Pink Hair + Rainbows Abound At This Vividly Geeky Wedding
With a unique blend of functionality and creativity, the offbeat couple, Jenna and Peter, brought their tech-savvy charm to the charming Camp Mary Orton in Columbus, Ohio on September 2, 2017. This dynamic duo, both software developers by trade, defied traditional wedding norms with their $15,000 budget, instead opting for a celebration that was as cleverly designed as it was memorable.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
When it came to setting a theme, we opted for ‘super colorful’ and infused our wedding with elements from our personal lives. A collection of geeky trinkets and mementos adorned the space, including Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma, beloved stuffed bears from our engagement trip to Japan in 2016. The fireplace altar became a focal point, featuring these special friends. We’re also big fans of skeletons, so it’s no surprise they made an appearance or two.
My own shoes boasted a unique design, with the strap shaped like a bone – a nod to my love for the quirky. Before the ceremony, we gathered our wedding party at home and spent some quality time watching Key & Peele and The Office. My partner rocked a stunning pink gradient hairdo that matched my eyeshadow perfectly. A pre-ceremony snack zone and champagne campaign in the kitchen kept everyone’s energy up. I, on the other hand, got ready in a playful Tsum Tsum onesie – because why not?
I was thrilled with how my handmade bouquet turned out, featuring flowers from Michael’s garden. Our goal was to create a fun, non-traditional wedding experience that celebrated our geeky side and love for whimsy. And I think it’s safe to say we succeeded. Our officiant brought the house down with an unforgettable priest-meets-goth look. The groomsmen sported mis-matched bow ties, while the bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses – a testament to their willingness to let loose and have fun.
My maid of honor Lauren was instrumental in making it all happen, and I’m forever grateful.
Tell us about the ceremony:
Our intimate ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of love. What made it truly special was the presence of our officiant, Maxwell, a friend from our shared roller derby days. As we exchanged vows, we asked Maxwell to weave in a powerful message inspired by the landmark Loving v. Virginia ruling. He beautifully wove this historical significance into his remarks, also addressing the pressing issue of racial climate in America. This unique touch made the ceremony even more meaningful.
The non-secular handfasting ritual was another highlight. We each crafted our own handfasting cords, which Maxwell skillfully tied together. As I walked down the aisle with both parents to VIXX’s uplifting tune ‘Now We’, it felt like a dream come true. The wedding party made their entrance to Quad City DJs’ funky hit ‘Space Jam’. For the recessional, we exited to Zach Callison’s heartwarming song ‘Be Wherever You Are’ from our beloved show Steven Universe.
And as a personal touch, I decided not to shave my armpits – a choice that proved liberating and allowed me to be myself on this special day.
Tell us about your reception:
The atmosphere was delightfully relaxed, and we skipped the traditional bouquet toss and garter ceremony altogether. Instead, we indulged in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches for our meal, accompanied by a delightful assortment of bite-sized treats – macarons, mini bundt cakes, and cupcakes. It was wonderful to see impromptu dance lines form, with my aunt stealing the show in a memorable display.
This was payback for her doing the same at my childhood wedding, where I had also taken center stage. The real pièce de résistance, however, was Peter’s heartfelt dance with his mom, which brought the entire room to its feet. My own mom later joined my brother and me on the dance floor as Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Triumph’ played in the background, capping off an unforgettable evening. Two of our friends even wore matching kilts, adding to the festive ambiance.
In a nod to the party’s casual vibe, we opted for colorful paper plates from a local party shop instead of traditional glassware. To top it all off, Peter’s best man Michael delivered a stirring surprise toast during dinner that left us all in awe.
What was your most important lesson learned?
While it’s impossible to anticipate every eventuality, embracing imperfections can be liberating. After all, you’re embarking on a lifelong journey together. In our experience, one of the biggest wedding planning hurdles was catering to diverse dietary needs – we opted for a menu that catered to vegans, vegetarians, and those with gluten intolerance. Although our meal-card system had its flaws (around 50% effective), it ultimately worked out.
My advice would be to welcome others’ assistance and prioritize what brings you joy. Don’t compromise on core aspects of your special day; instead, trust your instincts and make choices that align with your vision. You’ll want to cherish the memories, not regret decisions made under pressure.
Vendors
The creative team behind this stunning celebration included photographer Rachel Joy Barehl, who captured the magic of the day, and videographer Prodigy Cinema, who brought it to life through film. The bride’s style was perfectly complemented by her dress and earrings from ModCloth, paired with Iron Fist shoes that added a touch of edginess. Her hair was beautifully styled by Becky Bail, while Columbus Wedding Makeup ensured she looked radiant throughout the day.
As for sustenance, guests were treated to delicious dinner options at Melt Bar and Grilled, accompanied by sweet treats in the form of macarons from Pistacia Vera, bundtins from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and decadent cupcakes courtesy of Pattycake Bakery. The groom’s attire was stylishly coordinated by vests, shirts, and ties from Men’s Wearhouse.
