Category Archive

I was the editor of the now-defunct Offbeat Families, and owner/photographer at Stephanie Kaloi Photography in Portland, OR.
black and white photos reception alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

A DIY-styled vintage vineyard-meets-Gatsby LA wedding

Corrie and Renie had one of the sweetest weddings at Heavenly Pond, a hidden gem in LA’s Franklin Canyon Park. There’s just so much LOVE here: everything from the happy, vibrant guests to the sun streaming down during the ceremony is a little bit divine.

startrekofficiant alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

When Trekkies Wed: a Star Trek-themed ceremony, vows, and officiant dressed as Q

Seattle-based officiant Elaine Way was contacted by our Trekkie couple of the day (John and Becky) and asked if she would dress in full character for their ceremony. The character they had in mind was none other than Q, aka the bossy enlightened know-it-all from Next Generation. Since Becky and John are full-blown Trekkies, we also have the entire ceremony AND a wedding video!

billy ball wedding ring shot alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

A most colorful DIY wedding + bonus canine attendant

Rachel and Rich’s photographer, Pilster Photography, described Rachel as “the queen of DIY” so I know some of y’all are going to love this super happy celebration. These two had a limited budget and pulled together a day that radiates sunshine and giggles — complete with having their dog come along for the day.

bride1 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

5 ways you can rock your engagement photos AND save the dates

As a wedding photographer I pretty much love engagement sessions — for me, they’re a great way for me to get to know the couple I’m working with and for the couple to get to know me. For couples, they’re a fun way to capture a period in your life that DOESN’T directly involve the wedding — it’s just you and yours, doing your thing. Engagement photos also often serve a second purpose: you can make really amazing save the date cards using the photos from your session. That is, assuming you like the photos in the first place! So how can you make sure you love your engagement photos?

steampunk bride and groom alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Vintage frames, gears, and books: A spectacular British steampunk wedding

These two put a lot of thought into every aspect of the day — they designed their own outfits (including modifying purchased items when they couldn’t find what they were looking for) and combined their design and computing skills to create the bespoke invitations, stationery, and a website to match the theme. Adam’s mum and best man designed the centerpieces, and the pair had some of Adelina’s family’s old jewelry redesigned into unique wedding bands with a never-ending vine engraved on them. I LOVE!

Chen Nance Colson Griffith Photography 299114 092920IMG 048820Full20Res20Final low alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Let’s get fancy with two kayaking brides and the cutest elephant cake topper you ever did see

Angela and Ashley got married after Prop 8 was overturned in California and boyyyyy did they do it up! From the bridal gifts (a kayak and a surfboard) to the shot of vodka they took (at the altar!) as their first drink, it’s pretty clear they were having a gooood time. I highly recommend watching the same day edit wedding video from Imperial Video if you want to get your emotions on — or if you just want to see Angela dancing up the aisle with both of her parents.