A Renaissance Fairy Tale Fantasy Wedding
A whimsical union unfolded on a sunny day at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Texas. It was April 23, 2016, when Child-Care Provider Katie and Software Engineer Nathan exchanged their vows amidst the charming atmosphere of this annual celebration. The couple’s unconventional love story was one for the ages, with Katie and Nathan embodying the essence of offbeat romance.
Our fairy tale fantasy wedding wedding at a glance:
As we planned our Renaissance Faire-themed wedding, we aimed to infuse elements of fantasy that resonate with us. For Nathan, this meant evoking a whimsical woodland atmosphere, with nods to his Renaissance faire costume’s verdant hues and the tree branch-inspired design of his wedding ring. Meanwhile, I drew inspiration from beloved fairy tales and Disney classics, such as Cinderella’s majestic castle perched atop our cake and my bridal look, which channeled the icy elegance of Queen Elsa.
Our special day was a true celebration of fantasy and romance, with all its whimsical charm.
Tell us about the ceremony:
As we exchanged our vows in the enchanting Wedding Garden at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, the entire atmosphere was infused with a sense of whimsy and wonder. Our friends and family had all dressed up in their finest Renaissance-inspired attire, with fairies, knights, peasants, and pirates mingling together to celebrate our union. Even our officiant, Frank Zepp, got into character as Oak Mkoll, the Duke of Inverness, bringing a touch of authenticity to the ceremony.
He blessed our marriage under the watchful eyes of the four winds and cardinal directions, and sealed it with a handfasting ritual using cords we had crafted ourselves. To further underscore the significance of Frank’s blessing, we had decorated the cords with charms representing the four seasons – brass leaves for autumn, golden sunflowers and daisies for summer and spring, and silver snowflakes for winter.
As Frank tied the cords around our hands, he asked us to share each other’s joys, laughter, and dreams, to which we replied in unison, ‘I will.’ When he then asked if we would cause each other anger, I paused, smiled wryly, and said, ‘Well, I might.’ The crowd chuckled at my response, but Frank followed up by asking, ‘Is that your intent?’ and I clarified, ‘No,’ emphasizing the natural ebb and flow of life in any marriage.
It was a beautifully poignant moment, one that left a lasting impression on all who were present.
Tell us about your reception:
As the sun began to set on the Scarborough Festival’s picturesque Castle Pavilion, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. Surrounded by the vibrant sounds and smells of the Renaissance faire, we felt as though we’d stepped into a real-life fairy tale. The reception itself was a treat for the senses, with savory turkey legs, crusty bread, and all manner of traditional fair food on offer.
But it was the pièce de résistance – a magnificent cake featuring a regal castle and a benevolent dragon that truly stole the show. And then, in a nod to classic tales, the groom ‘slayed’ the dragon, leaving us all agog with delight. The royal couple themselves made an appearance, raising a glass to the happy couple in a rousing toast that left everyone feeling merry and bright.
As the festivities drew to a close, a majestic horse-drawn carriage arrived to whisk us away into our own happily ever after. I tossed my bouquet from the back of the carriage, as we rode off into the sunset, surrounded by cheers and well-wishes from our loved ones.
Vendors
The creative forces behind this stunning visual piece came together to bring a vision to life. Behind the lens was photographer Jen Sulak of Pink Light Images, known for her unique eye and attention to detail. The talented makeup artist Lisa Cakar worked her magic on the subject’s face, while Twisted Sisters brought their expertise in hair styling to create a look that perfectly captured the essence of the festival.
The entire production took place at the historic Scarborough Renaissance Festival, providing a picturesque backdrop for the entire shoot.
