A Jurassic Park Wedding With A Real Park Vehicle And Dino Attack
The picturesque celebration of love and commitment took place at The Landing 1841 in Burlington, Wisconsin on July 7, 2018. The lovely couple, Courtney from The Offbeat Bride and her partner Billy, exchanged vows in a unique ceremony that reflected their individuality and style. The enchanting atmosphere was captured through the lens of talented photographer C. Mae Designs.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
To create a unique and memorable atmosphere, we transformed our event space into a prehistoric wonderland inspired by the iconic film, Jurassic Park. Our creative vision featured life-sized dancing dinosaurs and a specially designed ‘Jurassic Park Explorer’ – a whimsical touch that added an air of sophistication to this unconventional theme.
Tell us about the ceremony:
As we exchanged vows, the enchanting melody of the Piano Guys’ rendition of the Jurassic Park theme song accompanied us down the aisle. It was only fitting that my grandmother, who played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today, stood by my side as I walked towards my future. My oldest friend since kindergarten, now serving as my ‘Man of Honor,’ and his mother, our former first-grade teacher, brought added sentimental value to the ceremony with their touching readings.
A Lovely Love Story, expertly read aloud, further personalized the occasion. In a nod to Billy’s Irish heritage, we incorporated traditional Celtic elements into the celebration. The ceremony featured a meaningful handfasting ritual, symbolizing our commitment and bond, as well as an emotive Irish Prayer, spoken with reverence.
Tell us about your reception:
The evening’s culinary delights were showcased through various stations, including a vibrant taco and fajita section featuring an assortment of chips, salsas, and creamy guacamole. Nearby, a slider station presented three mouthwatering options paired with comforting macaroni and cheese, crispy onion strings, and a side of nostalgic charm.
Additionally, a salad and bread bar offered an array of fresh greens, including caprese, strawberry goat cheese arugula, and coleslaw, providing something for every palate. To satisfy sweet cravings, Billy crafted a show-stopping donut wall inspired by the iconic park gates from Jurassic Park, adorned with Krispy Kremes and a selection of decadent cupcakes and kringle.
As the celebration reached its peak, our officiant made a memorable entrance, dressed as a mighty T-Rex, before letting loose and boogieing down to the tunes.
What was your most important lesson learned?
Our greatest challenge was letting go of the pressure to please everyone else and embracing the idea that this was, after all, OUR special day. I had spent countless hours worrying about making sure others were happy with our plans, only to realize that doing so was taking a toll on my own happiness. It wasn’t until we decided to ditch the stress and do things that brought us joy that our planning process truly began to unfold.
Furthermore, we chose our vendors not based on who offered the best deals or services, but rather those who shared our enthusiasm for our unique theme – much to the bewilderment of some of them.
Vendors
The event took place at The Landing 1841, a picturesque venue that set the tone for an unforgettable celebration. Behind-the-scenes magic was brought to life by C. Mae Designs and OpenBox Events, responsible for capturing the special moments in both photographs and video recordings. Meanwhile, the wedding party looked radiant thanks to Olive Grace Collective’s hairstyles and Brittany Bella Beauty’s makeup and lash expertise.
Delicious treats were provided by Gooseberries Fresh Food Market, while Drink Inc kept the drinks flowing throughout the night. Brides By Young offered stunning dresses for the ladies, with Halo’s Blush By Hayley Paige being a showstopper. Fifty Flowers added a touch of elegance to the decor, while David’s Bridal ensured that the bridesmaids looked their best. To get everyone moving on the dance floor, Stan from DJ Felix Entertainment was spinning the tunes.