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The Offbeat Bride: Erin Ashleigh, tattoo artist
Her offbeat partner: Bill, works for the Navy
Date and location of wedding: Our backyard on the Puget Sound in Bremerton, WA — September 14, 2013
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
Brass knuckles theme? Check.
Lightning bolt light-up 7.5 inch platform heels? Check.
180-year-old family heirloom veil? Check.
Custom made dress with corset top? Check.
Top hat and tails? Check.
Flowers provided by the local women's prison? Check.
Portraits on a motorcycle? Check. Homemade moonshine? Check.
A toast wishing the couple as many happy years as total combined tattoos? Check. Welcome to our bad-ass wedding.
Tell us about the ceremony:
our ceremony was very intimate. We invited 100 of our close family and friends and gathered in the backyard of our tattoo shop. We are located right on the water, and have a beautiful view of the Puget Sound. The weather was perfect and the view was spectacular. It was exactly how we had both imagined it.
Do you need a wedding planner or day of coordinator?
Do you need a "day of" coordinator for your wedding, or can your mother-in-law's friend take care of it for you?
Our biggest challenge:
Planning without a wedding planner was harder than we imagined. The event pretty much consumed our lives, but we had so much fun that we wouldn't have changed a thing.
My favorite moment:
I loved wearing the veil that had been in the family for over 180 years. We were so happy to get family together who have not seen each other in several years.
My funniest moment:
It was really funny when our 15-pound puggle, Tank, dragged my young cousin down the aisle by the leash. Our idea was to attach the rings to his collar and have Logan walk him. But as soon as Tank saw us at the end of the aisle, he took off after us and pulled Logan right along with him.
Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?
- Photography: Melissa Miksch Photography — she was the BEST!
- Dress: Beth Anne Galloway from All About Sewing — Every time we met she made me feel like a princess.
- Cake: Jacqui's Cakes (cupcakes were done by a friend of the bride)
- Flowers: done by the women's prison horticulture program
- Reception: Island Lake park community center
About the Author: Offbeat Weditors
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OMG THOSE SHOES! Those light-up shoes!!
I don’t think I could walk two steps in them, you’re hardcore.
A LOT of work went into making sure I COULD walk down the isle in those. Lol. Including a last minute runner and wood underneath. ( and I did stumble, only once 🙂 but that’s how memories are made)
I’m really digging the color scheme of the whole wedding. And I love the bells hanging on the arc in backdrop, really neat idea. I never would have thought of that 🙂
Too many things I love about this wedding! The tats! The look on the groom’s face as you’re walking down the aisle! The PUGGLE! The blue, white, and blonde ringlets in your hair!
It looks like such a joyful, amazing day. Congrats on your wedding!
I love the cake topper! Where did you get/make it?
Erin’s wedding was the best one I have ever been in and attended!!! I was honored to take part of your special day!! I love you Erin and Bill!
I absolutely love the fact that you’re wearing three different pairs of shoes in different pictures! I love love love shoes, especially quirky fun ones. I plan on changing shoes between the ceremony and reception (at least once)! And all your shoe choices are totally awesome!
Hey, I’m from Bremerton, too! Way to represent with your amazingly tattooed awesomeness! What a unique, beautiful wedding!