Brit didn't let getting sick ruin her wedding!

The offbeat bride: Brit, Admin

Her offbeat partner: Cecilia, Accountant

Location & date of wedding: Historic building outside Boston, MA, October 13, 2007

What made our wedding offbeat: We made the decision early on that we would keep whatever traditional wedding elements we liked, and ditch those we didn't! This meant the white dress was out, along with "tossing" of anything, but the ceremony and reception with all our friends and family were in. We had a modest budget, and incorporated lots of DIY. I made all of our paper products, centerpieces and my bouquet. We also used rented audio equipment and mix cd's for the music and did all the decor ourselves. Other things that puzzled our families included walking down the aisle together, not having a bridal party and planning the entire thing ourselves.

Our biggest challenge: The process of planning was actually very smooth. We did encounter lots of confused expressions and questions from family members who weren't sure what a lesbian wedding would look like, or how it would work, but we always responded with openness and honesty, and I think in the end everyone "got" it.

The real challenge arrived when I came down with a flu-like virus two days before the wedding! I had a high fever and body aches and was put on a strict regime of aspirin, fluids and rest, which caused us to cancel our original rehearsal dinner plans. I was feeling a little better for the wedding day – but still decidedly sick!

My favorite moment: Hearing Cecilia's vows. Generally I am more the "words" person and she is more the "numbers" person. But her vows just completely blew me away. It was an incredible feeling that I'll never forget. A close second would be when we sat at our table for the reception and got to look around and really take it in – I couldn’t believe how beautifully everything came together!

My offbeat advice: Don't stress! Just allow yourself enough time to plan and do what feels right.

Enough talk — show me the wedding porn: Brit doesn't look green around the gills at all — well-rallied, for a feverish bride!