A Friday The 13Th Barn Wedding With Coffee, Skulls, And Floral Prints
With a dash of whimsy and a pinch of romance, Melina, a barista by trade, exchanged vows with her offbeat partner, Austin, a cook with a passion for creative culinary delights. The couple’s special day took place on November 13, 2015, amidst the rustic charm of Friend’s Barn at Fort Townsend State Park in Port Townsend, Washington.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
Our whimsical Friday the 13th barn wedding was an exercise in simplicity, born from the need for quick decisions given our four-month engagement timeline. Initially, I envisioned a low-key courthouse ceremony, but my fiancé’s large family convinced us to opt for a budget-friendly celebration that would accommodate everyone. This approach allowed us to focus on what truly mattered. As we delved into wedding planning, we realized traditional elements didn’t resonate with us.
Instead, we aimed to create an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a backyard gathering with close friends and family. This vision guided our choices from start to finish. Our attire also deviated from the norm. I wore a rose-printed skirt from Etsy paired with a maroon top from JCPenney, while Austin opted for simple slacks and a cardigan from Urban Outfitters. Our matching Doc Martens, despite being an unconventional choice, proved perfect for the rainy, muddy terrain we anticipated.
The photography was another crucial aspect of our planning, and we were fortunate to find Jonas, who expertly guided us in capturing every detail. His photographs ultimately became the treasured mementos we’d always wanted.
Tell us about the ceremony:
Tell us about your reception:
Our special day took place in a charming little barn, where my mom’s creativity shone through every aspect. The charcuterie table was a highlight, featuring an array of meats, cheeses, crackers, and homemade hummus, alongside a selection of pastries and coffee. A local coffee truck outside added to the festivities, serving up delicious brews. To satisfy our guests’ appetites, we hired caterers who prepared authentic paella, offering both meat and vegan options.
We discovered these wonderful vendors at the Port Townsend Farmers Market, and they truly made our event unforgettable. To complement the rustic atmosphere, my mom designed the centerpieces herself, transforming wine glasses into unique displays with candles underneath and wood platforms. Each table featured a different Mad Libs book, adding an element of playfulness to the evening.
Given our preference for a low-key celebration, we set up board games for guests to enjoy instead of dancing or partying. In keeping with our theme, we incorporated subtle hints of the supernatural, including creepy decorations and little skulls scattered throughout. The guest book was a thought-provoking blank copy of ‘The Handbook for the Recently Deceased’ from the iconic movie Beetlejuice.
To further emphasize the whimsical atmosphere, we used a Nightmare Before Christmas cake topper, brought Jason masks for memorable photos, and projected old black-and-white horror movies onto the walls all night.
What was your most important lesson learned?
The takeaway from our experience is that a wedding is just one day in the grand scheme of life. Despite our best efforts to cram in every detail, we had to accept that some things wouldn’t get used due to time constraints. With so much happening in such a short span, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and struggle to stay present. My advice would be to focus on mindfulness and take things one step at a time.
In the end, our wedding day turned out exactly as we had envisioned it, but we both agree that it wasn’t the most defining moment of our lives – and that’s perfectly okay! The real magic happens after the wedding, when you have the freedom to create new memories together without the pressure of planning and execution. It’s essential to remember this and not get too caught up in the idea that one day will make or break your marriage.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the value of asking for help along the way. My mom was a godsend during our wedding preparations, and I’m grateful for her guidance, which undoubtedly made the experience more enjoyable.
Vendors
The visual story behind this celebration was brought to life by a talented team. The dress, designed by E&W, perfectly captured the essence of the occasion. Behind the lens was Jonas Seaman, whose keen eye for detail and artistic vision ensured that every moment was preserved in stunning fashion. To fuel the festivities, Gypsy Coffee provided a constant supply of energizing brews. Meanwhile, Paella House catered to the crowd’s culinary cravings with their signature dishes.
And to satisfy any sweet tooth, Sheri’s Sinsational Sweets crafted an exquisite cake that left everyone in awe.
