The Offbeat Bride: Rykie (say it like "Rikki") – 20-something actor-type

Her Offbeat Partner: Chris – 20-something manager of a Blockbuster

Location & date of wedding: Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta GA; College Park Woman's Club, Atlanta, GA — February 20, 2009

What made our wedding offbeat: We tried not to get too wrapped up in the formality of the affair; we just got dressed up and had a big party with our nearest and dearest. There were some traditions we liked and some we didn't. Those we liked, we used — those we didn't we changed or scrapped.

Continue reading "Rykie & Chris' Sweet Georgia Purple Shindig of Awesome" →

I've gotten a few questions lately from brides seeking the perfect offbeat groomsmen's gifts. I've resisted weighing in because no two dudes are the same — and I really don't dig the gender-normative trends in groomsmen gifts. It seems like it's assumed that groomsmen are interested in booze (flasks!), titties (pin-up cufflinks!), tools, and sports. I mean sure: you know your dudes best. Maybe they love these things. But are we really so sure our guy friends are so narrow in their interests?

So, in putting together my list of awesome groomsmen gifts, I'll recognize that some dudes might be into a flask or cufflinks, but others would be much happier with a Star Wars flash drive, pedicure, or leather wrist-cuff. My ultimate test for groomsmen gifts: would a badass Best Woman like it too?

That in mind, here are a few of my favorite nontrad groomsmen gifts, some more mainstream, some tongue-in-cheek, and some totally out there:

Continue reading "Unexpected groomsmen gift ideas" →

You've seen this wedding before when Ariel raved about the "best woman's" amazing outfit. Now get the entire scoop on my friend Alex's beautiful offbeat redwood forest wedding that I was lucky to attend.

The Offbeat Bride: Alex- Community Manager

Her Offbeat Partner: Mark- Restaurant Manager

Location & date of wedding: Nestldown, Los Gatos CA (aka Paradise) — June 25, 2009

What made our wedding offbeat: Mark and I wanted to make this wedding as much about our personality and love as possible. We had a close friend become ordained in order to marry us. She did an unforgettable job!

Continue reading "Alex & Mark's Mexi-Kitchy-Chic-Forest-Wonderland Wedding" →

Here's another great example of how to deal with cross-gender wedding parties. Check out the fabulous groom's girls/best women in this shot from Jessicka & Christian's fabulous wedding. For what it's worth, this is my favorite shot from the day. (Thanks to Amanda Brooks Photography for the shot!)