We’ve had specific requests for an Australian/New Zealand theme week. So we’ve found some Down Under favorites. Today’s couple who has to deal with rain and wasp stings, but at least they got new ink!
The offbeat bride: Kayla, Student (and Tribe member)
Her offbeat partner: Mark, Apprentice Chef
Location & date of wedding: Timaru Botanical Gardens, Timaru, NZ — January 22, 2011
What made our wedding offbeat: It was absolutely low budget — NZ$6500, to be exact. I like to call it our “TradeMe Wedding.” TradeMe is a New Zealand site similar to eBay. There was lots of colour and I certainly didn’t hide my tattoos. In fact, we both got tattooed straight after the ceremony, still in full wedding outfits.
We skipped the first dance and father-daughter dance, and both of my parents walked me down the aisle. We saved a lot by having our flatmate photograph the wedding, a 17-year-old budding photography student. Also, one of my past art teachers was our celebrant!
The decorations were all DIYed. We had origami swans I can now make in my sleep, and for the tables we had white candles in preserving jars with ribbons around the top, and the bridal table had hydrangeas “borrowed” from the reception venue’s garden! We had a candy buffet for favours since I have a mean sweet tooth.
Tell us about the ceremony: Our ceremony was intentionally short and secular. I’m an atheist and Mark is agnostic. Our goal was to keep it short and light, and hopefully have a wee laugh (which we certainly did). The one reading we included was one I found on Offbeat Bride: “Love” by Roy Croft. It really fit for us, and later Mark said he nearly let a wee tear slip while the celebrant read it.
Our biggest challenge: It was mostly money. Neither of us have the income or inclination to spend a house deposit on one day. Many vendors helped out with letting us laybuy things including my shoes, dress, and Mark’s suit.
My favorite moment: It was so amazing how many people were willing to help us out. My longtime close friend from high school made my awesome feather fascinator and did everyone’s hair for the day, leaving herself half an hour to get ready (AND she was the emcee).
It was pretty cool saying our vows as well. It wasn’t something I was hugely focused on during the planning, as I hate public speaking of any form, but it was really lovely, actually.
My funniest moment: During the ceremony, our celebrant was talking about us potentially “traveling with our babies,” meaning our animals. However, Mark thought I had waited until our vows to announce an unexpected (and non-existent) pregnancy! The look of relief on his face when she said “their animals” was priceless, and everyone thought it was hilarious.
When I arrived at the ceremony, it became apparent that Mark had a run-in with a wasp in his Red Bull can, resulting in a very fat top lip. He thought he’d ruined the day, but I was just glad it wasn’t worse than it was.
At the reception, my carefully constructed playlist of music was hijacked by Justin Bieber, much to the delight of our five-year-old flower girl… and my 24-year-old chief bridesmaid! There were many carefully choreographed shapes cut on that dance floor.
Was there anything you were sure was going to be a total disaster that unexpectedly turned out great? It was pouring rain the night before and our ceremony was planned for outside. We had a very hastily arranged backup plan, but thankfully, the sun squeaked out that morning.
My advice for offbeat brides: Pick your battles. I had a lot more DIY planned, but due to my fierce habit of procrastinating, it didn’t all get done. No one noticed. Don’t stress yourself to death about things people won’t remember a year later.
Also, don’t let time make you complacent! We were engaged for 18 months, just long enough for my procrastinating nature to kick in. I left it til six weeks before to confirm our celebrant.
What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding? That it’s just one day. It’s not worth paying a million dollars, nor is it worth a hernia. And go with your gut. We did on many things, including the photographer, and it worked out amazingly. Many people would have balked at the idea of having a 17-year-old photographing their wedding, but we knew his work and the pride he takes in it. I knew he would be great.
Care to share a few vendor/shopping links?
- Dress: Kelly Bridal House — incredibly low budget! They also list on TradeMe, where I found my dress.
- Parasols, cupcake cases, cupcake stand, and flower girl dresses: TradeMe
- Groom’s suit: Cambridge & Co.
- Catering: Fusion, our boss’ restaurant. Mark did most of the prep two days before for the buffet!
- Invitations: VistaPrint
- Bride’s shoes: Gondwana Heels
- Bride’s necklace: made by my friend, Kat
- Photography: Grant Findlay, Marcus Nee, and Lalena Wallace
Enough talk — show me the wedding porn!
Read more posts about: budget wedding, colorful wedding, converse, fascinator, new zealand, park, tattooed bride
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