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The offbeat bride: Chantal, Banker (and OBT member)
Her offbeat partner: Sean, Chef
Location & date of wedding: Studios In The Exchange, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada — August 29, 2009
What made our wedding offbeat: We decided to do our own take on tradition. We didn't want to eliminate traditions all together just because we didn't believe in them, we wanted to show how we could interpret them in our own unique way.
We were together for ten years already and didn't want it to be all about us getting married. We wanted it to be more of a celebration of the relationship we already had and are planning on continuing.
Our biggest challenge: Biggest challenge was budget. We had A LOT of big ideas and because what we wanted wasn't “normal” the cost involved with a lot of our ideas was outrageous. Our decorations, invitation, etc., ended up being DIY because I couldn't get the options I wanted for a decent price. For some reason, because I don't want to be like everyone else, I had to dish out double to cost… yeah, ok?!
My favorite moment: Dancing in the street in the dark under a street light with my new husband.
The city we live in decided to rip up the street the venue is located on the week of our wedding — making parking and finding the venue next to impossible. But our photographer took us out into the middle of the torn up, gravel road with the traffic cones and the street barricades and had us dancing under the street lights. It was the perfect moment to just get away from all the excitement and be with my new husband for a moment.
My offbeat advice: If you want something just do it. I got A LOT of suggestions from family and friends that tried to budge me back towards society's idea of tradition. But I stuck to what I wanted and it turned out to be the best most beautiful night of my life. The best part is all those people that were trying to influence me LOVED how everything turned out and couldn't believe how magnificent and unique it was.
Most people just can't see the ideas in your head. Prove it to them instead of trying to convince them. Once they see you happy and having a good time.. nothing else will matter.
Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?:
- Photographer: Coralee Penner, Red Photo Co.
- I got my dress from Christina Gowns. It was just a simple black 2009 prom dress. But it was PERFECT.
- Veil was from Unveiled Bridal Designs. The owner hand makes birdcage veils. They are unique and beautiful and you can customize them to fit your look.
- I made my own jewellery, as I have a jewellry business Tillie's Treasures.
- I decided since my look was so very different, I had my make up professionally done by Fine Eyes Makeup Artists and my hairdresser from Vault Salon and Spa in Winnipeg was just amazing with my hair.
- Decorations, invitations, were all DIY. So much of my inspiration came from The Offbeat Bride Tribe and Indiebride.com. I don't know what I would've done without those two sites.
Enough talk — show me the wedding porn:
About the Author: Offbeat Weditors
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You look SO BEAUTIFUL! And so happy! Congratulations to both of you. LOVE the colour combinations…LOVE the pictures…laughed out loud at the picture of you and your sister (?) looking embarrassed and your husband howling with laughter.
Many blessings to you as you continue your wonderful life together!
Wow… you wedding looks amazing! I like the whole idea of it being a celebration of the relationship! YAY! For Winnipeg weddings ^_^
that is (and you are) truly gorgeous!
I loved this wedding – and I think the couple had it right from the start. The wedding is a celebration of your relationship. It’s so easy to fall into pleasing family and friends, but at a certain point you have to stick up for yourselves. Beautiful!
Love everything! Your pictures were fabulous! Your smiles are brilliant, and highly contagious! I smiled through the whole stream! Congrats to you both!!
Way for your photographer to think on her feet! The pictures are awesome, the deep red is gorgeous and I love the bride and groom beer mugs!!
What a gorgeous wedding! I especially love how you put together the reception tables. Where did you find the copper chargers, btw? I’ve been looking for some affordable ones, but haven’t found anything under $3 a piece yet. Any advice from an OBB to an OBB to be?
The chargers were supplied by the venue. They did all the ordering of the decorations, I was able to pick all the colors though. That being said, I don’t know were you’re from, but I have seen gold, silver and copper chargers at the local dollar store here in Winnipeg for $2 or $2.50.
Thanks, Chantal; I’ll keep my eyes peeled. Again, gorgeous wedding! Congrats!
Your makeup is SO. BLOODY. COOL. I mean, everything is cool but the makeup is something I covet so very deeply right now.
I love the photo in front of the graffiti. Seems to capture the essence of this wedding – fun fun fun!! They will have a very happy marriage 🙂
love the colors, love the fact that you were true to yourselves, love your hair & makeup, and LOVE seeing a gorgeous plus-sized bride! (from a plus-sized bride to be!)
Love the way you had your hair done and I think that your wedding dress is quite stunning and you look great in it!Congratulations!
Gorgeouse pistures.
I love your veil and the awesome bride and groom glasses!
Apologies, that’s supposed to be gorgeous pictures!
Awesome wedding!! Everything looked amazing!!
Where did you get the ceiling decorations?? (the coloured globes)
The paper lanterns we bought from a wholesale place here in Winnipeg, the largest size we bought from IKEA as they were slightly larger still and more sturdy (and inexpensive). Then I just got some good ol’ spray paint and started spraying. Did it all myself. The burgundy colored ones I put sprayed with a layer of black first and then the “wine” color, this way the color was just a little more intense.
Thank you Chantal 🙂
I absolutely LOVED it all! My fiance and I are big into Rock and Roll, we met at an Atlanta music venue and want to incorporate that into our wedding as well. Loved the Guest Seating chart and the Music Group table plaques! Any advise on how to execute that idea?
As a BBW, it was fabulous to see such a RADIANT plus sized bride and a groom that so obviously adores her. Your make-up, dress and birdcage veil were all stunning and more memorable than anything typically seen at weddings. The deep red satin shirts on the fellas and the dress on your lovely attendant give a classy, and sassy Rockabilly flair to the event.
What type of venue did you chose? I love the old brick building exterior for photos. Very rustic and gives the Wedding photos a certain, “grounded” feeling.
Best Wishes and May you have the Greatest Happiness always.
Emily