Ariel,
I received my copy of Offbeat Bride in the mail yesterday and am already more than halfway through it. I just wanted to say.. THANK YOU.

My partner Georgia and I are far from traditional - we’re gay, which is probably the biggest (and most exciting) challenge in planning a wedding (yes, a real wedding - thank you Canada!!!). She’s the long-haired, broken-shit-fixin’, boy-clothes-wearin’, hairy-legged, likes to be spooned gender enigma, and I’m the equally puzzling short haired, boy’s-name-havin’, makeup-loving girly girl. Needless to say, we’re throwing most tradition right out the window.

Your book (so far!) and blog have been so inspirational in feeling secure about our choices, and your advice applies to everything - I’m a radio DJ and she’s a part-time musician, so our wedding is going to be a huge concert at which we will just happen to be married (onstage).

I gave my fiancee a recap of your book (she’s a master’s student and therefore too busy to read interesting books…) and now she’s set on including an overnight camping party as part of the wedding. Her parents own a big property on an island, and I can’t believe we didn’t think of that before. You’ve inspired us both!

I didn’t think there would be any wedding “planner” that would give me any tips toward pulling that kind of thing together, but yours is so helpful. Our vision is coming together so well now.

-Floyd