When A Rustic Forest Wedding Met Red, Black, And Metal
The creative minds behind Offbeat’s unique storytelling came together to celebrate a special occasion – a wedding! Annie Taylor Hall Photography captured the joyous moments. The bride and groom were joined by Megan, a talented writer and photographer who serves as an offbeat partner. Luke, another offbeat partner, brought his skills as a writer and musician to the celebration. The ceremony took place at the charming Theater in the Pines Campground in Provo Canyon, Utah on August 11th, 2018.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
As counterculture enthusiasts, Luke and I have long shared a passion for music, art, and the great outdoors. Our individual pursuits – his ambient experimental albums, my decade-long tenure capturing metal and hardcore shows, and our collective writing of fantasy, horror, and non-fiction – all blend together in a rich tapestry of creative expression. Our mutual fascination with heady subjects like religion, history, and philosophy further strengthened our bond.
And when we decided to tie the knot, we knew we wanted to infuse our special day with these shared passions. The discovery of Theater in the Pines, an enchanting stone amphitheater nestled within Provo Canyon’s woods, proved serendipitous – not only did it offer a unique and intimate setting but also provided a campground area that fit perfectly into our budget-friendly plans. We opted for a dark, atmospheric color scheme featuring black and burgundy hues to reflect our aesthetic.
For my wedding look, I sought dramatic flair, abandoning the traditional white gown in favor of an asymmetrical wine-colored dress. With the help of my bridesmaid Haley, we crafted a one-of-a-kind elk antler headdress that allowed me to embody the forest goddess I envisioned. My bridesmaids opted for all-black ensembles reminiscent of a witch coven, while Luke and his groomsmen donned burgundy attire – an unplanned yet fortuitous choice that resulted in Luke’s sharp, all-black ensemble.
Tell us about the ceremony:
As an atheist and Luke, who isn’t traditionally religious, we wanted our ceremony to reflect our shared love of nature and the profound emotions it evokes. We asked our dear friend Henry, our officiant, to craft a service that would celebrate our bond within the grandeur of the natural world.
The atmosphere was set with Panopticon’s album ‘Autumn Eternal’, an atmospheric black metal masterpiece, as Luke and the bridal party entered to the opening track, while I walked in to the closing piece ‘The Wind’s Farewell’. This hauntingly beautiful music perfectly complemented our surroundings. Following Henry’s heartfelt words, we exchanged vows we had written ourselves, before exchanging rings. The ceremony was a poignant and intimate celebration of our love.
Tell us about your reception:
We’re not exactly party animals, Luke and I. As introverts, we preferred a more low-key celebration for our special day. Our vision was simple: gather all our loved ones together to share good food, fine company, and warm memories. We opted for a delightful Italian spread from Caputo’s Deli, swapping traditional cake for an assortment of homemade pies. The highlight of the evening came when Luke’s father, our best man Pete, and Genevieve, our maid of honor, delivered heartfelt speeches.
The rest of the time was spent mingling with our guests, many of whom had traveled great distances to join us, and taking in the serene atmosphere as the soothing soundtrack from Elder Scrolls: Skyrim played softly in the background. To top it all off, a few deer even stopped by to pay us a visit in the adjacent field – a truly unforgettable experience.
What was your most important lesson learned?
While it’s natural to feel the urge to tackle everything solo, remember that embracing support from loved ones can be a game-changer. Even with a straightforward celebration like ours, we wouldn’t have been able to execute our vision without the help of friends and family. And if you’re considering an unconventional or nontraditional wedding, don’t let anyone else’s doubts discourage you – instead, stay true to your desires and make it a reflection of who you are together.
Yes, not everyone may understand or appreciate your unique approach, but for us, that was what made our special day truly unforgettable.
Vendors
In capturing the essence of this special day, Annie Taylor Hall Photography was entrusted with the task. The photographer’s keen eye and expertise brought to life a picturesque scene, where every detail mattered. From the dress, sourced from Macy’s, to the headdress, featuring an antler base by Idolatre, each element contributed to the overall aesthetic. Pakabone and Delezhen provided the perfect blend of jewelry, while Beehive Floral Company’s arrangements added a pop of color and freshness.
The Theater in the Pines Campground in Provo Canyon, Utah served as the idyllic backdrop for this memorable event, where nature’s beauty harmonized with human joy.
