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The Offbeat Bride: Laura
Her offbeat partner: David
Date and location of wedding: The Inn at Kelly's Ford, Remington, VA — October 6, 2012
Our offbeat wedding at a glance: From the get-go we knew our wedding wasn't going to be possible if we relied on what was already out there. So we put in a lot of hours to make it ours. When people asked what our theme or color scheme was, we couldn't simplify it to a few words. Like our relationship, our wedding didn't just fit a mould.
My mom and I made all of the invitations, place cards, and menus. We also DIYed the fabric backdrop for the ceremony with clearance fabrics from various shops. Our decor and centerpieces included framed illustrations and sayings along with some fresh flowers in jars and candles. We also included a fingerprint tree as our guest book. We added one geeky detail that I loved: the Batman garter from Etsy seller lilBittythings!
At the reception, guests enjoyed mini pies. There were lots, so they were able to take home leftovers. Our cake topper was a set of bride and groom birds.
Tell us about the ceremony: One of my bridesmaids read a favorite poem of mine, “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann. We wanted our unity ceremony to be about life and nature, so we watered a lemon tree as our officiant said:
Let your relationship and your love for each other be like this tree you water today. Let it grow tall and strong. Let it stand tall during the harsh winds and rains and storms, and come through unscathed. Like a tree, your marriage must be resilient. It must weather the challenges of daily life and the passage of time. And just like the tree you are watering, marriage requires constant nurturing and nourishment.Remember to nourish each other, with words of encouragement, trust, and love. This is needed on a daily basis so you each can grow and reach your fullest potential – just like this tree.
Our biggest challenge: I have fibromyalgia, so all the standing really wore me out. But everyone was so great — my husband knowing when I needed to have a rest in between photos, my bridesmaids making sure I stayed hydrated. I was pretty achy the next day, but because of everyone's support I was able to really enjoy our wedding.
My favorite moment: The time in between the ceremony and the formal pictures, my husband and I just sat together and cracked jokes. We were so happy to just be together.
My funniest moment: I was pretty anxious during the ceremony, which resulted in tears and giggles. I didn't expect to cry, no one expected me to in fact, so when I did, no one had a tissue or hanky! I paused the ceremony to ask our guests but since no one had anything we all just laughed and let the tears flow.
What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding? Relax! I have anxiety, and all the planning and DIYing put me in a pretty anxious state (hello, panic attacks). But I learned to trust my wedding planner, and remember to enjoy my time, and the wedding turned out great.
Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?
- Photography: Mathy Shoots People
- Dress: Umi by Melissa Sweet
- Bridesmaid Dresses: Etsy seller ArmoursandAnguish
- Batman Garter: Etsy seller lilBittythings
Enough talk — show me the wedding inspo!
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For some reason, I’ve never had the drive to like or understand veils. Yet, I saw yours and was blown away. It’s so precious and beautiful. A wonderful compliment to your dress!
I am so with you. The tradition of veils squicks me out a little, and then I saw this amazing accessory… again, just wow.
Thank you!!
Oh my LANTA that dress and matching veil are so lovely. Those little pieces of fabric look like little leaves cascading down on you! Holy crap!!!
Ah your comment made me so giggly, thank you!
So flipping cute! This is totally making me lean toward wearing glasses instead of contacts.
Yo Alice- did you know OBB has a whole category of posts called brides in glasses? http://offbeatwed.com/tag/brides-in-glasses
OMG ADORE your dress and veil. So lovely, so perfect. You’re beautiful.
I might just need to get me a garter like that! That’s awesome!
That first picture gave me chills. This couple looks so absolutely, blissfully in love. The details of the wedding are amazing too, but that first picture is what deciding to get married is all about to me.
It’s our favorite picture, totally un-staged:)
I’m so grateful to have been a part of this wedding! You looked so beautiful, Laura, and I’m really happy to be y’alls friend. :]
How funny, my name is also Laura and my husband’s name is David. LOVED your photos!
I *love* the tree-watering idea! My FB wants to be surrounded by nature for our ceremony, and even if we can’t have it outside I am determined to get some greenery into the site for her. Maybe we can incorporate this!
Everyone loved how different it was! The best part is now we have a lemon tree! So if you do it, pick something you’ll want to keep and don’t mind taking care of:)
I love the mini pies! I was planning on making them for my wedding in May and was wondering if you had any advice. Did you make them yourself? Beautiful wedding!
WHERE did you get that bird wedding topper?!?!?! I love that so much! Must have!