Robin & Ken’s retro pin-ups and greasers rockabilly wedding

The Offbeat Bride: Robin, non-profit administrator and cake decorator

Her offbeat partner: Ken, veterinarian

Date and location of wedding: Locust Grove Estates, Poughkeepsie, NY — April 27, 2013

Our offbeat wedding at a glance: Ken and I are total rockabillies (well, he’s more psychobilly, but we are billies nonetheless) and I wanted a wedding to represent that. We had records, tattoo flash, tiki drinks, hair flowers and pomade, Wanda Jackson’s former back-up band, a classic car, Elvis, and plenty of cake. Okay, the cake isn’t part of being rockabilly, I just wanted a lot of cake!

Tell us about the ceremony: The only appropriate song for me to walk down the aisle to would be “Rockin’ Robin” by Bobby Day. There was a lot of laughter at that part. Ken wanted something different: he picked “Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash.

Our biggest challenge: The hardest part was finding an officiant. We wanted someone fun, while my parents wanted someone traditional. I am Catholic, so that was my mother’s priority. She ended up finding this great officiant who was a former Catholic Priest, and in his words, “was a naughty boy and married a woman” and left the priesthood. Turns out this guy was hilarious. He set the perfect mood for us, and I think he really liked performing the ceremony in front of a vintage microphone.

My favorite moment: The day before I met Ken, I was complaining to my cousin about being single. I told her all I wanted was a greaser, who drives a motorcycle, and would sing me Elvis songs. And then I met Ken. The thing was Ken never sang, he refused to.

Just as dessert was being served, Ken got up with the band and told this story. He then sang one of my favorite Elvis’ songs, “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear.” He did amazingly well, and shocked basically everyone in the room, including the band! It totally made the day that much more special.

My funniest moment: I think we surprised people when our first dance started. Ken and I met as extras on a zombie film. When we were trying to find a good song that fit us, I wanted something about zombies. Amazingly enough I found the song “Zombie For Your Love” by Kim Lenz. The whole room light up when the band started with “I’m a zombie zombie zombie for your love…” We ended the dance with me biting Ken’s neck.

What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding? Be yourself as much as you can. If you don’t want to do place cards, don’t. If you want the centerpieces to be cakes, do it! If you decide that giving trophies to your guests for being the best dressed would make the night better, definitely do it. In the end, I wanted people to experience our lifestyle and have a good time, even if that meant bucking a few traditions.

Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?

• Photography: Moz Foto
• Bride’s dress:
• Bride’s shoes: Betsey Johnson
• Groom’s suit jacket: Lansky Brothers, the clothier to the King (they designed Elvis’ clothing)
• Centerpieces: The Land of Cake Believe
• Table runners: Retro Shreds
• Band: The Lustre Kings — worth every penny!
• Bridesmaids dressed: Pin Up Girl Clothing
• Hair: Chelsea Harris, owner Salon 52 Hair Studios

Enough talk — show me the wedding inspo!