A handmade Victorian picnic wedding in the mountains (with the most gorgeous rain & mist photos!) #Real Weddings: Western US#california#forest#handmade dress#outdoor#rainy#san francisco#victorian#victorian dress Posted Apr 4 2018 Offbeat Editors Photos by: Ali Lander Shindler Photos by Ali Lander Shindler Offbeat partner: Erica, Painter, Storyboard artist Offbeat partner: Bryan, Storyboard artist Date and location of wedding: Mt. Tamalpais State Park, Mill Valley, CA and Barrel House Tavern, Sausalito, CA — June 8, 2017 Our offbeat wedding at a glance: We had a small wedding with only 20 guests, but because it was small, we were able to have all guests participate in the all-white/beige Victorian theme. Most everything was handmade and sourced by us including hand-drawn and printed wooden invitations, bridal party gifts, individually selected vintage tea plates and cutlery, crystal coupe glasses, embroidered napkins, and all decorations. My skirt was handmade by the me from an authentic Victorian bridal gown and the groom had many accessories including a vintage Victorian pocket watch, and tie pin. Tell us about the ceremony: Disaster did ensue however, when it started to rain in the middle of the summer and last-minute tents and rain preventative measures were taken, such as a hot spiked cider. Somehow everyone from the band, to the cake, to the guests arrived on the mountaintop on time in the rain and mist. But still, I along with all my bridesmaids were missing! We couldn't be reached because there was no service anywhere in the state park. There had been an accident on a small access road to the mountaintop. A school bus had crashed minutes before our limo came up the road and blocked it for nearly an hour and a half in the rain. Upon arrival, with the most needed positive attitudes, we proceeded and joined with my husband. It all started going smoothly again. In the mist on top of a rock, we spoke our vows and had our ceremony under the cover of huge redwood trees that lined the mountaintop cliffside. Live folk music and dancing in the rain and mist ensued, in what turned out to make beautiful photos and a story to remember. Tell us about your reception: We had our reception on the water in Sausalito overlooking San Francisco and the entire bay on Barrel House Tavern's private balcony, about a 30-minute drive from the ceremony hilltop. We had an open bar with oysters, passed appetizers, and mains. What was your most important lesson learned? Even if you are a 100% sure that it won't rain, it can happen. As artists, we both loved planning and imagining the wedding, but we had never counted on rain for a Victorian picnic wedding in the middle of summer in a remote location. Just enjoy the day and don't hold on too hard to the idea of what you originally wanted the wedding to be and love every moment for what it was. Vendors Photography: Ali Lander Shindler • Cake: Cake Coquette • Band: Two Lions Band • Reception: Barrel House Tavern Gallery This slideshow requires JavaScript. PREVIOUS 6 easy ways to show appreciation for your wedding photographer (that will make them swoon!) NEXT In case of dementor attack, you'll need this Harry Potter wedding favor Show/Hide comments [ 2 ] Were the people in the school bus okay? Reply Beautiful! Reply Join the conversation Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sign me up for your offbeat awesomeness newsletter! No-drama comment policy Part of what makes the Offbeat Empire different is our commitment to civil, constructive commenting. Make sure you're familiar with our no-drama comment policy. Biz owners & wedding bloggers Please just use your real name in your comment, not your business name or blog title. Our comments are not the place to pimp your website. If you want to promote your stuff on Offbeat Bride, join us as an advertiser instead.