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: Sacha – English Instructor & Musician

Her Offbeat Partner: Christopher – Librarian & Musician

Location & date of wedding: In a garden and Florida Room in Winter Park, FL — June 19, 2009

What made our wedding offbeat: We had to get married outside, even though it was Florida… in June… during hurricane season. We grew up in South Florida and spent a lot of time fishing and birdwatching together, so on our wedding day, we wanted to be surrounded by the scrappy Florida foliage we both love. After two weeks of storms, the rain let up, and we got our sunny wedding day wish.

Continue reading "Sacha & Christopher's Alcohol-Free Garden Party Wedding" →

The Offbeat Bride: Alison, project manager (and OBT member "Alison")

Her Offbeat Partner: Jeremy, musician

Location & date of wedding: Berkeley Church circa 1871 in Toronto, ON — November 14, 2008

What made our wedding offbeat: I was engaged on Feb 3, 2008 (I proposed over the phone on the way to a movie) and got married Nov 14, 2008. This left us just over 9 months to plan our wedding, and to me, this was plenty of time to throw a wicked party. The goal of our wedding was to have a spiritual ceremony that involved our friends and family, and throw a party for our guests like none they’ve ever been to. Based on feedback, the goal was met and exceeded.

Rock 'n Roll wedding party!

Continue reading "Alison & Jeremy's hard hittin' rockin' wedding" →

The Offbeat Bride: Kendra Bentle, Branding and Design Writer and OBTer SheHim

Her Offbeat Partner: Blake Rainey, Musician

Location & date of wedding: The EARL, music venue and bar, Atlanta, GA — 1/11/09

What made our wedding offbeat: Blake and I met on-stage at an Atlanta music venue called The EARL during an event aptly named "The Happenstance." It's kind of like the 48-hour film festival, but for musicians. Blake pulled my name out of a hat to play with him, we wrote and performed music together that night, and have been inseparable ever since.

Continue reading "Kendra & Blake's Rock & Roll Revival, Post-Elopement Party" →

The offbeat bride: Hayley, English Teacher

Her offbeat partner: Tyson, Jazz Guitarist

Location & date of wedding: Hayley's Auntie and Uncle's garden in Drysdale, Victoria, Australia on January 3rd, 2009

What made our wedding offbeat: We had been together for nine years when we were married. Our wedding was always going to be a celebration of our love and commitment to each other, but it was important to us that we also celebrated the love and support that our family and friends have brought into our lives.

Continue reading "Hayley & Tyson's Vintage Garden Party Wedding" →