Luci & Josh's relaxing backyard wedding • Offbeat Wed (was Offbeat Bride)

The Offbeat Bride: Luci, Buyer at a used bookstore

Her offbeat partner: Josh, Freight Clerk

Date and location of wedding: My parents' field on their seven-acre farm in Powell, Tennessee — October 11, 2012

Our offbeat wedding at a glance: We wanted our wedding to express the true us and not the fancy, uncomfortable, church clothes us. My brother played guitar, I had a bridesman, we ate fried chicken, and our dog, Samwise, was part of our wedding party. I got Josh a wind-up pocket watch because he loves to tinker with things. He got me a jade pendant which symbolizes two lives joining together on one journey. I felt every part of our wedding, from the canvas guest book to the dried wildflower bouquets, was extremely special to the both of us.

Tell us about the ceremony: Josh and I chose to write our own vows to one another. We also decided to read poems to each other since I went to college for creative writing and am a poet myself. I will never forget his poem to me, Pablo Neruda's “Sonnet XVII.”

Our biggest challenge: I had been very sick for the few months leading up to our wedding. My doctors thought I had Crohn's Disease, and I ended up having to get a colonoscopy three days before the wedding since we were leaving the country afterwards. Somehow, through several ER trips and doctor's appointments, Josh and I still pulled it off. We had some help, too. My father bought all of the stuff for my centerpieces and put them together on his own. They ended up being perfect for us!

My favorite moment: Josh and I also chose to do a first look, which was the most peaceful part of the day. Our photographer was there, but it felt like it was just the two of us surrounded by nature.

Our first dance was to The Avett Brothers “Offering.” It's an amazing song, and we chose it because they are our favorite band who we've seen four times in concert.

My funniest moment: Our great friend, Dustin, dared the best man, JR, to shove a cupcake in his face. JR never backs down to a challenge! We missed the initial hit, but Dustin did give us a formal thanks for having him at our wedding… covered in chocolate icing!

What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding?
I learned how lucky I am to be surrounded by such loving and caring people. Josh and I never fought over a single part of the planning process, my bridesmaids were nothing short of helpful when needed, my parents went above and beyond in letting us use their home as a venue, and all I felt that day was love from everyone and to everyone.