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The Offbeat Bride: Luci, Buyer at a used bookstore
Her offbeat partner: Josh, Freight Clerk
Date and location of wedding: My parents' field on their seven-acre farm in Powell, Tennessee — October 11, 2012
Our offbeat wedding at a glance: We wanted our wedding to express the true us and not the fancy, uncomfortable, church clothes us. My brother played guitar, I had a bridesman, we ate fried chicken, and our dog, Samwise, was part of our wedding party. I got Josh a wind-up pocket watch because he loves to tinker with things. He got me a jade pendant which symbolizes two lives joining together on one journey. I felt every part of our wedding, from the canvas guest book to the dried wildflower bouquets, was extremely special to the both of us.
Tell us about the ceremony: Josh and I chose to write our own vows to one another. We also decided to read poems to each other since I went to college for creative writing and am a poet myself. I will never forget his poem to me, Pablo Neruda's “Sonnet XVII.”
Our biggest challenge: I had been very sick for the few months leading up to our wedding. My doctors thought I had Crohn's Disease, and I ended up having to get a colonoscopy three days before the wedding since we were leaving the country afterwards. Somehow, through several ER trips and doctor's appointments, Josh and I still pulled it off. We had some help, too. My father bought all of the stuff for my centerpieces and put them together on his own. They ended up being perfect for us!
My favorite moment: Josh and I also chose to do a first look, which was the most peaceful part of the day. Our photographer was there, but it felt like it was just the two of us surrounded by nature.
Our first dance was to The Avett Brothers “Offering.” It's an amazing song, and we chose it because they are our favorite band who we've seen four times in concert.
My funniest moment: Our great friend, Dustin, dared the best man, JR, to shove a cupcake in his face. JR never backs down to a challenge! We missed the initial hit, but Dustin did give us a formal thanks for having him at our wedding… covered in chocolate icing!
What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding?
I learned how lucky I am to be surrounded by such loving and caring people. Josh and I never fought over a single part of the planning process, my bridesmaids were nothing short of helpful when needed, my parents went above and beyond in letting us use their home as a venue, and all I felt that day was love from everyone and to everyone.
Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?
- Photography: Alex Bee Photography
- Boots: Breckelle's
- Dried wildflower bouquets: SmokyMtnWoodCrafts
- Catering: Chandler's Deli. They have the BEST Southern food.
- Programs, invitations, and guestbook canvas: Jaclyn Salem
- Hair: Robin Martin at Simply Hair
- Doggy tuxedo: Target
Enough talk — show me the wedding inspo!
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Aww, doggie tux! I want a ring-bearer dog so bad, but we have a cat. 🙁
I love first looks! They’re always so fun, and you get to do the twirl of this is what I look like in my sparkly dress. Plus it gives you more time for photos/you can attend more of your reception.
I’m a sucker for a sappy first look, too. Gets me every time.
Seriously beautiful.
I love the outfits in the wedding party!
Your wedding looks so lovely!! I love how relaxed and romantic everything looks. Definitely inspiring!
Crohn’s (and IBD) in general is really rough 🙁 Planning a wedding while sick can be really terrifying, so I’m glad that everything went so smoothly!
Thanks so much! I am so happy that It all came together so easily despite the illness.
Everything is lovely!!! Sonnet 17 is our favorite too – and we read it at our wedding, too!
I have worked with this photographer before. If you are in the Chattanooga area, Alex Bee Photo is the way to go. Her photos always tell the story of each wedding so well. I loved the ‘first look’ for this couple. Alex and her team captured it well.
I love the last photo…. The dog with a tie and suit like appearance looks amazing. The pair too looks cute and made for each other……
I want to go back in time and become your best friend JUST to hit the buffet at your wedding. That looks delicious.
And the fact that your dog’s name is Samwise makes me think it wouldn’t be an impossible task.
I’m planning a backyard wedding too and this provided me with so much inspiration! Very beautiful ceremony 🙂 For the tent rental, did you rent a dance floor too. Would you suggest one?
We decided not to have one. The grass worked just fine! There was an open space, next to the DJ, under the tent where everyone danced. I definitely say it works without a floor.
Your wedding is so lovely! And…OMG CHANDLER’S! I’m in Knoxville, and that is seriously one of my favorite places.
Congratulations to you, your partner, and your adorable pup!