The offbeat bride: Dawn Hajnos (Doula/Artist/Student Midwife)

Her offbeat partner: Jason Keil (Woodworker/Artist/Painter)

Location & date of wedding: Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin Fl & The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park Live Oak, FL. Oct 9th and 13th 2007.

What made our wedding offbeat: Our wedding belonged to Us. We invited only our best friends who, thankfully are married to each other and our close family friend officiant. We got married in a tide pool at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin Fl. After we said our vows the four of us island hopped along the gulf of mexico. Our plans were not popular with some of our friends and family but it was what we wanted and we refused to settle….It was the most relaxing loving, perfect day with NO stress.

So, to balance things out we planned a reception that lasted 5 days in the woods on the Suwannee River. Our wedding celebration was a spontaneous, gently planned, organic unfolding of creativity and love.

I always wanted my wedding celebration put together by friends and family, I didn’t want to hire any strangers unless I had too. My caterer was a college best friend. My cake, photography, entertainment, flowers,- all were uniquely and lovingly executed by a member of our extended family. It was a group effort and it was amazing! Not to mention it was extremely affordable.

I bought close to nothing retail. Everything was found at thrift stores and at yard sales… everything else I made myself: invitations, tablecloths, candle holders, guest book, parts of my dress — everything!!

We didn’t do anything unless it had meaning for us. Dropping some of the old traditions: no dj, or posed photography, no bridal party or bouquet toss and creating some new ones: Jason and I walked each other down the aisle, we created a Day of the Dead altar for everyone to add to, we carried on Ariel’s “Muglies” tradition, we had dinner on pillows at feasting tables…

Our biggest challenge: We really learned to practice detachment during this process. I kept reminding myself to be flexible and to constantly think out side of the box to solve issues. Jason and I kept what was really important to each other close in our minds and hearts and that is what we focused on. We found that when dealing with loved ones who don’t agree with your plans you have to set your boundaries at the start and create a united front.

My favorite moment: My most cherished memory is of our wedding vows on the beach. Because it was just us, the officiant and our two best friends, it was so intimate. No stress, just blue sky and love.

I also loved walking down the aisle at our celebration ceremony… seeing all the loving happy faces of our friends and family was so overwhelming for me. I felt so much love. Oh yeah, and the golf cart rental…FUN!!!!

My offbeat advice: It’s YOUR wedding. Do what makes you really happy. Focus on that first, then think of how to please family and friends.

Try to stay flexible! Necessity is the mother of invention. Remember that there is an artist inside of all of us, use this event as an opportunity to bring your creative side out.

Try something new — Create your own new family traditions!

Enough talk — show me the wedding porn: This colorful, heartfelt wedding has so much sunshine it made me feel warmer just looking at the pictures!