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

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4032612943 9de9261b0d m alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)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.

DSCF1567We 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.

4033376102 4884533476 m alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)
The reception in Iowa.

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.

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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

4032603015 4ddf6ac576 m alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)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!

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

  1. I LOVE your table covers! It's nice to see non-pastels for once. *is guilty of using pastels at her wedding… hides face in shame*

  2. OMG, the hair and makeup is so beautiful! Very lovely couple. And the dress is to-die-for. I like the simple beauty of this wedding.

  3. Huh, I have to admit that that might be the first Elvis impersonator I've seen that actually makes me want to go find an Elvis impersonator for MY wedding. Not that I'm getting married or anything, but that might be a really good excuse to get married.

  4. I'm having the same orange at my wedding, but we're doing fuschia instead of the green. I've found it hard to do without it looking gaudy.You've done a really good job! Bright and fun, but not tacky.

  5. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but your reception actually made me homesick for Iowa! California is my home now, but the fall colors and beautiful setting in your photos made my heart ache. Better not let my mom see this or she'll be gung ho about making me do my wedding back there!

  6. thanks for all the wonderful comments I think that I'm still in shock that I made it on the site

  7. Amanda your wedding was just lovely! The tables are really darling and look so polished and clean. Who ever knew you could have a sweet, simple, outdoor wedding in VEGAS!

  8. Amanda you amaze me with your passion for being true to yourself. I think you look gorgeous in your hot red wedding dress and pretty fabulous with your hair and make-up. I must admit, your face shone with happiness and beamed with pride on your wedding day, married to the one that you love. Congratulations, I love your style!!! Way to go girl….woooh!!!

  9. The bride looks so cool and beautiful from head to toe. Love the hair, the jacket, the dress, the boots…love it!

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