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A Steampunk wedding? If you can imagine it, you can make it! As a Spiritual Humanist Minister, I officiated the wedding of Dexter Stevens and Dana Beaufait in a private ceremony on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach. The couple preferred a more intimate setting for their official union, reserving the wedding ceremony to be performed for friends and family the following year. This would give them ample opportunity to plan their dream wedding, without putting legalities on hold. Their chosen theme was Steampunk AirshipFantasy in the sky. Dana, who is creative beyond words, showed me all of her sketches for her gown, the grooms ensemble, and her entire wedding party. Our meeting was to discuss details of the ceremony, and brain-storm ideas for my costume. Ill admit, beyond seeing the 1999 film Wild, Wild West 1, I only had a vague idea what
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Wild, Wild West, 1999, Warner Brothers http://wildwildwest.warnerbros.com/

Steampunk actually was. I figured from what Ive seen, it was technology that was steam powered, mixed with a strange sort of Victorian era clothing, but more contemporary. Plus seeing how it has taken off in nearly every night club and event Ive attended in the last few years, I really wasnt sure what constituted Steampunk (officially) aside from goggles and funny hats. Dana explained to the best of her ability, but Im an extremely visual person so I had to do a fair bit of research to figure out what I was going to wear for the ceremony. I looked through countless photos online, and discovered a useful article published by Steampunk Magazine, entitled History of Steampunk by Cory Gross2. The article was useful, and answered a number of questions I had on my mind. Such as who coined the term? What constitutes Steampunk, and why the revival? Come to find out the term is credited to a Cyberpunk Author, K.W. Jeter, who suggested it in a 1987 letter accompanying a novel submission. Jeter and other authors appeared to be formulating a new sub-genre of science fiction by culminating a number of elements in films produced post World War II involving the Space Chase, Atomic Power, and Cold War. It all began to make sense to me, as I recalled a number of films I watched as a child, such as The Day the Earth Stood Still(1951)Chitty-Chitty Bang Bang (1968), War of the Worlds (1953), 2000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) among others. The age of steam really didnt become a Utopia of sciencefiction productions until 20 years after the war ended. The creativity was flying at Steampunk speed! All aboard!

Stepping into this new genre you find that theres even its own lexicon as you stumble upon terms such as Cosmic Opera, or Retro-Victorian Scientific Fantasy. As all the pieces fell into place, it romanticizes nostalgia while placing emphasis on fantastic invention. After participating in a number of costumed events with an emphasis on Victoria Era3 clothing, I can honestly say that its nice to visit but I cant imagine the lengths people went through to dress properly while dredging the unpaved muddy streets and maintaining their dignity. Queen Victoria certainly had her influence with lavish style, even if it made no logical sense in practicality. Not to mention the high morals and modesty that most bawdy women like myself, would surely thumb their noses.

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History of Steampunk, Cory Gross, Steampunk Magazine, Issue #2. http://www.steampunkmagazine.com/ Victoria Era: Considered to be an era of elegance, during Englands Queen Victoria (1837 -1901), with a strong focus on high-morals, modesty, and proper decorum. The Victorians, An age in retrospect, John Gardiner, 2003

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After rifling through costume closets and accessories, I figured I had enough to fake it at the very least. Then it hit me, why not be Pope? I put a bug in Danas ear and she loved it! All I had to do was figure out how to fashion a Mitre4 that carried the look she was envisioning for her wedding party and photos that would follow. I really didnt have a whole lot of money to invest in my costume, but Im extremely resourceful so I dug through my crafting supplies to find just enough bits to create it. The Mitre has always been considered lavish head-wear filled with much controversy. Its mostly regarded as a pointless ridiculous hat worn by the religious pompous (pun!). What I can say, Im well known for my own pompery so such a hat is right up my alley!

Mitre: Latin for head-dress, a folding cap in which the two halves rest flat upon each other when not being worn. th Classic Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 edition, 1911

There was a portion of the ceremony I wrote which involved sentiments which communicated how truly timeless love can be and I smash a clock on the altar to signify that in the moment of joining Dexter and Dana Stevens, time stops. Bingo! Theres my Steampunk element: A Clock.

Needless to say, the hat was a hit. And no wig to fumble with at this event! I received many compliments and giggles from wedding guests as I entered the room. As clueless as I began, I blended right in! The photos we took were beautiful, and playful; perfect for such a group of dynamic and creative people.

Image courtesy of The Catholic Encyclopedia, Robert Appleton Co., Encyclopedia Press, Inc. 1914

Making a Steam-punk Mitre: Supplies: (2) Pieces of foam sheeting Ribbon Metal Embellishments, chain Clock-face Scissors Stapler Hot glue-gun

First, I cut out a pattern for symmetry. I cut (2) Mitre Shapes, and reserved a 2 band to attach and maintain the integrity of a hat; a brim. I opted for brown to match my wedding costume, but Ive made a number of these since, for cheeky fun. Such as my 38th Birthday, The Catholic Excommunication of SIN JONES.

January 2012

For this particular event, I handed my clergy position off to a dear friend who was more than happy to issue the bull of my excommunication. The skys the limit with embellishments: Faux gemstones, ribbon, metal work, lace, feathers, etc. Just use your imagination!

Cut out two foam Mitre Shapes

Cut strips for the banding.

Staple the banding to the Mitre, staple on the inside if you want less to cover in your finished piece.

Measure your head for a snug fit, then cut off any excess. Staple the other side of the Mitre and then again at the top to join the two points.

You can cover the staples with ribbon or excess foam sheeting, and affix with hot-glue.

I opted to use some of the red glitter foam sheeting to cover my staples, some of the black from the back side to make a cross shape, and embellished with some faux gems.

Your Mitre can be customized to match your costume. You can use foam sheets, a stiff fabric or felt sold at any craft store. Have fun with it, try different mediums such as lavish fabrics, or aluminum sheeting,. Embellish to your hearts content: Lace, cameos, gears, and trinkets with a timeless dash of sacrilege.

This haberdasher piece is just SINful!

SIN JONES February 2012

Offbeat Bridal: How a bride and her mother hand-crafted a fantastical Steampunk wedding ensemble. http://offbeatbride.com/2012/01/steampunk-wedding-gown
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Petersons Magazine, 1888, Photo Credit (Public Domain)