The Offbeat Bride: Leslie, Computer Science Instructor (and OBT member)

Her Offbeat Partner: Von, Senior Bailiff

Location & date of wedding: the back garden at Noe's Nest Bed and Breakfast in San Francisco, CA — August 9, 2008

What made our wedding offbeat: LEGALLY marrying the Latin butch of my dreams, before California voted in PropHATE. Being surrounded and helped by many friends, most who we knew only from online and had not met in person before we arrived. Going from, "Hey, they're letting me go to LinuxWorld in San Francisco!" to… "Let's make it a vacation!" to… "Oh hey, let's get married" in less than a week, to married in less than a month.

Continue reading "Leslie & Von's last-minute, long-distance, LEGAL, butch-femme and friends wedding" →

The Offbeat Bride: Chloe – Advocacy Worker (and OBT member "Chloe")

Her Offbeat Partner: Tank – Student Supervisor and DJ

Location & date of wedding: Registry Office, Pub, Fratry and Tithe Barn in Carlisle, Cumbria, UK — 25th Oct 2008

What made our wedding offbeat: Our wedding was designed by us, run by us and done by us! We saved money and saved our sanity by creating a day that reflected us.

Continue reading "Chloe & Tank's Fiery Red UK Wedding" →

If you're going to wear a red wedding dress, you owe it to yourself to have fun with it — like Puck is doing here, as captured by PixieVisionProductions.

Throw up your arms! Throw back your head! Live it up!

And no, I don't know who made the dress — but I can tell you ALL about the boots. They're Fleuvogs — the only heels that I find comfortable.

Oh, and wait until you see what the groom wore…

The entire set of photos is over here.

Ooh, ladies. Have I got a hot one for you today…

Sure, Starkers! Corsetry does traditional wedding gowns … but they definitely specialize in offbeat corset-based wedding attire: black & white, red, vinyl, stripes, Gothic wedding gowns, and oooh so much more.

Starkers! corsets and gowns can be created for any size, from teeny petite-y to plus sized, and are almost always two piece, so you actually can wear your corset after your wedding. Because the corsets and gowns are exactly to your measurements, they're relatively comfortable to wear all day. Despite the 26 steel bones, they're still flexible enough to dine, dance, and celebrate in.

Founded by Diana DiNoble, Starkers! has been creating custom corsets for 17 years — 11 years of that online. This is all to say, holy shit ladies: Diana knows what she's doing.

Each corset is custom made using the measurements and information you provide to create a garment that will fit your individual body and style. Whether you are a woman, man, plus size or petite, they take the time to draft your pattern and construct your one of a kind corset using the quality fabrics and leathers. All of Starkers! corsets are constructed for strength and durability and can provide a moderate, natural curve, but are also suitable for tight lacing and every day wear.

OFFBEAT DISCOUNT!
For $40 off your wedding corset, use the code "offbeatbride.com" on the Starkers! order form.

And compared to off-the-rack wedding gowns, Starkers! prices are totally reasonable, starting at $355. Full custom wedding gowns approx $650, which includes custom fit, custom design. You can select your own fabric, send your measurements online, by phone, or (if you happen to be in Toronto) go in for a personal fitting.

Oh and PS, Halloween brides: Starkers! specializes in Halloween weddings, and they need 6-8 weeks to create your gown and corset … so if you're planning a Halloween 2009 wedding, NOW is the time to place your order.

Offbeat Bride: Sheva, Hairstylist

Her Offbeat Partner: Jared, Cad specialist

Location & date of wedding: Castle on the Hudson, Tarrytown, NY — October 31st, 2008

What made our wedding offbeat: Jared and I hate the traditional, and dread going to weddings. We decided to throw a huge bash on our favorite holiday, Halloween.

To ensure that our guests would losen up and have fun we had everyone dress up in costume. Jared wore jeans and we all decided to wear chucks and be comfortable. We got to be ourselves and had a stress free fun day.

Continue reading "Sheva & Jared's dark, elegant wedding with a twist of tacky Halloween fun" →