See How This Couple Beautifully Pivoted Their Wizard Of Oz Wedding

The visual narrative of this special day is brought to life through the lens of Haley Mitchell from Bloom Photography. The team behind the scenes that made it all possible includes the offbeat yet lovable partners Lyndsey and Brandon Beatty. This memorable occasion took place on April 15, 2021, at the Francis Burns United Methodist Church in Columbia, South Carolina.

Our Wizard of Oz wedding at a glance:

Our initial concept for Lyndsey & Brandon’s special day was Emerald City Jook Joint, inspired by the iconic scene in Wizard of Oz where Dorothy and her friends finally arrive in the radiant city. The vision was to incorporate lush greens and warm gold tones throughout the celebration. However, the pandemic forced us to adapt our plans and scale back the theme to a more intimate green and gold affair.

Despite the changes, we were still able to capture some truly memorable moments, including a fun broom-jumping tradition and a series of romantic photos that showcased the couple’s love and maturity as they grew together.

Tell us about the Wizard of Oz wedding ceremony:

It all began in high school, where Brandon and I first crossed paths in 1995. At the time, he was 16 and I was just 14 years young. Fast forward to our adult lives, we lost touch for a dozen years before reuniting in our 30s. During that time, I had the opportunity to experience married life once before, but Brandon remained a constant support system, backing me up through the ups and downs of life’s changes – including the loss of my mother to cancer and various job transitions.

When we finally tied the knot, with the pandemic’s timing delay included, I was 39 and he was 42. As if scripted, Brandon paused during his traditional vows to turn to our witnesses and express his heartfelt sentiments: ‘She has been there from the beginning, and she is my best friend and the love of my life.’ It was a moment that caught me off guard, leaving me in tears.

Following the pronouncement by our pastor, we sealed our union with the usual rituals.

But what truly made the occasion special was our decision to jump the broom – a tradition rooted in our shared cultural heritage and history.

Tell us about the Wizard of Oz wedding reception:

While the pandemic didn’t allow us to have the ideal reception, we’re looking forward to renewing our vows in the future and celebrating with loved ones. In the meantime, we opted for a safe yet intimate gathering at home, complete with takeout from Olive Garden and a champagne toast to mark the occasion.

What was the most important lesson you learned from your Wizard of Oz wedding?

When it came to planning my wedding, I had a modest budget to work with, which actually worked out well for me. Many of the ideas I had were brought to life through the use of planners and DIY projects. One creative element that I’m particularly proud of was the centerpieces – baskets designed to resemble the iconic weather balloon from The Wizard of Oz’s 1939 film adaptation. When it came to sourcing supplies, Amazon proved to be a valuable resource for me.

In fact, I even found my ceremony dress on the platform for just $100 – their bulk buying options are incredibly convenient. As I reflect on my wedding planning experience, one key takeaway stands out: don’t let unsupportive individuals bring you down or make your special day about them. It’s too short to worry about what others think; instead, focus on creating a celebration that truly reflects your love and joy.

Wizard of Oz wedding vendors:

The photography behind this stunning outfit is courtesy of Haley Mitchell from Bloom Photography. The Dorothy dress, a unique find on Amazon, was paired with the equally impressive green dress from Grace Karin boutique also available on Amazon. A fascinator and gloves were sourced from Amazon’s extensive collection, while the shoes that brought it all together are the Fit in Clouds Sequined Flats, another great option available on Amazon.