Chantal & Sean's dark red and black, rock 'n roll marriage party • Offbeat Wed (was Offbeat Bride)

The offbeat bride: Chantal, Banker (and OBT member)

Her offbeat partner: Sean, Chef

Location & date of wedding: Studios In The Exchange, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada — August 29, 2009

What made our wedding offbeat: We decided to do our own take on tradition. We didn't want to eliminate traditions all together just because we didn't believe in them, we wanted to show how we could interpret them in our own unique way.

We were together for ten years already and didn't want it to be all about us getting married. We wanted it to be more of a celebration of the relationship we already had and are planning on continuing.

Our biggest challenge: Biggest challenge was budget. We had A LOT of big ideas and because what we wanted wasn't “normal” the cost involved with a lot of our ideas was outrageous. Our decorations, invitation, etc., ended up being DIY because I couldn't get the options I wanted for a decent price. For some reason, because I don't want to be like everyone else, I had to dish out double to cost… yeah, ok?!

My favorite moment: Dancing in the street in the dark under a street light with my new husband.

The city we live in decided to rip up the street the venue is located on the week of our wedding — making parking and finding the venue next to impossible. But our photographer took us out into the middle of the torn up, gravel road with the traffic cones and the street barricades and had us dancing under the street lights. It was the perfect moment to just get away from all the excitement and be with my new husband for a moment.

My offbeat advice: If you want something just do it. I got A LOT of suggestions from family and friends that tried to budge me back towards society's idea of tradition. But I stuck to what I wanted and it turned out to be the best most beautiful night of my life. The best part is all those people that were trying to influence me LOVED how everything turned out and couldn't believe how magnificent and unique it was.

Most people just can't see the ideas in your head. Prove it to them instead of trying to convince them. Once they see you happy and having a good time.. nothing else will matter.

Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?:

Photographer: Coralee Penner, Red Photo Co.
I got my dress from Christina Gowns. It was just a simple black 2009 prom dress. But it was PERFECT.
Veil was from Unveiled Bridal Designs. The owner hand makes birdcage veils. They are unique and beautiful and you can customize them to fit your look.
I made my own jewellery, as I have a jewellry business Tillie's Treasures.
I decided since my look was so very different, I had my make up professionally done by Fine Eyes Makeup Artists and my hairdresser from Vault Salon and Spa in Winnipeg was just amazing with my hair.
Decorations, invitations, were all DIY. So much of my inspiration came from The Offbeat Bride Tribe and Indiebride.com. I don't know what I would've done without those two sites.