Rachele & Steve’s 3D graphic design wedding

The offbeat bride: Rachele, graphic designer

Her offbeat partner: Steve, graphic designer

Location & date of wedding: Hotel in West Orange, NJ — October 30, 2009

Our offbeat wedding at a glance: Originally we both wanted to elope. We didn't want to hurt our parents' feelings by just running away so we told them our plans. They both said they weren't surprised that we wanted to do our own thing. But slowly they started hinting that we were still very family-oriented people, and we gave in to a more traditional route.

Both being graphic designers, we wanted to make a statement with all the items that we were mailing out and printing for the wedding. My husband had the great idea of having a 3D theme. We created 3D save-the-dates, shower invites, wedding invites, and a 3D guest book. We even recruited our photographer to do some 3D shots for us. We took two sets of engagement shots: one at an abandoned asylum and another at a botanical garden.

We also made everything that could be printed for our wedding: menus, favor cards, hotel guest bags, programs, and seating charts.

We also chose the wedding music from our favorite bands like Nine Inch Nails, Pantera, and Led Zeppelin.

Tell us about the ceremony: It was very important to have a preacher of some sort at the wedding for me and my family. We found a minister that I had met through a friend. He made the ceremony completely about us. He talked about our points of view and our creativity. He did a stellar job!

Was there anything you were sure was going to be a total disaster that unexpectedly turned out great: I was worried about the budget since there had been some lay-offs at my company. I was super nervous paying for something like this just in case I was next to get cut at work. Luckily it didn't happen.

My favorite moment: My favorite moment was when we first saw each other. We were taking our photos before the ceremony. Our wedding photographer took Steve and had him turned around so I could sneak up on him. When I tapped him on the shoulder he turned around and we both were speechless.

My funniest moment: We did have an interesting moment during the wedding. We had three best men since my husband couldn't decide between his three best friends. One of them decided to break dance, which he has never done before. Long story short, he knocked out his tooth. Luckily, he wasn't seriously hurt.

My advice for offbeat brides: Remember this is your and your partner's wedding. Listen to what people have to say, but think about your needs as well. You don't want to have regrets about not doing something you had your heart set on.

Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?

• Photographer: Geri Nelson
• Bride's dress: House of Brides, Denville, NJ
• Flowers: Sunnyside Florists, Dover, NJ. Tony read my mind, gave me my stick centerpieces and Tim Burton-esque flowers all within my budget.

Enough talk — show me the wedding inspo!

About the Author: Offbeat Weditors

@offbeatbride @offbeatwed

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