Clashes Of Steel At This Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Warrior Wedding Complete With A Quest
The memorable wedding celebration was captured through the lens of Kathryn Cooper’s camera. Joining forces to make this day truly special were Karen, an MD/PhD Student and a talented Offbeat partner, alongside James, a skilled Software Engineer who also played the role of the groom. The picturesque Arrowhead Lodge in Brewerton, New York served as the perfect backdrop for their union on November 6, 2016. With a budget of $7000, the couple’s love story unfolded with ease and elegance.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
When James and I planned our wedding, we knew it wouldn’t be a conventional affair. We’re both creatures of habit who abhor ceremonies, crowds, and dressing up – the thought of donning fancy attire was enough to make us shudder. However, since it was going to happen, we decided to make it an experience that would resonate with our closest friends and family. Having met in martial arts and shared a love for Renaissance festivals, we figured why not take inspiration from those realms?
We allocated a significant chunk of our budget towards custom armor sets and commissioned bespoke swords. I even crafted my own scabbard as a personal touch. To tie everything together, we enlisted the help of one of my favorite artists to create a custom illustration that would be woven into our tapestry. The end result was an immersive experience that blurred the lines between reality and fantasy.
We set just one rule for our guests: they had to arrive in costume, no exceptions – not even the officiant. And what did we choose as the theme? ‘Choose your own adventure’ seemed fitting, given the fantastical atmosphere we’d created. In the end, it was an unforgettable celebration that exceeded our wildest expectations.
Tell us about the ceremony:
We designed a unique 10-minute ceremony that blended handfasting and unity candle lighting, emphasizing our commitment as equals. The vows were just as significant:
“I commit myself to you as my partner to learn, grow, explore, and adventure together, respecting each other equally in the face of life’s joys and challenges, from sunrise to sunset.”We asked our mothers to perform the handfasting ritual, symbolizing our trust and combined strength.
While the ceremony itself wasn’t the primary focus, we wanted everyone to have an unforgettable experience.
To achieve this, we skipped the traditional aisle walk and wedding party. Instead, it was just us, surrounded by a mesmerizing fire display.”The real highlight came after the ceremony, when we released our guests on a thrilling quest. They had to find scattered map pieces, assemble them, and decipher the resulting treasure map to uncover the wedding favors.
This creative challenge kept everyone engaged, allowing us to relax and enjoy the moment.
Tell us about your reception:
We decided to keep things simple by hosting both the ceremony and reception at the Arrowhead Lodge. To satisfy our guests’ sweet tooth, we served a variety of cupcakes featuring galaxy-themed frosting in multiple flavors and fillings. The menu was catered from Limp Lizard BBQ, and we were fortunate to have an exceptional coordinator, Brenda, who ensured everything ran smoothly.
We also hired The Help to take care of food and drink setup, serving, and cleanup, allowing us to focus on other aspects of the celebration. James, being the tech-savvy person he is, handled the music, sound system, and lighting for the event. He used a Google album as the soundtrack and rented an inexpensive speaker and lighting equipment from the lodge.
On the day of the wedding, my parents and siblings were instrumental in helping with transportation, setup, guest management, coordination, and other tasks that kept things running smoothly. One of the most memorable moments was when our photographer brought out smoke bombs to capture some epic sword fighting photos. My brother had to run around us, wielding the smoky purple bomb, late into the evening to get the desired effect. I’m sorry, bro, but it was worth it!
The sweetest moment came when my sister delivered an impromptu speech dedicated to our special day. We hadn’t asked anyone to give a speech, as we hate putting people on the spot, but she surprised us with her heartfelt words, bringing tears of joy to my eyes.
What was your most important lesson learned?
Planning my wedding was an experience that rivaled only the most challenging moments of my life, including the grief following the loss of a loved one. With a PhD thesis defense looming, I found myself juggling long lab hours with wedding planning duties. James and I tackled this challenge head-on by utilizing a comprehensive Google spreadsheet to coordinate our efforts.
We divided tasks according to our individual strengths, assigned deadlines for manageable progress, and prioritized costs from armor to wedding favors. By establishing clear goals upfront, we alleviated stress by trusting each other to complete our designated responsibilities. I was free to focus on my thesis defense preparation without worrying about James’ tasks, while he had the same freedom regarding mine.
In a surprising twist, some people often criticize costume weddings, leaving us perplexed. However, everyone who attended ours had an incredible time, the photographs are stunning, and we were blown away by the creativity of our guests’ costumes (we’re still talking about those Knights who say Ni!). Moreover, the children in attendance – usually a recipe for tantrums and exhaustion in traditional wedding attire – enjoyed absolute freedom and fun throughout the night.
As James and I don our ‘wedding armor’ multiple times a year, we’ve come to appreciate the unbeatable value it brings to our special day.
Vendors
The photographer behind the captivating moments captured at this event was Kathryn Cooper, a talented professional. The team responsible for crafting the elaborate armor was Feral Workshop, whose unique designs undoubtedly added to the overall aesthetic. Meanwhile, The Help ensured that all logistical needs were met, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying the experience. For sweet treats, Cupcaker’s Bakery provided an array of delectable options.
As the venue for this memorable occasion, Arrowhead Lodge offered a picturesque backdrop. And as if all these elements weren’t enough, Limp Lizard BBQ brought its signature flavors to satiate attendees’ hunger.
