Chrissy & Andre's 1940s Art Deco Glamour Wedding • Offbeat Wed (was Offbeat Bride)

The offbeat bride: Chrissy, Jewelry Designer

Her offbeat partner: Andre, Special Effects Tech

Location & date of wedding: Eglinton Grand in Toronto Ontario on May 1st 2009

What made our wedding offbeat: The day started by us gals getting ready… the bridal party looked so amazing in their 40's outfits & hair, pin up girl makeup feathery fascinators… the boys looked just as good in their outfits too!

We wanted our guests to feel like they've stepped back in time and were attending a glamorous film premiere. We accomplished that with our venue – an art deco movie theater from the 30's, with our names and “movie” (His Girl Friday) title on it, and our movie posters in cased in glass. As guests aproached the theater (all lit up) and walked the red carpet, they were greeted by the paparazzi (with old fashioned cammers with flash bulbs) and our red carpet rep interviewed them.. she also had a mic from the 40's.

Once inside, they got their favor bags with a program (made like a movie premiere program), our movie soundtrack (our favorite songs of the 40's & 50's) & a clapboard keychain. Then they had their photos taken in the lobby, using the accessories (hats, boas, etc) i had out on a table… they got to take a copy of the pic home. Swing/big band music played during cocktail hour, while the cigarette girl handed out candy cigs & cigars (the tray was another DIY project). After cocktail hour on the balcony, the curtains opened and revealed the ballroom below, and the movie screen began to play classic movie dance clips. During dinner we had swing dancers perform…amazing! It was a memorable night!

Our biggest challenge: Coordinating a large bridal party in which most members don't live in the same country. How i handled it? I let the girls choose any dress they wanted (had to be black – could have red or white accents) from Daddy O's or Stop Staring.. that way they can order it and have it delivery to where ever they are. I bought their fascinators & lace fans (instead of bouquets) for them and booked their hair & makeup. I got all the boys to send me their measurements (had them get a tailor to do it for them) and i ordered their tuxes… they arrived here in time to try them on and make sure they fit. We also got them their spats for their shoes.

My favorite moment: We had to see each other before the ceremony cause we wanted to take pics before…. the first time we saw each other was my favorite moment. He was facing the limo towards the street when i was coming out of the house, then he turned around and there I was. We had a good long hug and kiss and he even had tears in his eyes. It was a very special moment for us, I'll never forget it.

My offbeat advice: Personalize! Our wedding will be memorable because it was *US*. Everyone said how *US* it was and that's what made it special to them. Also, DIY as much as you can. My husband and I shared some great moments while doing all these projects and it saved us money! It also made it more personal.

Recruit your friends and family! We had soooo much help…. the photographer is a good friend (his assistants also) and gave us his best package for a great (super great) deal. Our DJ's were free, I got volunteers (strangers) to be my paparazzi and borrowed the cameras from the ballet company of Canada (in-laws work there), the cigarette girl was a friend too. You get the idea — look around you, you may have good little helpers near by.

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