This is sort of an Offbeat Bride family wedding. Not only is it the wedding of longtime OBT member Ragani — but it was the first wedding that Managing Editor Megan ever photographed. Kudos to Ragani & Will for taking a chance on an a newbie wedding photographer.

The offbeat bride: Ragani, Art Director & Henna Artist

Her offbeat partner: Will, Paralegal & Performing Artist

Location & date of wedding: California Ballroom, Oakland, CA — May 2, 2009

What made our wedding offbeat: Having a traditional wedding was never really an option. We wanted it to be a reflection us and celebrate our eclectic community, so following "tradition" was not the best way to achieve that. Once we decided on having the wedding in a theater-like setting, the rest spun off that.

Continue reading "Ragani & Will's Cinematic Gala & Music Spectacular Wedding" →

The offbeat bride: Monika A, Fluevog Asst Manager, Professional Tarot Reader and part time vegan baker

Her offbeat partner: Carter , build and release computer engineer

Location & date of wedding: Hakone Gardens, Saratoga , CA — September 20, 2009

What made our wedding offbeat: When a Pagan, tarot reading, Fluevog Pimpette decides to marry a Floridian, blond/blue eyed, computer geek, atheist, your wedding has to be offbeat! We found our middle ground in having the wedding in an amazing Japanese Garden, which was alive with nature and her beauty. We did almost everything ourselves and don't regret any part of the year of collecting cutlery, making cherry blossom center pieces, and searching Craigslist for the perfect table cloths.

Continue reading "Monika & Carter's Neo-Victorian, Pagan-Atheist, Japanese, Peacock, Love Fest" →

Fun Offbeat Fact: Stasha's brother-in-law Dave Tusk's wedding was previously profiled on Offbeat Bride. I'm sure most all of you will remember Lucifire & Dave Tusks bright red circus wedding! As Stasha put it, "We're just one big freaky family!"

The Offbeat Bride: Stasha, Gal Friday

Her Offbeat Partner: Rob, Student

Location & date of wedding: City Center, Redwood City, California — July 23, 2008

What made our wedding offbeat: We didn't stick with many traditions at all and, with the help and contributions of our friends, we did the entire thing for under $600 (and that includes our clothes)!

Continue reading "Stasha & Rob's Vintage Goth Wedding with Bubbles" →

Hopefully I'll have more photos and the full story from the Zimtrix California forest wedding soon, but for now I must share this photo of the wedding dress, which was designed and constructed by Jessica Hinel, a costume designer and seamstress based in the Bay Area:

If you want to know more about the dress and see the amazing Wai-Ching-inspired split train, go read the designer's blog post about her design and construction process. Jessica also did the groom's styling, which she's promised to blog about soon. I'll be waiting.

A very special thanks to @LaurenCrane for tweeting about this amazing vegan wedding that manages to be both a little punk and a lot classy:

The bride (coincidentally also named Ariel — no relation!) explains that "we tried to have as classy a wedding as two scruffy punks can manage."

(photos by Andrew Kercher)

For the full scoop, head on over the The Storque, or watch the Flickr slideshow below. And thanks again, Lauren!

Continue reading "Punk-but-classy vegan wedding, as seen on Etsy Storque!" →