A Curious Masquerade Wedding Of Oddities And Glamour
Jadon Good’s photographs beautifully capture the essence of Kimberly and Brenton’s unconventional love story. The Offbeat Bride, Kimberly, shares a unique bond with her partner, Brenton, a Performance Instructor at a Distribution Center. Their special day took place on September 19, 2015, at the distinctive Ironworks Hotel in Beloit, WI.
Our masquerade wedding at a glance:
As we began planning our special day, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the allure of a masquerade ball. The idea of donning masks and mingling with mystery fascinated me. But as my husband and I started brainstorming, our personalities and passions began to seep into the details. Our home is filled with an eclectic assortment of antiques and curiosities, which naturally became the foundation for our unique wedding theme – ‘The Curious Masquerade.
‘ Maps, vintage medical models, scientific instruments, antique candelabras, and other unexpected treasures were carefully adorned with lush greenery, transforming them into one-of-a-kind centerpieces that reflected our individuality.
Tell us about the masquerade wedding ceremony:
As we began our ceremony, the atmospheric tones of Kesha’s ‘Past Lives’ filled the air. Despite being an unconventional choice, this song held profound significance for us as a couple, echoing the feeling that we’d known each other before. This sense of familiarity has been present since our first encounter, and it felt almost destiny-driven.
In lieu of traditional verses and hymns, we chose quotes from literary giants like Lewis Carroll and scientific luminaries such as Albert Einstein and Carl Sagan. Their words beautifully captured the essence of our love, likening its growth to the forging process that shaped our rings – imperfect yet primal in nature. Up until this point, both we and our guests had been veiled behind masks.
As we prepared to exchange our vows, we removed them, symbolizing a commitment to honesty and vulnerability. The anticipation was palpable as we revealed our handwritten promises to each other, crafted in secrecy. A friend, privy to the contents, assured us that our vows were distinct and would leave us both moved. And indeed they did – so much so that we fought to stifle our emotions while listening to each other’s heartfelt declarations.
With our love now bare and unbridled, we sealed it with a kiss, then stepped out into the world as one, accompanied by Lana Del Rey’s enchanting rendition of ‘Once Upon a Dream’ from Sleeping Beauty.
Tell us about your reception:
As we embarked on our wedding journey, we decided to share our first look experience early on, not only to kick-start our photo shoot but also to alleviate any pre-ceremony jitters. It was a great way to relax and truly absorb the moment. To add an extra layer of personalization, we exchanged gifts simultaneously, which included a beautifully framed portrait I had commissioned from an artist we admired.
In return, he crafted vintage medical diagrams into stunning pieces that matched our unique style – a nod to our shared love for framing art. We’ve made it a habit to curate meaningful pieces in this way.
When it came to favors, we opted for a creative approach by customizing Mardi Gras masks ordered en masse. Each one was uniquely tailored to ensure that every guest had a distinct keepsake. We displayed them on a table for everyone to pick their favorite.
Music played a pivotal role in our celebration, and our DJ had his work cut out for him with an exhaustive playlist at his disposal. Despite the challenge, he rose to the occasion and delivered a fantastic set that seamlessly blended techno and electronica with popular pop hits, ’90s alternative classics, and some of our all-time favorite indie tracks. It was a testament to his skills, and we’re grateful he didn’t buckle under the pressure.
What was your most important lesson learned?
As our wedding date approached, we faced an unexpected crisis when our initial photographer had to pull out due to medical issues. To our relief, she introduced us to a replacement who agreed to follow her original plan and pricing. Although he was accommodating, his photography style didn’t align with ours, leading us on a frantic search for an alternative in the midst of peak wedding season.
It was nothing short of luck that we found Jadon Good, a renowned photographer from Milwaukee, available at short notice. We quickly booked him just over a week before our big day, and fortunately, everything fell into place perfectly. This experience serves as a valuable lesson: never rely on verbal agreements or ‘cheap’ photography deals without having a written contract. While it may seem appealing to save money, the risks far outweigh the benefits.
In hindsight, another crucial aspect we should have considered is ensuring our guests understand the bar arrangements. Unfortunately, this oversight led to confusion and an unexpected bill for some of our loved ones.
Masquerade wedding vendors
On the day of the special occasion, a talented photographer from Jadon Good Photography was behind the lens, capturing every precious moment. The stunning bride opted for a Maggie Sottero gown from Vera’s House of Bridals, which perfectly complemented her beauty. The Ironworks Hotel served as both the venue and catering provider, offering an ideal setting for the celebration. Romance, INC was responsible for creating the delectable cake that delighted the guests’ taste buds.
George Sparkman from 854 Productions took care of both the officiating ceremony and providing the music as the DJ. To complete the bride’s look, she entrusted Cassie and Shantel from Embullience Beauty by Shantel to work their magic on her hair and makeup. Additionally, the bride personally curated the flowers, jewelry, decor, and cake topper to reflect her unique style.
