marys underground wedding

erica and tom

Erica and Tom are both creatives, both love a good party and both wanted to craft something unique and totally reflective of the two of them to celebrate their commitment 5 years after they matched on Tinder, Tom accidentally sent Erica the wrong number and Erica spent a few hours texting a lovely married woman named Sharon much to the consternation of Sharon’s husband. 6 months later, Tom shoulder danced his way over to Erica after quite a few beers at a friend’s house party and gallantly asked “so, you’re my girlfriend now right?”. Thus was this romance born.

So, they got ready and met up at The Old Clare to soothe some nerves (..Erica’s) and spend some time together, then headed to Mary’s Underground (ex iconic live music venue The Basement) where they were married by Tom’s aunt in front of one of the most enthused and raucous crowds I’ve ever seen, before thanking them for their enthusiasm with a surprise set by legendary brass band Potato Potato and then partying til the wee hours. By the time I left both of them where at that high on life stage where you walk around aggressively hugging and kissing everyone and telling you how much they mean to you. It was heartwarming.

In all seriousness though, this one was a reminder of a lot of things. Of the importance of doing things your own way. Of how buoying and lifting it can be for a whole community to celebrate two of their own joining in such a way (..seriously, the assembled crowd lost their collective mind multiple times throughout the ceremony). Of how weddings can prompt all this beautiful reflection and re-inforce relationships - not just with each other but with all the important people in you life (see speeches). Of how accidentally flirting with a middle aged married woman named Sharon over text can actually kick off a beautiful romance.

So, here’s to dad’s dropping surprisingly in vogue lyrical references during speeches followed by best friend’s inviting themselves into the relationship. To live music and a good party. To drunken declarations of love. To Erica. To Tom. To Erica and Tom. To Sharon.

To how god damn beautiful and unique this day was.

Enjoy

Dane

 

INSTAGRAM @THESALTYSHUTTER

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