Several years ago I became acquainted with a genre known as Steampunk. It is defined as part science fantasy, part Victorian Era, part industrial steam age, and part American Wild West. Lace, leather, hop hats, driving goggles, and mechanical parts abound. Think “The Wild, Wild West” television show from the 1960’s or the movie of the same name with Will Smith from 1999. Firefly, a favorite of mine, also applies. These are prime examples of this amalgamation.
So, this last Sunday I was privileged to be invited to a Steampunk wedding. It was fantastical, wonderful and tongue-in-cheek with not only the wedding party dressing up, but many of the guests participating also. Hats, lace gloves, vests, and boots were seen all over the place. In keeping with the spirit of things, the magical mess accessorized herself with pink goggles with two different lenses attached with a hose clamp and a bit of steampunk cat jewelry. I wore the goggles as a headband. I’m thinking of bringing them to work one day and putting them on when I have to take stitches out. Can’t wait to see the reaction from the patients.
Up in the Silver Falls forest we gathered and witnessed two lovely, quirky, kind, and original lovers vow to be one. It was a ceremony like none I’d ever attended. The bride, who tends to be late on a good day, was having issues with her hair and head piece. Thus, the wedding started forty minutes late. But instead of just sitting there looking at our watches, the officiant regaled us with the hokey pokey, Boy Scout camp sing-a-long songs, and a few jokes which included the following:
“What do you call a bunch of crows camping? Attempted murder.”
Some in the audience got it right away, but a few were in the dark. I’m not going to give you the insight but if you go look up what a group of crows is called, all will become clear.
The event finally started and was sweet and endearing, just like the bride and groom. There was a groom’s dog, flower fairies and a thicket of trees that was like a small wooded cathedral. Steampunk ruled the day and a union was made.
If ever I get invited to a Halloween party, I will be outfitting myself in the most resplendent garb befitting the theme. I’m already looking at sewing patterns. I’m thinking a corset, lace skirt, top hat and lace up boots. The magical mess can’t wait to go all in Steampunk.
magicalmess 