This Dark Avant Garde Wedding Has The Black Wedding Dress Of Your Dreams
Surrounded by the serene atmosphere of Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio, a unique and memorable wedding took place on June 18, 2017. The star-studded duo consisted of Chris, a talented tattoo artist, and Miranda, a captivating vocalist. Together, they brought an air of artistic expression to the proceedings. Photography by Cody York captured the special moments from this offbeat yet unforgettable celebration.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
We deliberately opted for a non-religious ceremony, underestimating the challenge of finding a beautiful, yet denomination-free venue. Our unconventional choice led us to Lakeview Cemetery’s stunning chapel, designed by Louis C. Tiffany and built at his New York studio in 1901. The interior features a breathtaking stained glass window and two intricately crafted glass mosaics on either side wall.
This elegant space, with its rich history, provided the perfect setting for our secular yet sentimental ceremony.
Tell us about the ceremony:
Tell us about your reception:
Our celebration kicked off in the basement of Bar Cento, a 1920s-themed speakeasy located in Ohio City, Cleveland. As guests entered, they were transported back in time by the era’s classic ambiance. The restaurant provided an array of delicious options, including pizzas, meat and cheese boards, and pomme frites, which paired perfectly with our custom-crafted cocktails. A sweet surprise came in the form of Lindsay’s show-stopping cocktail-flavored cupcakes, a hit among both kids and adults.
Initially, we had limited the open bar to mid-shelf liquor, but due to its popularity, we were able to keep it going all night without exceeding our budget. The party was filled with the sounds of classic hits from the 1950s and 1960s, with a focus on doo-wop and surf rock. Local band The Beyonderers took the stage, their set expertly curated by friends Daikaiju, a renowned surf band from Huntsville, Alabama, who unfortunately couldn’t attend due to touring commitments.
What was your most important lesson learned?
Our biggest hurdle was securing a secular celebrant. It took us a month to find the right person, but ultimately stumbled upon Randy Pelton through The Center for Inquiry website, where we discovered he had recently posted his profile just days prior to our inquiry. We were thrilled to learn that our non-theist values aligned with his own, making him an ideal fit. Despite being new to performing weddings, his experience as a teacher and orator put us at ease.
In the end, we’re proud of how well our wedding turned out, from staying within budget to incorporating all our desired elements. If we could offer any advice, it would be to be bold in your planning and don’t be afraid to venture outside conventional norms. And, as a side note, make sure to prioritize sustenance – it’s surprisingly easy to forget, especially once the festivities begin!
Vendors
The photographer, Cody York Photography, captured the beauty of the special day. The bride’s stunning dress, a fantasy come true from Wedding Dress Fantasy, was the perfect complement to the serene atmosphere at Lakeview Cemetery and Bar Cento. As she exchanged vows with her loved one, the soothing sounds of The Beyonderers’ music filled the air. The bride took matters into her own hands when it came to her makeup, looking radiant in a look that was all her own.
The rings, carefully crafted by Wanderlust Jewelers, served as a symbol of their eternal love. And, in a touching display of devotion, the groom even took on the task of crafting the bride’s veil, a DIY masterpiece that added an extra layer of romance to the proceedings.
