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The Offbeat Bride: Danielle, Business Owner Missing Piece, LLC
Her Offbeat Partner: Roland, Photographer/Carpenter
Location & date of wedding: Our house in San Francisco, CA — Friday, Oct. 31, 2008
What made our wedding offbeat: I met Roland at Burning Man and we were married exactly two months later, on Halloween. He is from London and I am from San Francisco. I asked him to marry me via text message while he was in New York. We sent out “Corpse Bride” inspired wedding invitations via Facebook, bought some alcohol and snacks, and our motto all week was “Let's Get Fucking Married!!!”
Eight of his friends from London came out for our San Francisco Halloween Wedding Party. I met my brother-in-law only three minutes before we got married. I borrowed two wedding dresses (because every bride should have more than one) from my friend and fashion designer Miranda Caroligne.
Our housemate Jeffrey, who is ordained by the Universal Life Church, married us on the staircase of our house. Another housemate, Bodhi, baked us an amazing pumpkin wedding cake and helped style all of our costumes with her accessories and makeup. Our ceremony lasted about 5-10 minutes and consisted of:
- Welcoming Remarks
- A few words from our loved ones
- A few words about marriage
- Exchange of our Memorized Vows
- Call to Community for their support (a yell in unison)
- The Ring
- The Kiss
- Presentation of the Couple.
It was fun, passionate, sweet, and inspiring. And our guests put a lot of effort into their Halloween costumes. Check out the pics!
Our biggest challenge: Telling our parents that we're getting married and having a wedding that they would not be attending without making them feel like they were missing out. We sent them photos, called them, and promised to have another wedding someday in the future that they could attend.
My favorite moment: My husband's vows were so sweet that people cried. He promised to kiss me every day and also said that we would accomplish all of our goals and dreams together and that when we did that, we would think up new ones. He leaned in to kiss me after the vows and I said, “Wait, we can't kiss yet” and everyone laughed.
Our minister was dressed as Beetlejuice and speeches were given by our friends Count Dracula, Leeloo from the 5th element, and a giant electrical plug. The ring bearer presented my ring in a tiny pumpkin. Everyone, including us, cheered loudly at the end of the ceremony and it felt like we totally kicked ass together.
My advice to other offbeat brides: The only things I would have done differently would have been to have someone who was a “Drink Master”– not really a bartender but someone who made sure everyone had a drink, knew their drink options, refills, etc. I also would have had a “Music Master” — not necessarily a DJ, but someone who could read the crowd and change the ipod appropriately.
I think help from friends is essential when trying to keep costs low and we could not have entertained so many people without the help of our community.
Enough talk — show me the wedding inspo!:
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I got engaged that night, so I have fond memories of Halloween 2008 myself.
Congratulations!
Really nice—I luv the costumes!
So simple, so wonderful. Congrats!
The idea of having masquerade weddig has been dubbed "tacky" by most, but you show and prove that a costumed reception is arguably the most fun. Kudos to you!!
Jasmyn, here's what we think about tacky 'round these parts: http://offbeatwed.com/2008/07/tacky
Congrats! I love seeing Halloween weddings as our big day is Oct 31st of this year.
This is one of the sweetest weddings I've seen. Congratulations!
Congratulations! What a simple and fun way to get married and celebrate with friends – and how cool that you had two dresses and didn't have to pay an arm and a leg for them! I was wondering, Where did the groom get his coat? I love it and I think it's what my groom had in mind
Ammie, we borrowed that, too!
That cake looks delicious.
And NOT A LIE. Unlike that one I found lurking around my friend's wedding…
This looks like so much fun! I hope someone I know has a Halloween wedding (and invites ME) someday. I especially love all the homemade costumes on the guests – they really add an authentic touch to all the pictures. Congrats!
I love your life Danielle! Your wedding looks beautiful and vibrant! It is truly your wedding, your way. Congratulations!
love love love this! If I could re-do my vows (and I guess I can ‘renew’ them) I would love to do a costume party! Love how easy the wedding sounded! Much luck!
I am getting married on Halloween this year and was having a little anxiety about it. It was totally my fiance's idea and it took awhile for me to warm up to it. For some reason, that is the day he has always wanted to get married. (Weirdo) After reading about your Hallowen wedding I am totally excited. There will be so many creative and fun things we can do on our Halloween wedding day anniversary. It's also a day not everyone chooses to get married. I like beind different. Thanks for the added inspiration.
Yay for another Halloween wedding! Looks like you guys had heaps of fun and wow! Taking a leap after 2 months!!
My parents got married after 5 months and were together for 23yrs with 3 kids so don't let anyone tell you it won't work out. Life and love is an adventure!!
Best wishes & enjoy your first anniversary coming up.
Kell (Boo)
http://offbeatbride.ning.com/profile/Kell
All these folks look like the people coming to MY wedding!
Hi Danielle and Roland, It was easy to find you since you are de first hit on Google. Alain and me we enjoyed to spend time with you awaiting for tortugas on the beach! We got great memories about the fire and beverage. I’m saving de bottel of wine for a great moment like this! I leave you my email and if you want to spend great time in Québec don’t be shy just to let us know!
Have a nice day
Alain and Sonia