It’s definitely not a secret that I LOOOOOOOVE creative, fun weddings that really allow the personality of the couple to shine through. I love that wedding trends are moving towards each celebration being a one-of-a-kind event without the bride and groom feeling that they have to follow the “cookie-cutter” mold of a traditional wedding.

A few weeks ago, I was asked to do a book review for the book “Offbeat Bride“. And, knowing my weakness for all things wedding-related and quirky, I jumped on the opportunity! In the interests of market research, I took the book along on my trip to the WPPI Photography Conference in Vegas AND along to Erica and Dave’s wedding in Baltimore. This month I’ve had a LOT of time sitting in airports! So, editors of Offbeat Bride, here are my thoughts!
First of all, let me say that I never really considered myself an “offbeat bride”. Yes, I tried to personalize my wedding and am happy with all the unique things that Ben and I incorporated into our day, but I felt like we needed to do things a certain way to follow typical wedding “etiquette”. Now I wish I had read this book three years ago! Looking back now, I would have probably skipped the dance part of the evening, and had a jazz band rather than a DJ. I would have worn more comfortable shoes and let Ben have a little more fun with his outfit. Even though my family isn’t as unique as the author’s, I still took away a lot of advice that made me wish I’d done things slightly differently.
One thing I loved is that the author, Ariel, didn’t feel the need to follow tradition if it didn’t work for them. For example, she didn’t want to make her single female friends feel embarassed about the bouquet toss. So she skipped it! Because they felt passionately about sticking to their budget and also being eco-friendly, their outdoor wedding seemed perfect for “muglies”, an ugly mug picked up at a thrift store for .25. These Muglies served as beverage holders for all of their guests for the entire evening, and were a fun conversation starter. The Muglies also served as wedding favors… the uglier, the better. Michele and Jason, one of my couples from 2008 asked family members to make homemade jam to use as placecards and favors… I love that idea!

They found ways to incorporate both of their values into the event: he was a vegan, and she was wasn’t. Solution? Vegan dinner and both vegan and non-vegan dessert. She wanted a non-traditional dress and he was uncomfortable in a tux. Solution? Corset top with wedding skirt made of lime green organza over ivory satin. Classy, huh? The groom wore a suit with the sleeves ripped off. That wouldn’t have worked for my wedding, but for them, it was the perfect choice… and I love that! One trend that I’ve loved lately is allowing the girls to pick their own dress in a certain shade, and giving them a choice for shoes, and allowing the guys to wear a suit:

One thing I loved about Ariel’s views on weddings was that she knew where to splurge and where to cut back. For them, they spent little money on decorations and invitations, but splurged on her shoes and wedding photography. As a photographer, I was worried she’d say that they did without photos (gasp!), but as Ariel stated “Paying an experienced wedding photographer was one of the wedding budget items that I refused to scrimp on.” They ignored the typical wedding magazine photos lists that include things like “Mom helping bride with veil” and “Dad whispering last minute advice to groom”. Instead, their photographer caught real moments with the day’s events. Yes, they did formal pictures. But they were quick, painless family groupings and with the wedding party that flew by, and saved more time for moments for just the two of them and the photographer… so they could enjoy the day with the rest of their guests. But above all, they kept things casual, such as this fun, relaxed portrait from Renee and Justin’s wedding:

My overall impression of the book was that it really kept things in perspective. While many couples won’t have to deal with some of the very different family situations mentioned in the book, almost any bride or groom could benefit from reminders of why you are actually getting married in the first place (and help you figure out if you REALLY need to have a traditional wedding cake or adhere to the all-women bridesmaid suggestion).
Idea from Michele and Jason’s wedding that I adore: asking family members to make special family-favorites for dessert, and forgoing the cake altogether. Then they included recipes for each dessert in their wedding program booklet:

Idea from Liz and Ed’s wedding: all the flowers came from Ed’s mother’s garden, and they just asked a florist friend to assemble the bouquets and boutonnieres.

Who says weddings can’t have an element of playfulness?

Lisa and Rick shared a love of all things medieval. So they decided their day should reflect it. No traditional white programs for this ceremony!

Similarly, Lisa didn’t want a white wedding dress. So she wore orange. Love love love it!

Shoes. Enough said:

So. Are you interested in being unique? Does the thought of breaking out of the traditional-wedding mold sound like fun to you? If so, leave a comment below with something you want to do for your wedding that really signified YOU as a couple, or a fun detail you are excited about! I’ll be choosing two people randomly from the comments left, and the editor of Offbeat Bride will be sending you a free copy of the book!
My favorite thing about Studio Noveau, and yourself, is exactly what you are doing now. Not only are you innovative/creative but you take that to a whole new level in your job and then again in great things like this! Proud to have had worked with you!!!
My best!,
Lindsay Nickol Delagardelle
You have a special “eye” when it comes to beautiful portraits. If you lived closer to us I would have you over all the time taking pictures of our kiddos (you would be so annoyed with us)!!! Your kind heart makes a great addition to the Eby family even if we are 800 miles away! Also give, give, give to the Crawford County Markets program…it’s such a great name (tehehe). You are the best and Happy Birthday!
I haven’t had the opportunity to make TOO many memories with you yet, but judging by your character and your values I think you have heart of gold girl! I do love your laid back witty personality and that you are willing to just got with the flow, a perfect fit to the crazy puzzles of wedding planning
A very happy birthday to you and enjoy your birthday float!!!! Can’t wait to see you again in September!
Erin Oilschlager
I haven’t known you too long, but in the short time we’ve worked together, I absolutely did notice your kind heart and your willingness to find people who need your giving spirit. What a wonderful idea to donate cake mixes. I would never have thought of it.
I am so glad that I got to grow up with you in good ol’ Chetek. It is nice to see success as a product of hard work! Happy Birthday!
what a great idea…and I Love cake too …never thought about kids not having cake…amazing what we take for granted…..thanks for making us think….
Happy Birthday Rebecca! You deserve it with all the work you do on both the level of your business and for the community. While we are a little far to make our own donation to Crawford Food Market, in your birthday honor there will be a donation to both Brown and Shawano County food pantries. This way your influence will reach across the state.
My favorite thing about you is how you turn strangers into friends so quickly and make them feel like they have known you forever.
What a wonderful idea. The thing I like most about you is that you are so giving. Every time I log on to your site I can see how much you have given to others through your gift of photography and the charities that you support. You are not afraid to jump in and get your hands dirty and you always seem to find a new idea or way to get a job done. Well done on this idea I think it is exceptional.
Great Idea, Happy Birthday, Love all your photos, your a fabulous person and I love that you give back to the community
How about those comments? are you smiling? I got more?!
Happy Birthday! I have too many favorites to list, but one is that you are always there for me when I need a shoulder to vent on and that you are so caring and giving, which isn’t always the case in the “biz”. I appreciate your friendship. Plus you are one rocking photographer
BIG birthday wishes to an amazing person and friend who gives SO much of her time and talent to help everyone around her! Rebecca you are an incrediably gifted photographer and an even better person, Thanks so much for all you do! Have a super duber Birthday!!!! -amanda
I agree with Laurie. You are so good at making people feel comfortable! I got to experience it when I met you and I can tell from your portraits that you just put your clients at ease. You are awesome! Happy Birthday!
We love how fun you and Ben are! You two made our wedding day so fun. It is surely a sign of how you live–always smiling with him and always enjoying the time you have together. Happy Birthday!!!
Becky, You are as sweet as the frosting and cakes you are providing through this giving idea! It was fun to be with you at our girls night out! And, of course, I remain one of your biggest fans in the photography department, but I fear I comment TOO much!!! Enjoy your birthday, you deserve a great cake for yourself! Luv ya! Cammie
I’ve seen and personally experienced the care you put into capturing other people’s precious life moments, but one favorite memory was watching YOU on YOUR wedding day. Every little detail perfectly showcased what an incredibly beautiful, creative, thrifty, and classy lady you are. Happy birthday to one of my all-time favorite people!
This says it all! Even on a day that’s supposed to be all about you, you are thinking of others! I think it’s a rare treat to find someone willing to give like you are…and I guess your pictures aren’t too shabby either
Happy Birthday Rebecca!
Yumm, Cake! Here’s a comment for food donation! This is an awesome idea
You are one of the best photographers, business women, and ladies that I have the pleasure of knowing. Your drive is very admirable and your product is even better! I wish you, your husband, and your business nothing but the best! You deserve all the blessings that life has to offer.
I hope you had a wonderful birthday, and here’s to many many more!
First of all, Happy Birthday!
Thanks for thinking of others! Too often I have seen comments of some very ugly people that seem to resent a child having a birthday cake if the parents are having hard times and can’t afford it. It’s very cool to find someone that wants to do something about it, not only on your own, but bringing the issue to the attention of others!
Is it cheesy to say that I just simply LOVE you and you’re an amazing big sister? And I love your photography…especially the pictures of me!!! haha