On Halloween Eve I was honored to be the photographer at a wedding.  But to call it a wedding sounds much too simplistic for this epic event.  This was a Nuptial Halloween Extravaganza!  (Hmm… I may have to rework that title some more)  It began the usual way with the lovely bride cloistered away getting ready and the groom combing his beard.  It took place at the groom’s parent’s beautiful home and there was a classic tent for the reception.  It was when the guests began to arrive that things started looking a little… different… 

Among the guests there were a couple of zombies, Lady Gaga, ooh there’s Jack Skellington and Sally!  Is that who I think it is?  Yep, there’s Mario, awwww and he brought Yoshi along too.  The whole gang from Beetlejuice was invited?!  Everyone was dressed to the nines, some even to the elevens.  After the wedding party literally boogied down the aisle to their custom music selection, the ceremony began.  It was the most entertaining ceremony I have ever witnessed and I am willing to wager, ever will.  The officiant began the ceremony by saying, “Let’s talk about zombies.”  It was in turn macabre, sweet, hilarious, and emotional.  In short?  Pure genius.

After the ceremony the wedding party exited danced back down the aisle, this time in a conga line to Shake Señora (from Beetlejuice).  The party then moved to the tent which was beautifully decorated, and yes, quite creepy.  There was a full-sized Uncle Fester-looking mannequin that I kept trying to talk to all night.  The tables were draped in black with drippy candles, let’s not forget the spider webs, broken baby dolls trapped in bird cages flanked the gift table, and there was a constant stream of fog creeping out of the cauldron punch bowl.  The cake was black with red roses cascading down the layers, and perched on top were the happiest looking skeleton bride and groom.

After the costumed guests piled plates high with carnitas and guacamole and ate their delicious dinner, the new Mr. and Mrs. shared some cake and a dance.  The bride then tossed the bouquet and the couple stole off into the night only to return a while later transformed.  Up until this point in the evening the groom wore a sharp looking tux and the bride was in an exquisite white beaded gown.  They returned to the party as Morticia and Gomez Addams with some of their party as Wednesday, Pugsly, and Thing. “Gomez” and “Morticia” skillfully serenaded each other with songs, much to the delight of all the guests.

The whole wedding was amazing and photographing it was even more amazing!  There is only one problem:  How will I stay awake at a “normal” wedding ever again?!  The guests were a riot and the wedding party was so easy to work with and so fun. Thanks to my good friend Cindy who also helped me shoot the wedding. Now I feel like I’m giving an acceptance speech! but a great big thank you also to Brandon who suggested me and lent me all kinds of crazy toys!  Carrie and Dominick, I thank you so much for having me and I hope your life together is always as fun and exciting as your wedding was!