Category Archive

lessons learned

After the dust has settled, sometimes it’s nice to share the core lessons that you learned from your wedding… sort of a paying it forward sorta thing, to help future couples avoid making the same mistakes you did. We’re always looking for more “lessons learned” submissions, too. Tell us what YOU learned!

"I never imagined having a wedding until we did": how to throw a non-wedding wedding

I never imagined having a wedding until we did: how to throw a “non-wedding”

No one ever thought I would get married. Except I actually love weddings! I watch bridal shows and browse the stories and DIY projects on Offbeat Bride. When friends get married I’m super happy for them. But I can’t stand the thought of having a big wedding party for myself or see myself as a princess in white. We decided to get married anddecided to throw a party. Therein we have our challenge…

A wedding postmortem: what I'd change about our wedding

A wedding postmortem: what I’d change about our wedding

After a wedding is over “they” say to remember the good and forget the bad. There’s no point harping about things that went wrong because there’s no way to change them. However, with the benefit of hindsight, there are some things that I would do differently that might benefit you to know…

always crying but always trying pin alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

What crying after the engagement party taught me about wedding planning

We had an engagement party thrown for us by a wonderful friend. And it was fun. And I was so thankful. And it was filled with love. But the next morning I woke up crying. WTF!? Here’s what I realized when I had unpacked those unexpected tears of sadness, and how I’m making sure I don’t cry again after our wedding…

Fear and loathing and wedding planning: working through your shit during the engagement

Fear and loathing and wedding planning: working through your shit during the engagement

The engagement period, the period between “Yes” and “I do,” is transitory — a life-changing transition. We spend a lot of time focusing on the actual day. It is, after all, supposed to be the “best day of your life.” There are magazines, websites, and blogs dedicated to this monumental moment, but few people talk about the importance of simply being engaged. Marrying another person is a big deal. A lot comes with that commitment.

Here are my lessons learned…

alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Weddings and body image: get past needing to look “good” and start getting real

I’ve been photographing people in love for over a decade now, and the number one question I get asked as a photographer (by far!) is actually the wrong question to ask…

“Can you make me look good?” The only way to answer this question, is to bring it all the way around to body image. When the question, “Can you make me look good?” is asked, I learned that that’s not really what they’re asking…

Think you need to lose weight for your wedding? Here are 5 Reasons NOT to

Trying to lose weight for your wedding? Here are 5 Reasons NOT to

Everyone wants to look their very best on their wedding day, right? For some brides, this can mean beginning harsh diets, working out wildly, and trying desperately to lose all possible extra weight… but why are we trained to do this? Here are a few reasons why you SHOULDN’T diet before your wedding…