Towers of books aren’t typically used as party decorations. But when Cindy Yee and Sam Affolter began planning their wedding, they wanted to make sure it reflected one of their greatest passions: reading.
Fueled by the couple’s love of literature and interest in non-traditional décor, Yee and Affolter’s recent nuptials, at Seattle event space Sodo Park, was an homage to the written word, featuring paper-flower bouquets and an arch made of stacks of books.
Wedding photographer Alex Rubin told HuffPost Weddings that the towering arch, constructed out of dozens of hardback books (some of which were from Cindy and Sam’s own collection), was both his and the bride’s favorite part of the event.
“Cindy and Sam choose the book arch because it represented their love of reading and it was something different than the typical floral arch,” Rubin said.
A trumpet call signaled Affolter and the officiant’s arrival at the arch, and Yee walked down the aisle to a mashup of the Bridal Chorus and the Star Wars Imperial March. The couple exchanged vows under the arch and exited the ceremony amid sparklers.
After the ceremony, the couple’s 130 guests enjoyed dinner and drinks under strings of Italian lights.
Rubin says the couple, who met at a community service organization, chose elements such as boutonnieres made of Legos, the groom’s home-brewed beer and a “Dr. Who”-inspired cake to reflect what mattered to them most.
Check out Rubin’s photos of Cindy and Sam’s literary-inspired day below.
Cindy Yee and Sam Affolter
Cindy and Sam(01 of17)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rubin Photography)
Paper Flower Bouquet(02 of17)
Open Image ModalCindy and Sam(03 of17)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rubin Photography)
Cork-Bottle Favors(04 of17)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rubin Photography)
Ceremony at Sodo Park(05 of17)
Open Image ModalBook Arch(06 of17)
Open Image ModalBook Arch(07 of17)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rubin Photography)
First Kiss(08 of17)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rubin Photography)
Just Married(09 of17)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rubin Photography)
Cocktail Display(10 of17)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rubin Photography)
Table Decor(11 of17)
Open Image ModalTable Decor(12 of17)
Open Image ModalThe Bar(13 of17)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rubin Photography)
Reception Dinner(14 of17)
Open Image ModalWedding Cake(15 of17)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rubin Photography)
The Venue(16 of17)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rubin Photography)
The Happy Couple(17 of17)
Open Image Modal (credit:Rubin Photography)
Keep in touch! Check out HuffPost Weddings on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.