Margoe and Charlie were heavily inspired by their favourite books, Lord of the Rings, for the theme for their July 2019 wedding. They really wanted a dark, magical forest vibe for the day. Armed with a $50,000 budget, they employed Kim from Your Perfect Bridesmaid to help bring their vision to life.
Held at Skamania Lodge, a boutique hotel resort near Stevenson, Washington set in a gorge where swift waters meet evergreen forest, it was the perfect setting for their Lord of the Rings themed day. Their decor included books from their own collection adorning tables, antlers and skulls and tons of dark foliage to help accentuate their surroundings.
Margoe wore an Essense of Australia gown, accessorised with a custom feather and bone headdress by Feral Decay. The bridesmaids wore gowns by David’s Bridal, and Margoe bagged a bargain here with her bridal shoes; two pairs for $35! Their biggest expense was the venue, but they not only provided the space, but also the majority of the catering and hosted the rehearsal dinner.
After a first look and portrait session, their ceremony was held in the amphitheatre in Skamania Lodge’s grounds. Margoe walked down the aisle to the Star Wars theme song – accidentally! “I was supposed to walk down to Concerning Hobbits by Howard Shore, and then we’d leave to the Star Wars theme song. But the string band swapped them. I wasn’t upset at all, I still got all the nerdy goodness I wanted!” said Margoe.
They had a very metal entrance song for their reception – Solar Flare Homicide by Emmure – to celebrate the fact that they met via mutual friends at metal concerts, before a sit down dinner reception and partying the night away to a live party band. They even had a flash mob first dance!
Margoe and Charlie’s advice for future brides and grooms is, if you’re able, to hire a wedding planner. “It’s absolutely worth it,” Margoe explained. “Working with the planner was our favourite part of organising the wedding – she took my vision and used her contacts and expertise to help make it a reality. All our vendors were really great. They all loved my ideas, which made me feel really special.”