Punk Meets Rockabilly Meets Skulls Meets Simpsons At This Retro Wedding
Surrounded by the fascinating exhibits at the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia’s College of Physicians, Liz and Billy exchanged vows on a unique and memorable day. The offbeat bride, an ER doctor, was joined by her partner, a bartender, as they celebrated their love with friends and family. The couple’s special day took place on March 4, 2017, with a budget of $25,000.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
As our love story unfolded at a vintage San Francisco tiki bar with 1940s charm, we naturally wanted our special day to reflect the unique atmosphere. Every detail, from the signature cocktail to attire, decorations, and even keepsakes, took on an island flair with subtle nods to our shared quirks – a fusion of nerdy, punk rock/rockabilly elements that made our wedding truly one-of-a-kind.
The bridesmaids’ vintage-inspired sarongs added a touch of elegance, while the overall party comprised two bridesmaids, a groomswoman, and groomsman. To keep costs in check, I opted for a stunning black wedding dress from a sample sale at Wedding Dress Fantasy – a thrifty yet stylish choice that perfectly complemented our whimsical celebration.
The DIY spirit was alive and well, with handmade bouquets, boutonnieres, signs, centerpieces, and even a cake topper that added a personal touch to the festivities.
Tell us about the ceremony:
Tell us about your reception:
As we took to the dance floor for our reception, the sounds of punk’s rebellious spirit filled the air, courtesy of a carefully curated soundtrack. Our first dance as a married couple played out to the melancholic rhythms of Morrissey’s ‘Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want,’ a poignant choice that set the tone for an evening of love and celebration.
The culinary delights on offer were just as impressive, with vegetarian-friendly stations serving up everything from tender sliders to crisp salads and creamy mashed potatoes. And no wedding would be complete without a specialty cocktail, in this case a refreshing Mai Tai that perfectly complemented the flavors of our Italian-inspired feast.
To mark the occasion, I went all out on a DIY Simpsons-themed cake topper that mirrored the new tattoos my partner and I had gotten as a symbol of our love for each other – and for the vibrant Italian South Philly neighborhood we call home. The pièce de résistance was, of course, our wedding cake itself, a majestic layered masterpiece infused with the sweet, creamy essence of cannoli filling.
What was your most important lesson learned?
As an unconventional couple, my partner and I often face challenges in narrowing down our shared interests. Our diverse passions can be overwhelming, making it tough to focus on specific topics. However, we’ve discovered that adopting a unifying theme has been instrumental in streamlining our explorations.
For instance, by embracing the Star Wars universe, we were able to curate unique items like Yoda and Darth Vader mugs that resonate with both of us, thereby satisfying my need for structure while still allowing us to indulge in our shared geekiness.
Vendors
The wedding planning committee spared no detail in securing the perfect elements for their special day. The venue, College of Physicians, provided a unique and intimate setting for the celebration. Meanwhile, Catering By Design took care of the culinary needs with a delectable spread of dishes. To capture every memorable moment, Allebach Photography was on hand to snap stunning photos.
The beauty team at Makeup Artistry by Stephanie ensured that both the bride and her attendants looked absolutely radiant throughout the day. For the dress, Wedding Dress Fantasy was the obvious choice, while Lucky Lou Shoes added a touch of elegance with their selection. As for the bridesmaid dresses, Pinup Girl Clothing brought a playful and whimsical flair to the overall aesthetic.
