Offbeat Bride | Carissa's DIY tapas & cupcakes wedding

The offbeat bride: Carissa, hairstylist/sometime burlesque dancer

Her offbeat partner: Adam, casino chump and art student

Location & date of wedding: Riverside, CA @ Cafe Sevilla. March 29, 2008

What made our wedding offbeat: We tried to go DIY with all we could. I have a love of all things antique so I went with a birdcage theme — I had them for centerpieces, on the DIY invites, I wore a birdcage veil, etc. I opted out of flowers galore and only got some for myself, the girls, and the guys wore single daisies. We had cupcakes, and no formal dinner. I let my girls wear what they wanted, I just said I'd prefer black. I walked my mother and grandfather down the aisle (to Cat Power's "sea of love!") to their seats.

Adam and I laughed the whole ceremony — which was the worlds shortest coming in at under 4 minutes!!

The reception was open bar, open tapas bar, and open cupcakes. We didn't have seating so that people would dance and serve themselves when they wanted. Our goal was to throw the most bad ass party ever — mission accomplished! Then we had an after party for everyone we couldn't invite to the actual wedding due to space and money.

All in all the night was lighthearted, filled with good music, and good company … and it didn't look like FTD exploded tulips everywhere and there was no tulle in sight

Our biggest challenge: The guest list. Because our parents paid, they really wanted more say than we would have liked. We ended up having to invite people I've never met because the hubby felt obligated by finances. It was hard to figure out who to invite and who to not which is why we threw an after party … for anyone who knew us but couldn't make it to the actual wedding. We didn't want anyone to feel left out.

My favorite moment: Being announced as Mr. and Mrs. Flores at the reception was awesome — as we walked in they played the Pirates theme song — you know, the classic "yo ho, yo ho…" and everyone sang along.

Oh, and the minister slipped in "honor and obey" solely for Adam's vows. HA! I had no idea. It was hilarious!

My offbeat advice: Have a vision! Write everything down, keep an inspiration book, etc. It will help when you go looking for things.

Be willing to compromise! I didn't get everything I dreamed of, but when it came down to it on the big day it didn't matter a bit.

Everyone will tell you what the think or what they think they KNOW, but it doesn't matter…dust it off your shoulder and remember why you're getting married.

Enough talk — show me the wedding porn: How is it possible that everyone at this wedding is so dang hot?

Comments (15)

On April 8th, 2008 at 8:40 AM
Sarah said

It's so good to hear that you don't worry about the things you've compromised on during the actual day, I've been worrying about whether or not that might happen. BTW, looked fabulous.

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On April 8th, 2008 at 9:47 AM
Lucy said

Blue stockings – yay!

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On April 8th, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Meredith said

I loved all the photos, and to be honest, seeing your dress and the way you looked made me realize what I've really been looking for! You looked beautiful! Congrats!

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On April 8th, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Cate said

I thought I didn't like white dresses or trains – this is the dress that changed my mind. And the blue stockings, ooh,la,la!

Cate

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On April 9th, 2008 at 2:57 PM
Clare said

looks like a beautiful wedding !! congrats

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On April 15th, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Angie said

I love this! Sea of Love – Cat Power is going to be our first dance song. Your wedding was so gorgeous!

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On April 16th, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Elsa said

I love the hat with a veil. Where can I find a hat like that and with what style of wedding dress would that go with?

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On April 16th, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Satanus said

Really loved the white dress its wonderful…

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On April 17th, 2008 at 12:49 AM
kayla carnage said

i know this is a random question, but, where did your husband get those skinny dress pants? i LOVE THEM, and my FH is a tiny sticklegged man who wears girl pants. even skinny leg gil jeans aren't tight on him, so you can just imagine tux pants. blegh! i'd love to get him some of those awesome pants your cute hubby had on. you guys are ADORABLE, and remind me muchly of my beau and i! congrats on the nups!

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On April 17th, 2008 at 3:24 PM
rachael said

Yes, and where did you get your dress?? Love it!!!

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On April 24th, 2008 at 9:20 PM
carissa said

i got the pants for him at h&m , but we tailor his pants often. i got the dress at davids bridal ( gasp! i know , if you look..DIG..they have some nice stuff) and the hat i got at davids as well. that hat has been discontinued since , but its really just an oval form , covered in satin and rhinestones , and you can order the net online..DIY , there you go!

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On June 10th, 2008 at 10:50 AM
savannah said

Just had to say how gorgeous you look (I would have never guessed you'd find something so chic and non-poofy at David's Bridal!) and how much I loved all your pictures, your wedding has truly inspired me :3 Thanks for sharing!!

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On June 22nd, 2008 at 10:55 AM
alexis said

This is so crazy…I had already decided to wear a birdcage veil, to have black accents on my dress, and to walk down the aisle to Cat Power's "Sea of Love." Oh! And we're also going to forego a formal dinner and go with appetizers instead – now I can see that all those ideas work – and turn out really well!!! Thank you for posting this…long lost twin

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On January 21st, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Ashley said

Ironically enough I am planning on DIY cupcakes & tapas. I am looking for tapas inspiration, what types did you serve? How many people did you serve and do you have any tips of DIY tapas? Thanks!

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On February 11th, 2009 at 9:28 PM
carissa said

unfortunately i cannot give any DIY tapas tips , of all that we spent money on, we spent the most on getting our food catered through the spanish restaurant we got married at. and it wasnt cheap..which is why we did DIY everything else! i dont regret getting it catered though and a lot of places will do it per person. ours ran about 30$ a person at about 100 people.

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