Amanda & Patrick’s Elvis wedding in Las Vegas & Iowa reception

The offbeat bride: Amanda, Medical Assistant/hair stylist

Her offbeat partner: Patrick, Softwear Control Libriarian

Location & date of wedding: Swan Garden Lakeside, Las Vegas Nevada — October 13th 2009

What made our wedding offbeat: After dating for 6 years, I asked HIM to marry me. We decided to go down to fabulous Las Vegas and tie the knot with Elvis in the least cheesy way as possible. It actually has always been the wedding I have always wanted. And it worked out for the best since all my family is from either Arizona or California.

We were married at a place called Vintage Vegas Weddings in a beautiful outdoor garden. We had an Elvis impersonator there who was AMAZING! He sounded and look just liked him! He sang three songs and then, after the Reverend married us, threw in some of his own “Elvis” vows, which took both of us by surprise because we had no idea that was going to happen. No wedding party or anything, just me and him and our guests who watched. We did have Patrick's best friend Jory stand up there with us and my niece Sydney. I can honestly say it was the happiest day of my life and wouldn't have changed it for the world!

I also opted for a red dress instead of white because most everyone wears white, and I don't really care for that color. My grandmother wasn't too thrilled about it but, times have changed and it's what I wanted.

Then, to kick things up a notch, we had a lovely reception after returning back to Iowa. It was an outdoor reception in October, one of the most beautiful months in Iowa. It was a pretty non-traditional laid back reception — BBQ, beer and wine. The colors were lime green, orange, with accents of brown and red. We also went for the cupcake cake which was fun, and everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Even though it was quite cold that day, I think it was still beautiful. I think my favorite part of the wedding was the guestbook I found online. And the wedding was fairly cheap, about $4000 for everything. And I'm glad that in the end it worked out for everyone and that nobody had to travel too far.

Our biggest challenge: Saving money was the biggest challenge. Going to Las Vegas you know you are going to spend a TON even if you do save on airfare and hotel costs. But we saved $5 dollars a day for about a year and came out pretty okay. Saving saving saving is the best way even if its a small amount each day

My favorite moment: Our Elvis vows. I didn't even know we were going to have any because he didn't actually marry us, we had a reverend. But he did and they were quite funny and very fun.

My advice for other offbeat brides: Don't let anyone run the show for you and don't be afraid to stand up and do what you want. It's your wedding not your mother's, mother in law's or grandmother's.

Also do take some ideas from your groom, as much as we like to make it about us, it is their day too and you want them to love it as much as you!

Enough talk — show me the wedding porn:

About the Author: Offbeat Weditors

@offbeatbride @offbeatwed

Working tirelessly to bring you stimulating content day after day, the Offbeat Wed editors will not sleep until you've gotten your offbeat fix.