tell us about the ceremony:
My mom wrote out our entire ceremony from start to finish. I am a huge fan of Elton John, so his music was featured numerous times. Our friend Brandon became ordained online and was our officiant.
Here were our vows:
My dearest friend, if you don't mind,
I'd like to join you by your side.
For it is plain as anyone can see,
that we're simply meant to be.
And with these hands
I will lift your sorrows.
Your cup will never empty,
for I will be your wine.
I will light your way in darkness,
I will take you as you are,
And for who you are,
In sickness and in health,
for the remainder of my life.
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Our biggest challenge:
Our biggest challenge was completing all of our DIY projects on time. We ended up making a lot of things assembly-style. I became extremely ambitious. I would be lying if I said I didn't get extremely overwhelmed at least once (okay, I got overwhelmed a lot — but it was so worth it).
My favorite moment:
It was really meaningful to have so many friends want to be a part of our wedding, whether it be officiating, performing music, serving refreshments, taking photographs, or doing hair. I have a talented group of friends who were all very much willing to help us make our day special and we were very thankful.
My funniest moment:
During the reception, our pug and ring bearer Kevin was able to run free. It's hard to tell how much human food he digested that day, as he has a keen way of getting it out of people. He stares longingly with his glistening eyes and you cannot possibly resist him. He made for some very funny moments.
Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?
- Photography: Matt Diamond
- Bride's dress: Your Dressmaker. They were FANTASTIC! I sent in my measurements and within a couple of days received an email with a sample of what it would be. I was able to respond and change colors, and then they emailed me again with the finished product right before shipping.
Enough talk — show me the wedding inspo!
About the Author: Offbeat Weditors
Working tirelessly to bring you stimulating content day after day, the Offbeat Wed editors will not sleep until you've gotten your offbeat fix.
PUG IN A FANCY FEDORA! You win the internet today!!
Ha, thank you! That’s Kevin – he made the day just a little extra special.
I love everything about this wedding!!! You guys totally rocked the theme. I love all the little details, like the hat and the bouquet. And the PUG IN A HAT!!
We thought about a Nightmare Before Christmas wedding theme, but swapped it for Harry Potter, though this awesome wedding is kinda making me reconsider the decision… 😛
Thanks! Harry Potter theme sounds AMAZING! I can’t wait to see photos!
ADORABLE! My dude and I both work in the haunted attraction industry and have been looking for tasteful ways to incorporate something spooky into our wedding plans. Your pictures are giving me SOOO many great ideas. You’re awesome!
Thank you! That’s awesome, glad you’re getting lots of ideas. We didn’t have a wedding planner… and we didn’t really know WHAT to do. My mom had to step in and tell us how to go about it. We started a year early getting ideas and supplies.
We were so out-of-the-wedding-loop that I distinctly remember looking at my Mom and going, “Boutineer? What’s a boutineer?” … then proceeded to add it to the checklist. :]
DAT CAKE!
OMG! Where did you get that cake? it’s pretty. Your whole wedding looks so beauitful
Thanks! My Mom made it! 😀
The clothes, colors & CAKE! Too much awesomeness in this wedding 😉
Did you buy the cake topper and, if you did, where did you get it?
Your dress. OMG. It’s fantastic.
That cake. Seriously, so awesome.
Congratulations on your special day.
Omg loving it. We’re also planning a nightmare before Christmas wedding/rockabilly so I’m loving yours. That cake is fantastic!
And when I share this on fb my man gonna ask about involving his pugaliers. I know that I’m so hungry pug face well!
Fun stuff! I need more weddings in my life like this.
More Photos Please.
Your shoes are absolutely amazing Cristin. Where on earth did you get them? This theme was a brilliant idea, everything looks fab. I can’t believe your mum made that cake – she must be so talented. Thank you for sharing your special day.
Whew, sorry it took so long to get back with you. The boots are from Sinister Soles. 🙂
Love all things you did! The colors! I know you said your mom made the cake and she did a great job, did she make the topper too? I’d love to to have one like that for our cake.
Thank you! We did not make the topper, we found it on EBay! Hope you can find it for your cake. 🙂