The Middle Earth Wedding Of Every Tolkien Fans Dreams

A visually stunning celebration was captured on camera when photographer Johnny Darwish teamed up with image expert Daniel Michael to capture the special day of offbeat couple Jess and Sarah. The pair tied the knot at the picturesque Old Stones Farm in Greenville, Ohio, on October 30th, 2021, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Our Middle Earth Tolkien wedding at a glance:

The couple’s special day was steeped in the magic of Middle Earth, with every detail meticulously crafted to pay homage to their shared love of Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings. From the charmingly rustic venue to the thoughtful decorations and wedding favors, each element blended seamlessly to create a whimsical atmosphere that transported guests to a realm both familiar and fantastical.

Tell us about the ceremony:

As we exchanged vows, our officiant provided a poignant introduction, setting the tone for our special day. This was followed by my brother’s heartfelt reading of Neil Gaiman’s ‘Everything I Have to Tell You About Love’. The passage beautifully captured the essence of love and marriage, emphasizing that every relationship is unique and can’t be fully understood until experienced firsthand. It highlighted the importance of reaching out and finding comfort in each other during life’s challenges.

The ring exchange was a personal touch, with my fiancé and I exchanging vows to ‘rule them all’, bringing our love together and binding us as one. The officiant then read from J. R. R. Tolkien’s ‘The Ballad of the Hobbit’, inspiring us to be bold and seize the day, embracing the greatest adventure that lies ahead. As we prepared to make our commitment official, the officiant offered closing words and a heartfelt pronouncement.

However, just as things were getting romantic, one of the barn cats decided to steal the show, strutting down the aisle and taking center stage in front of the officiant. Despite this unexpected interruption, the moment was full of joy and love. In lieu of a traditional flower girl, we opted for a unique touch – two of our friends, dressed as the ‘Flower Dudes’, danced down the aisle, tossing leaves and adding to the whimsy and wonder of our special day.

Tell us about the Middle Earth-themed reception:

As we welcomed our wedding reception, we aimed to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere that would rival any hobbit party. The perfect way to achieve this was by offering an endless supply of food and drink throughout the evening. Our brother, a talented opera singer, even lent his vocal talents for our first dance, setting the tone for a night to remember. Feeling festive, we then opened up the floor for all our loved ones to let loose and have some fun.

The result was a lively scene with one unexpected addition – a (totally staged!) sword fight! As the ‘warrior’ in chief, I had to step in to bring the duel to an end. And so, with full bellies, happy hearts, and dancing shoes, we let the music guide us into the night.

What was the most important lesson you learned from your Middle Earth wedding?

The biggest hurdle we faced during the planning process was staying within our budget constraints. Fortunately, we had an incredible network of talented and generous friends and family who lent their skills to help make our special day a reality. From creating custom centerpieces to lending a hand with decorating and teardown, their contributions were invaluable. One area where we splurged was on a professional photography package.

It was worth every penny, as the resulting photos are truly priceless. By choosing to invest in high-quality photography, we were able to capture the essence of our special day and cherish the memories for years to come. Of course, there are plenty of ways to trim costs without sacrificing quality. We got creative with DIY decor elements, incorporating white sheets and faux greenery from craft stores into our overall design.

By prioritizing where it counts – like investing in exceptional photography – we were able to create a truly unforgettable experience.

Vendors behind this Middle Earth wedding:

The picturesque setting of Earth and Old Stones Farm provided the perfect backdrop for this unique wedding celebration. The talented Johnny Darwish, accompanied by Daniel Michael’s captivating photography, captured every intimate moment with precision. Ria Roth officiated the ceremony, bringing a sense of warmth and sincerity to the proceedings. The bride’s attire was courtesy of David’s Bridal, perfectly complemented by her tiara from Pern Circlets.

A touch of whimsy was added with the Elf Ear Cuffs from Thyme2Dream, Heavy Metal Fantasy Art, and Alexandria Style Wedding Favors took the form of Lord of the Rings themed candles, thanks to MM92 Infinite Photo. The handfasting cords were a beautiful touch, courtesy of Handfasting Heaven, while Bubba Jones Brew provided the ceremonial cups. Wood Flowers Co created the stunning bouquets, and Midnight Revels crafted the enchanting invitations.

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