#Erinandtimgetmeowied: A Nerdy Cat Lady Wedding
Erin, a 6th grade English teacher, embarked on an unconventional romantic journey with her partner, Tim, a machinery mechanic. The couple’s big day took place at the picturesque Abbie Holmes Estate in Clermont, New Jersey on October 15, 2016. A memorable experience was captured by Alison Dunn Photography.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
Our special day blended whimsy with nostalgia as we incorporated our shared loves – books, cats, and all things sparkly. Since my feline friends couldn’t join us in person, I channeled my inner ‘cat lady’ through creative expressions. I wore cat-inspired shoes and carried a cat-shaped purse, while our cake topper featured illustrations of my beloved pets. We also surprised guests with cat-themed treats like paw-print chocolate favors and cat ear accessories at the photo booth.
To commemorate the occasion, we coined the hashtag #ErinAndTimGetMeowed. As an English teacher, I naturally wove book-related elements throughout the celebration. Book centerpieces, scattered volumes, a literary guestbook, and handmade flowers crafted from book pages added to the ambiance. My bridesmaid and I also designed bespoke newspapers for our ceremony programs. To sprinkle in some extra magic, we liberally applied gold glitter without overpowering the overall aesthetic.
In a nod to my creative flair, Tim and I upcycled vintage books by hollowing out their insides and planting succulents within. We also adorned old vases and bottles with gold paint and glitter for our tables’ unique decor. To tie everything together, we placed cat figurines among the greenery, perfectly capturing the essence of a ‘cat lady’s’ special day.
Tell us about the ceremony:
We missed the pre-ceremony festivities, which I’m sure were a blast, but we did have a mini cocktail hour beforehand where attendees could mingle and enjoy some non-alcoholic drinks or bourbon apple cider while the DJ spun tunes from Vitamin String Quartet – their unique blend of classical covers and pop songs really set the tone.
My husband Tim and I designed our programs to resemble a newspaper, complete with a featured article, crossword puzzle, editorials, horoscopes, and even two personal ads from us. The bridal party made an appearance to the quartet’s cover of ‘Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want’ by The Smiths, before my dad walked me down the aisle to their rendition of ‘No Alarms and No Surprises’ by Radiohead.
Our ceremony was led by one of my closest friends from high school, who doubled as a bridesman. His words were both hilarious and heartfelt, incorporating wacky anecdotes about our relationship and even weaving in lines from Hanson’s ‘Mmmbop’ – yes, I’m a proud fan! Two dear friends also delivered readings: A Lovely Love Story by Edward Monkton, which told the charming tale of two dinosaurs in love, and an excerpt from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s Le Petit Prince, my all-time favorite book.
As we exited to Hall and Oates’ ‘You Make My Dreams’, our guests showered us with confetti hearts crafted from book pages tucked inside dictionary page cones – a DIY project I took on myself. It was truly an unforgettable celebration!
Tell us about your reception:
We opted for a relaxed atmosphere at our reception by setting up the space with a mix of low-top and high-top tables, couches, and no assigned seating inside the dining room and out on the back patio. To add an extra layer of fun, we had a temporary tattoo station where guests could get creative with our names, initials, or even their own faces. Meanwhile, the warmth and ambiance of a fire pit on the patio were perfectly complemented by a s’mores station.
Our invitations promised an ‘Epic Dance Party’ and our talented DJ certainly delivered. By taking the time to review our musical preferences, he curated a playlist that resonated with us and got everyone on their feet dancing to awesome ’90s hits. We even managed to surprise our guests with a special Rick Roll moment during the cake cutting.
Given that our wedding was adults-only (with the exception of Tim’s 16-year-old son), we focused on creating an environment that encouraged people to let loose, have fun, and party. To that end, we stocked up on craft beers and even had ceremonial Irish car bomb cocktails with our bridal party. But the highlight of the night came when two of my bridesmaids made a special announcement: they’d brought out an ice cream truck as their gift to us!
I think it’s safe to say neither of us has ever felt so joyful – surrounded by loved ones, sipping great beer, and indulging in sweet treats with sprinkles.
What was your most important lesson learned?
Start your DIY projects earlier than you think necessary and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. My experience with self-directed DIY endeavors has taught me that procrastination can lead to incomplete projects and unfulfilled expectations. I had initially planned to create cardboard cutouts of my feline friends, but unfortunately, the time constraint didn’t allow it. Similarly, prioritize quality time with your partner at the wedding.
It’s easy to get caught up in socializing with guests, but make a conscious effort to carve out moments for just the two of you. Tim and I often found ourselves separated from each other, busy with individual activities like dancing and taking photos. In hindsight, we should have made more time for mutual bonding, aside from our first dance and the occasional meal or photo opportunity.
Vendors
This picturesque wedding was brought to life by a talented team of vendors. Alison Dunn Photography captured the special moments with her keen eye and artistic flair. The stunning venue, Xenia Catering at the Abbie Holmes Estate, provided a beautiful backdrop for the celebration. The bride’s attire was a vision in itself, courtesy of Pixie Pocket and Unique Vintage, who created stunning dresses for the bridesmaids as well.
Primrose and Company/Everly at Railroad brought the flowers to life with their unique arrangements, while DJ Nate at Terrace DJ kept the party going all night long. Guests also enjoyed the fun and games provided by Photobooth Planet in Philadelphia. Sweet treats were aplenty, thanks to Sweet Mercy Cupcakes, and the bride’s mother, Paula, crafted a show-stopping cake that was almost too beautiful to eat. The finishing touches were added with an adorable cake topper from Artifice Producciones.
As a special touch, the groomsmen received personalized beer mugs from My Sister’s Boutique, while the bridesmaids were showered with love and hand-painted lockets from Khara Ledonne.
