The Offbeat Bride: Amber, Corsetier/Designer

Her offbeat partner: Jennifer, Project Manager

Date and location of wedding: Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas, TX — September 4, 2016

Our offbeat wedding at a glance:

Our Huffleclaw wedding was a fun mashup of everything we love as a couple. Since the beginning, the Dallas World Aquarium has been a favorite date spot of ours. We're fish-keepers ourselves, and are passionate about marine life, so having an aquarium was the perfect way to share ourselves with our guests.

We each had bespoke garments made in our favorite colors. I'm a professional corset-maker, and this was my opportunity to support one of my close friends in the industry. So the lovely Lowana of Vanyanis made my gown.

We also both deeply love the Harry Potter books. Jenn's a Hufflepuff and I'm a Ravenclaw, so naturally we got a Huffleclaw cake! Our guests also went home with a special 'Jenn and Amber Blend' of loose leaf tea in vials, complete with heart-shaped infuser spoons.

Tell us about the ceremony:

Instead of having a stranger marry us, we asked our dear friend Liz to be our officiant. She's a charismatic, hilarious personality who is frequently known to MC roller derby events, pub quizzes, tours, and burlesque shows. She made the ceremony so special and personal, peppering in subtle Harry Potter quotes throughout of course. She made me a crying mess, and I got her back during the vows.

Tell us about your reception:

Our reception was very laid back. All the guests moved upstairs to an open bar and hors d'oeuvres, while our bridal party gave touching speeches. We're not much for dancing, so after an Italian dinner catered by the DWA, our guests socialized and checked out the beautiful reef tanks. Jenn and I were happy to share our knowledge about the ocean critters with curious kids.

What was your most important lesson learned?

Accept the fact that something will go wrong, and make the decision beforehand to cope with it. Before heading down the aisle, my beautiful dress got FILTHY. The hem was completely black. Luckily, I had a detergent pen in my pocket (thanks for adding pockets Lowana!). My bridesmaid Penny and makeup artist Vivienne Vermouth came to the rescue and cleaned it up as best as they could. No one noticed!

Vendors

* Photographer: Fourwalls Photography

* Cake: Confections in Cake

* Hair and Makeup: Vivienne Vermouth

* Wedding Gown and Corset: Vanyanis

* Flowers: A and L Floral Designs

* Suit: Tom James

* Venue: Dallas World Aquarium

Gallery

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