Those of you dealing with stick-in-the-mud officiants will be inspired by Lamira Martin, an ordained celebrant in St. Louis who’s motto is “Your ceremony, your way.” With a background in cultural anthropology, she makes it clear that she believes “each person is a spark of God or Universal Energy. I believe there are many avenues to that source and there is not one right way.”

She’s overseen pirate weddings and handfastings, and she’s got samples of wedding and commitment ceremonies on her website. Lamira is available for weddings in St. Louis, Missouri and Southern Illinois area, and can travel if you need her to. Check out Lamira’s website: YourCeremonyYourWay.com.

The offbeat bride: Sarah, barista

My offbeat groom: Josh, architecture student

Location & date of wedding: County park in St. Louis, MO (May 20th, 2007)

What made our wedding offbeat: I know “green” weddings are quite popular on the coasts, but here in the Midwest, people were stunned. We did our best, on our budget, to be eco-friendly. And our subtle message resonated with our guests, who were all intrigued and asked lots of questions. Our wedding was truly a family affair. Our focus was on having a nice, peaceful, low stress day. Oh, and our goal was to spend less than $2,000. We ended up spending about $2,500, which is probably rounding up, on a wedding with 75 guests.

We kept our own names. I wore Chuck Taylor’s at the reception. Fuck heels.

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