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The Offbeat Bride: Robin, non-profit administrator and cake decorator
Her offbeat partner: Ken, veterinarian
Date and location of wedding: Locust Grove Estates, Poughkeepsie, NY — April 27, 2013
Our offbeat wedding at a glance: Ken and I are total rockabillies (well, he's more psychobilly, but we are billies nonetheless) and I wanted a wedding to represent that. We had records, tattoo flash, tiki drinks, hair flowers and pomade, Wanda Jackson's former back-up band, a classic car, Elvis, and plenty of cake. Okay, the cake isn't part of being rockabilly, I just wanted a lot of cake!
Tell us about the ceremony: The only appropriate song for me to walk down the aisle to would be “Rockin' Robin” by Bobby Day. There was a lot of laughter at that part. Ken wanted something different: he picked “Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash.
Our biggest challenge: The hardest part was finding an officiant. We wanted someone fun, while my parents wanted someone traditional. I am Catholic, so that was my mother's priority. She ended up finding this great officiant who was a former Catholic Priest, and in his words, “was a naughty boy and married a woman” and left the priesthood. Turns out this guy was hilarious. He set the perfect mood for us, and I think he really liked performing the ceremony in front of a vintage microphone.
My favorite moment: The day before I met Ken, I was complaining to my cousin about being single. I told her all I wanted was a greaser, who drives a motorcycle, and would sing me Elvis songs. And then I met Ken. The thing was Ken never sang, he refused to.
Just as dessert was being served, Ken got up with the band and told this story. He then sang one of my favorite Elvis' songs, “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear.” He did amazingly well, and shocked basically everyone in the room, including the band! It totally made the day that much more special.
My funniest moment: I think we surprised people when our first dance started. Ken and I met as extras on a zombie film. When we were trying to find a good song that fit us, I wanted something about zombies. Amazingly enough I found the song “Zombie For Your Love” by Kim Lenz. The whole room light up when the band started with “I'm a zombie zombie zombie for your love…” We ended the dance with me biting Ken's neck.
What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding? Be yourself as much as you can. If you don't want to do place cards, don't. If you want the centerpieces to be cakes, do it! If you decide that giving trophies to your guests for being the best dressed would make the night better, definitely do it. In the end, I wanted people to experience our lifestyle and have a good time, even if that meant bucking a few traditions.
Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?
- Photography: Moz Foto
- Bride's dress: Dolly Couture
- Bride's shoes: Betsey Johnson
- Groom's suit jacket: Lansky Brothers, the clothier to the King (they designed Elvis' clothing)
- Centerpieces: The Land of Cake Believe
- Table runners: Retro Shreds
- Band: The Lustre Kings — worth every penny!
- Bridesmaids dressed: Pin Up Girl Clothing
- Hair: Chelsea Harris, owner Salon 52 Hair Studios
Enough talk — show me the wedding inspo!
dresses: Dolly Couture
About the Author: Offbeat Editors
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ahhh! love the dress, I also got a peacock blue sash & dress from dolly couture for my wedding coming up! glad to see that it looks AMAZING in photos, congrats!
LOVE the peacock blue!!! Seriously my favorite of all the colors they have.
Congrats on your upcoming wedding.
Fifties? Rock n’ Roll? Tattoos? Top to bottom amazing! You guys did an incredible job with the theme and really nailed the time period. The hair and clothes were spot-on, the details rocked (that microphone!) and I ache with longing for that car! You guys are just plain awesome! Congratulations to you both 🙂
Thanks Jamie!! Super sweet of you!
I love the pin-up station! So freaking awesome!
as a fellow dolly couture bride- love love love your dress and crinoline!
and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE that you picked the PUG Rita!!
Just gorgeous! Can I ask, where did you get the stickers for the middle of the records? We’ve got records for our centrepieces, and would love some personalised stickers on them. Many thanks 🙂
We had them designed by the person who did our wedding invitations (who I wouldn’t recommend cause she never sent me my thank you even though I paid her) and then ordered them through 40ver4.com (who I would recommend cause the price was great and they were fast).
Brilliant, many thanks! Shame about your invitation person though, poor show! 🙁
OMG, that dress! Love!
So this is probably pretty late to the game, but anyone know where that cute bolero came from? I didn’t see it on the Dolly Couture site and I’m looking for something just like that.
Hi Rayne, I got the bolero from Dolly Couture. They carry it in their stores but not online. I’m sure if you email them, they will help you out. Unfortunately, I don’t remember how much it cost.
Best,
Robin
Hi Robin!
You guys looked gorgeous!!!! Don’t know if you’re still answering questions here… but thought I’d try! I choose a peacock blue petticoat from Dolly Couture because I saw yours (thank you for telling us the colour). Where did you get the sash? Where did Ken get his shoes? I’m looking for something similar for my Fiance. 🙂
Cheers!
I went to a ribbon store with a sample of the petticoat. I paid something like $15 for two yards. If you are in NYC the store is called JK trimmings.
I love your guestbook idea! where did you get the picture in the center???!!!
I got the picture on etsy and the frame at michaels. I think I search “day of the dead wedding”. Hope that helps.
Super cute! I love the whole shebang! So glad to hear that the guests got into the rockabilly style for it too. I have hope!