A Black And Gold Kitties & Karaoke Wedding (With A Cat Bouquet And Cat Ears!)
The love story took center stage at Troll Haven in Sequim, Washington on August 12, 2017. The special day brought together the happy couple, surrounded by nature’s whimsical charm. By their side were Chris, an offbeat partner with a background in medical billing, and Ryan, another offbeat partner who wore multiple hats as a healthcare analyst.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
We defied traditional norms from the start, opting for unconventional black and gold colors and a feline theme that reflected our personalities. Since we couldn’t bring our three beloved cats along, we created a large cardboard cutout of them to keep me company. To honor their presence, we handed out ‘cat toys’ as favors, allowing guests to wave them goodbye as we departed.
In keeping with our non-traditional approach, we replaced the typical DJ setup with a karaoke session, drawing inspiration from one of our earliest memories together six years ago. This unique element felt like an organic extension of our relationship. Throughout the celebration, DIY projects dominated the scene, encompassing everything from catering to centerpieces and event planning to my very own dress – crafted by a talented friend in Tasmania with impressive results.
Tell us about the ceremony:
The memories from our special day on the farm are still vividly etched in my mind. Ryan’s thoughtful gesture to fill the ‘Getting Ready Room’ with balloons, including a Pokémon and Samuel, the cat balloon, was a lovely surprise that set the tone for an unforgettable celebration. I couldn’t help but be charmed by Samuel’s adorable presence, and before long, he had stolen my heart – literally!
He became my bouquet, and together we took our first steps down the aisle, drawing smiles from everyone present. To ensure our photos didn’t feature an onslaught of tiny screens, we asked guests to snap away as soon as we reached the officiant. We even joined in on the fun, capturing a playful selfie with our officiant. The only screen left was the iPad set up for Ryan’s brother, who had undergone emergency knee surgery just days prior and couldn’t attend in person.
Despite the distance, he remained an integral part of our celebration, delivering a heartfelt speech at the reception that brought tears to everyone’s eyes.
Tell us about your reception:
We chose a unique combination of decorations for our special day at Troll Haven. In addition to the beautiful venue’s natural charm, we incorporated gold and black cat wine bottles, terrariums, Ferrero Rocher, handmade yarn balls, and cat photo holders as centerpieces. This allowed us to keep decor minimal while still adding a personal touch. Karaoke was an essential part of our celebration, and Baby Ketten Karaoke did not disappoint!
With their vast selection and excellent service, we had an absolute blast belting out tunes together. The highlight of the night was undoubtedly ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ by AC/DC, which got everyone singing along and dancing in unison.
To add some lighthearted fun to the evening, we set up two voting jars with our names on them, asking guests to choose which of three clichéd love songs – ‘At Last’ by Etta James, ‘My Heart Will Go On’ by Celine Dion, or ‘I Will Always Love You’ by Whitney Houston – I would sing. To my surprise, I emerged victorious and got the chance to perform Mrs. Dion’s iconic hit. Let’s just say I’m still proud of my rendition!
What was your most important lesson learned?
I’ve come to realize that the key to success lies in staying authentic and refusing to conform to societal norms. During our wedding planning process, I was repeatedly bombarded with opinions on what we should do (or not do) – but we ignored them all. And you know what? Our non-traditional approach paid off in spades. The event ended up being an unforgettable party that left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.
By sticking to our guns and refusing to compromise on our unique vision, we were able to create a celebration that truly reflected us as individuals. It’s a valuable lesson I’ve learned – one that I believe applies far beyond the realm of wedding planning.
Vendors
The creative team behind the stunning visual capture includes Jenny GG Photography, a talented photographer who brings her expertise to the table. The lovely dress worn by the subject is designed by Anna Ladymoon, a fashion brand that exudes elegance and sophistication. Meanwhile, the lively soundtrack features Baby Ketten Karaoke, a group that knows how to get the party started with their energetic beats.
