The offbeat bride: Lea Vendetta, Tattooist/Artist

Her offbeat partner: Dave “Bastard” Archer, Tattooist

Location & date of wedding: Smathers Beach, Key West, Florida. April 1st 2008

What made our wedding offbeat: We got married in 1995 at the courthouse with no ceremony and no pictures. It was just the two of us, we were broke, and it was lame. Our 13th anniversary was coming up and I wanted to do something to finally be able to remember our wedding as a fabulous real wedding day! Of course we decided to do something 2 weeks before, so we improvised and everything ended up working perfectly! …like it was meant to be…

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The offbeat bride: Bree, Hairdresser

Her offbeat groom: Damien

Location & date of wedding: Army Navy Country Club, Fairfax VA, October 6, 2007

What made our wedding offbeat: We wanted to be different and rock a roll — but still very elegant. I walked down the aisle to a Johnny Cash tune!

Our biggest challenge: We really had very little difficulty — we planned well in advance and stayed in our budget. Being understanding, compromising and remembering that it’s supposed to be a fun and special time kept any disagreement and difficulty at bay.

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Those who’ve read my book (which should be all of you *cough cough*) will notice that this wedding sounds awfully familiar. Elisa and I grew up together on Bainbridge Island, and our weddings had a lot in common! I’ve mentioned her wedding before, but here’s the full profile…

The offbeat bride: Elisa, Therapist

Her offbeat groom: Eric, Electrician

Location & date of wedding: My mom’s backyard in a clearing surrounded by Cedar trees on Bainbridge Island.

What made our wedding offbeat: We decided to go low key, fun and DIY! We had a backyard ceremony and I wore the same dress that my grandma and great-grandma wore. It was so special, I’m really glad I did! After the ceremony I changed dresses so I wouldn’t trash the antique one and we danced and hung out all night. I made many of the things for the wedding to keep it cheap and cute, with everything being our colors of bright orange, pink, red, and fushia.

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