Dramatically Gorgeous Dark Fairy Wedding
In a whimsical celebration of love, Sarah, an operations manager, tied the knot with her unconventional partner, Rob, a data analyst. The unusual couple chose to mark their special day at Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, Washington on April 11th, 2015. The picturesque venue provided a romantic backdrop for the offbeat bride and her groom-to-be, Robert Wojtowicz Fine Art Photography captured every enchanting moment.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
Our special day was a perfect blend of dark fantasy and geeky charm, reflecting our shared passions for video games, RPGs, and all things goth. I’m thrilled to say that my mom stumbled upon the ideal venue – a castle in Lakewood that felt like it was plucked straight from a faerie tale. The tables were adorned with moss, mushrooms, and birds, giving them an enchanting ambiance. To add to the whimsy, we used a sword to cut our cake and featured a fantasy-inspired cake topper.
As for our attire, I took on the role of designer (with plenty of guidance from my tailor and Pinterest), while Rob put in some serious research effort to craft his outfit. We were both meticulous about ensuring we felt confident in what we wore, and the end result was well worth the effort. The varying levels of dress throughout the day – complete with glasses, pauldrons, and more – added a delightful layer of storytelling to our photos.
Given that our wedding took place overseas, I had to rely heavily on Skype and email to plan every detail from Australia. It wasn’t until just three and a half weeks prior to the big day that I finally met most of my vendors (except for my tailor, of course). Even the groomsmen’s suits weren’t finalized until days before the ceremony.
Tell us about the ceremony:
Tell us about your reception:
As I reflect on our special day, one aspect that stands out is the unique food challenges we faced. Australians, in particular, are known for their love-hate relationship with sugary bread – so much so that my caterer couldn’t provide a sugar-free option, only alternatives using sugar substitutes. It was fascinating to navigate these cultural differences and find creative solutions.
Despite the challenges, our reception at the same venue ensured minimal travel requirements, allowing us to focus on what really mattered: celebrating with loved ones. With Rob’s family from Melbourne and mine from Washington, we knew we had to compromise – a small, intimate wedding in America allowed my family to attend comfortably, while plans are underway for a future second reception in Australia to accommodate Rob’s larger family.
It was wonderful that several Australian friends were able to join us, including two of my bridesmaids and all three of Rob’s groomsmen from Melbourne. The highlight of our reception was undoubtedly the burlesque show or the memorable cake cutting ceremony – using a sword for the first time! Overall, we cherished the opportunity to connect with each guest on a personal level, expressing gratitude to those who traveled far and wide to share in our joy.
As someone who struggles with crowds, I found solace in the small, yet vibrant atmosphere, allowing us to truly enjoy quality bonding moments as newlyweds.
What was your most important lesson learned?
If possible, consider hiring a coordinator or day-of planner to ensure your special day runs smoothly. They can provide varying levels of support and help make the most of your celebration. When it comes to photography, prioritize finding someone who excels at capturing life’s precious moments. A great photographer will add an extra layer of magic to your wedding memories.
In terms of logistics, try to tackle financial obligations well in advance – it’s essential to avoid last-minute stress and ensure a seamless experience. I recall Rob spending 45 minutes at our reception trying to resolve a PayPal issue; let’s just say he was not impressed! For us, involving ourselves in the majority of wedding decisions made the day even more personal and meaningful. While we didn’t always agree on every aspect, finding common ground through compromise was an invaluable lesson.
It’s crucial to develop a system that works for you and your partner – it may not be perfect, but it’ll make the experience all the more memorable.
Vendors
Behind every beautiful wedding, there are talented professionals who bring the couple’s vision to life. From the photographer’s lens to the dress designer’s needle and thread, each detail is carefully crafted to create an unforgettable experience. At this enchanting celebration, Robert Wojtowicz Fine Art Photography captured the love and joy of the day, while Linda Jane Doble designed a stunning dress that left everyone in awe.
The picturesque venue was none other than Thornewood Castle, which provided an idyllic backdrop for the festivities. Sublime Stems brought a touch of elegance with their exquisite floral arrangements, while Wagner’s Bakery crafted a delectable cake that was almost too beautiful to eat. The groom’s stylish coat came courtesy of Leatherotics, and the whimsical cake topper was designed by Anna Crafts.
As the catering team from Budd Bay Cafe kept everyone satisfied, Fawn Wedding & Event Design ensured that every logistical detail fell into place, allowing the happy couple to simply enjoy their special day with loved ones.
