The Arkenstone Of Weddings: A Barefoot Hobbit-Themed Wedding
Rin and their partner Nico’s whimsical wedding celebration was captured by Jen Montgomery Photography. The special day took place on October 8th, 2016 at Theodore Wirth Pavillion in Minneapolis, MN. Rin, affectionately known as Office Monarch, shared this unforgettable moment with their partner, lovingly dubbed Coffee Monster.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
As our relationship blossomed, we began discussing the hypothetical details of our dream wedding. Nico’s vision was refreshingly unconventional – he pictured exchanging vows barefoot in a woodland setting, surrounded by nature and an officiant. When the time came to plan our big day, I shared my desire for a memorable celebration with him. He proposed a Hobbit-themed wedding, which sparked my inner geek and sealed the deal.
The result was a whimsical celebration that brought our love story to life. Our wedding party was a delightful mishmash of characters from Middle-earth. The Groomsminions donned hobbit attire, while one of them dressed up as a dwarf. Meanwhile, the Bridesminions transformed into elves, and our towering officiant channelled Gandalf’s wisdom. We extended an invitation to our guests to join in on the fantasy, and they enthusiastically rose to the challenge.
One dear friend, like a second mom, crafted my gown with love and care, while KMKDesigns brought Nico’s outfit to life. What made this day truly special was the collective effort of our loved ones. They lent their skills, from floristry and cupcake crafting to homebrew brewing and artistic flair. As we gazed around at the fruits of their labor, it was heartwarming to see an event that was the culmination of so many important people’s hard work.
The date held a deeper significance for me, as it marked not only my wedding day but also my grandparents’ 67th anniversary – a milestone they shared before my grandfather’s passing. We wanted to honor their legacy and make them feel celebrated on this special day.
Tell us about your reception:
As we arrived at the reception, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the brief moment to take in the atmosphere before our guests followed. The emotional significance of being surrounded by loved ones and cherished memories was palpable. Seeing my grandparents’ wedding photo on display brought a lump to my throat; it was as if my grandfather’s presence was still felt among us. Thankfully, having my friend Jess nearby allowed me to compose myself.
Our celebration began with heartfelt notes of gratitude, acknowledging the countless individuals who contributed to our special day. Nico expressed his appreciation for the teachers, and I raised a toast to my grandparents’ anniversary, paying tribute to their enduring love.
The reception area was transformed into an enchanting space, with silver dishes and stagecoach lanterns adding a touch of elegance.
Lush moss and twinkling fairy lights created a whimsical ambiance, while the bunting I crafted hung beautifully around the room. The venue’s designated bar area served as the perfect backdrop for our bespoke sign, ‘The Green Dragon’, and we named our drinks after Tolkien-inspired references. To cap it all off, our exquisite cake was designed to resemble a tiny hobbit hole, accompanied by cupcakes featuring white chocolate trees inspired by Gondor.
What was your most important lesson learned?
When it comes to staying hydrated during the wedding celebration and honeymoon, don’t underestimate the importance of assigning someone to keep you replenished throughout the day. Personally, I was guilty of neglecting my water intake, only to wake up feeling drained despite consuming relatively little liquid. The consequences were a lingering hangover that lasted into the next day.
On the other hand, taking a few minutes for just the newlyweds to bond and process their emotions can be incredibly valuable. Without interruptions or distractions, couples can be fully present with each other, sharing raw and vulnerable moments that are unique to this special time in their lives. Lastly, if budget is a concern, consider joining local wedding buy/sell groups on Facebook.
Many married couples look to offload their unused wedding decor, clothing, and accessories at discounted rates. For instance, I managed to snag some beautiful lanterns for significantly less than what I would have paid online.
Vendors
The picturesque wedding celebration was brought to life by a talented team of vendors. Behind the lens, Jen Montgomery Photography captured every precious moment with elegance. The bride’s stunning Elizabeth Sloan gown stole the show, while her Scoundrelles Keep corset and caplet added a touch of whimsy to her overall look. Her ArmStreet crown served as the perfect finishing touch. Meanwhile, the groom’s KMKDesigns outfit exuded sophistication.
The culinary delights were expertly handled by Envision Catering, with sweet treats courtesy of Brandy, a friend of the couple. Floral arrangements were a family affair, with the bride’s aunt Lee Drolet and cousins Rebecca Eckblad and Kerry Bullen contributing their unique touch. Invitations were designed by Midnight Revels, while OroSpot provided the wedding rings and Lil Petite Jewelry created the engagement ring.
Table settings featured Tablecloths Factory linens, accompanied by Webstaurant Store jars and disposable dishes. Last but not least, the couple’s website was built on SquareSpace.
