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The Offbeat Bride: Tracy, Editor
Her Offbeat Partner: Aaron, Building Engineer
Location & date of wedding: Peace Valley Park in New Britain Township, PA. — October 25, 2008
What made our wedding offbeat: We had a self-uniting ceremony, which means we had no officiant. We kept our vows pretty traditional, but we led ourselves through them.
We wanted to keep things simple and inexpensive, but we still wanted some traditional elements. We prepared the food ourselves, and I made the wedding cake. We cooked steaks and baked potatoes on the park grills, and used antique china plates and saucers we got at a local thrift store.
The day started out very chilly and windy. My in-laws helped us set up, but because of the wind, we weren't ready to begin when the guests arrived. Not to fear! They were wonderful family friends, and jumped in to help us finish putting things together. (There is a picture of me standing on a picnic table in 4″ heels while our guests help me decorate the wedding arch!) We had rain off an on, and my father-in-law had to hold an umbrella over the grill as my new husband tended it!
After we ate, we all went back to the apartment to finish the reception with champagne (it wasn't allowed in the public park) and leftovers! But my husband and I had to take our son to his first band concert before the three of us could join the festivities.
It sounds like a crazy, hectic day, and it was — but it was also so much fun!
Our biggest challenge: The legalities! We hit a snag getting the license, and ended up really glad we'd settled on having a self-uniting ceremony!
We simply stuck to our schedule (with the knowledge of our families) and quietly went and got our license and had it signed by two witnesses at a later date.
My favorite moment: Drinking champagne and talking around the dining room table with everyone. The experience was so warm and intimate.
My advice for other offbeat brides: Search thrift and discount stores! We got so many good deals on the cheap.
Enough talk — show me the wedding inspo!:
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