When Books Meet Rpgs: A Book Nerds Wedding To Tickle Your Dice

The whimsical wedding of Christy, an optician, and Zack, an analyst, was a celebration to remember. The couple chose the picturesque Elm Creek Park Chalet in Maple Grove, Minnesota as the backdrop for their special day on May 14, 2016. With a budget of $10,000, they were able to bring their unique vision to life. Photography by Rachel Lahlum provided stunning visual memories of the occasion.

Our offbeat wedding at a glance:

As self-proclaimed bibliophiles and nerds, my husband and I were thrilled to incorporate our passions into our wedding planning. We viewed the day as an opportunity to share our love of books with everyone we loved, and it quickly became a central theme throughout the celebration. The idea of a book arch sparked our imagination, and we soon found ourselves brainstorming ways to integrate books into every aspect of the event.

We put out a call on social media for unwanted books and were overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and family, who donated hundreds of volumes. These books became the foundation for our creative decorations, including a stunning book arch, table centerpieces, planters, bunting, and even a ring book in lieu of a traditional pillow. I handcrafted over 100 book page roses for my bouquet and those of my bridesmaids, adding a touch of literary elegance to our overall aesthetic.

To further reinforce the theme, we used bookplate stickers as place cards, allowing guests to take them home and utilize them after the celebration. We also created custom table numbers using images of our favorite book covers. In addition to our love of books, sustainability was another key consideration for us.

We chose a green venue that aligned with our values, and opted for brunch instead of dinner, as it is indeed the best meal of all (if you disagree, I’ll gladly engage in a spirited debate). To satisfy our sweet tooth, we enlisted the services of our beloved local donut shop, who provided an impressive array of delicious treats. As a unique and memorable element, we set up a Polaroid photo booth guestbook.

Each guest received two photos: one as a keepsake and another that could be transformed into a custom Magic: The Gathering card to add to our commemorative guestbook wall.

Tell us about the ceremony:

As we exchanged vows, the processional songs set the tone for an unforgettable celebration. Zack accompanied his parents to their seats to the iconic theme from Miller’s Crossing, while our wedding party entered to the adrenaline-fueled ‘Let Them Up’ from Mad Max Fury Road. I had dreamed of this moment since childhood and walked down the aisle to the majestic ‘Throne Room March’ from Star Wars Episode IV.

The nostalgia was palpable as we personalized our ceremony with a unique script that blended elements we adored. Our declaration of intent combined the US Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on marriage with Shakespearean flair. The ceremony unfolded like a role-playing game, with our officiant drawing inspiration from the Dungeon Master’s Guide and Zack surprising me by making me roll for initiative to see who would recite their vows first.

We wove together nerdy readings, a unity ceremony involving two beloved books, and after our first kiss, we strolled out to the euphoric ‘Christmas Island’ – a nod to Adventure Time’s iconic finale.

Tell us about your reception:

The wedding reception was a true celebration of our nerdy love. As guests opened their favor bags, they were soon adorned in stickers and snap bracelets inspired by Adventure Time. But that wasn’t all – we also gave them custom-printed D6s with our names and wedding dates, as well as D20s in one of our colors. This attention to detail added a touch of whimsy to the evening.

Zack and I have always been annoyed by the traditional clinking of glasses at weddings, so he came up with a unique solution. We designed a ‘Powered by the Apocalypse’ style dice-rolling game that would keep people entertained while still giving them a chance to see us kiss. To set the tone, we inflated giant dice and posted the rules for all to follow. Here’s how it worked: anyone wanting to see the bride and groom (that’s us!

) smooch had to grab two of the giant inflatable six-sided dice, add up their numbers, and then take action. The outcome was determined by the roll:* 10+ meant we’d kiss without any additional smooches required.* 7-9 saw us kiss, but with a twist – you’d also have to give your partner in crime a smooch.* 1-6 resulted in tough luck, where you’d have to give your partner a quick peck on the cheek or lips. This added an element of surprise and humor to the evening.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with guests of all ages embracing the game with enthusiasm. The resulting photos were a delight – people having fun, laughing, and even sharing kisses with their partners.

What was your most important lesson learned?

The concept of honeymoon registries has been a game-changer for my partner and me. Since we were already living together before our big day, we didn’t feel the need for traditional household items. Instead, we opted to create a Honeyfund for our Icelandic getaway, where loved ones could gift us unique experiences rather than physical gifts. At first, we were hesitant about the idea, but it ended up being a huge hit with our friends and family.

People genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to our honeymoon adventures, whether it was a whale-watching excursion or a relaxing spa day. And let’s not forget the fun of sharing our experiences on social media, allowing everyone to feel like they were right there with us, enjoying our special moments. If you’re considering a non-traditional registry approach for your own big day, I highly recommend giving it a shot.

Vendors

From the exquisite photography of Rachel Lahlum Photography to the elegant attire, every detail at this wedding was meticulously curated. The bride’s stunning dress, courtesy of Trashy Diva, stole the show, while the groomsmen looked dashing in their Cyberoptix ties. The bridesmaids’ dresses, sourced from Unique Vintage, added a touch of whimsy and romance to the overall aesthetic.

The bride’s own jewelry, crafted by Art & Accessories by Soren, complemented her headpiece, a breathtaking creation by Oh Peacock Feathers. Meanwhile, the groom’s accessories included the bride’s gloves, designed by Dark Pony Designs. Officiating the ceremony was Common Roots Catering, which provided an unforgettable dining experience for the guests. To satisfy sweet tooths, Glam Doll Donuts were on hand to offer an assortment of delectable treats.

And as a thoughtful gesture to their loved ones, the couple chose Honeyfund as their registry.