Sunday, June 23, 2019

Till Death Do Us Part – Halloween I Do’s by Kathryn Hills #RomanceGems

Halloween-themed table decorations by Julie & Albert Cook
Photo Credit: David Dougwillo

It’s YOUR big day! Aside from the date, the theme is likely your next big decision. Will it be casual or formal? Vintage or modern? Traditional or somewhere out-there? Local, destination? Humm… What if it falls on a holiday? And what if that holiday is HALLOWEEN?!! Oh, be still, my heart, now we’re talking fun! Yet, it can be so much more.

Here in New England—where Salem is considered the epicenter of Halloween—the question for some becomes, what better way to spend our special day than hosting a killer costume party with frightfully fun food and decorations? From light-hearted entertainment to downright freaky, couples are embracing Halloween and Gothic weddings with drop-dead gorgeous results.

According to many bridal publications, autumn is considered prime wedding season. Colorful leaves, cooler temps, dramatic sunsets—great stuff! (A bride very near and dear to my heart is planning a fall wedding for 2020, and it promises to be stunning) Yet some specifically choose to marry on October 31st. Here’s why…

Julie & Albert Cook's wedding dance
Photo Credit: David Dougwillo
Meet Julie and Albert Cook! They own and operate Raven Wolf Enchantments, an online Metaphysical shop, selling Gemstones, Jewelry, Tarot/Oracle readings, and various other magical curios.

Q. "Albert, you and Julie were married on Halloween?"

A. “Yes, Halloween 2015! In a little ceremony with our closest family and friends. It was small-scale, and we did it all ourselves in a few weeks, but it was everything we wanted in a wedding. Our theme stemmed from a mutual love of Halloween and Love. From the invitations, to the favors, decorations, cake, and guests (who all came in costume) it was a day we will never forget. Sharing it with my love made it the best day of my life.”

Q. "What was the reaction of friends and family to your plans?"

A. "They LOVED it! Some may have felt a little weird at first, but once they were there and having a great time… Everyone dressed up in costumes, some more elaborate than others. They knew ours wasn’t going to be a traditional ceremony, and I think they liked the fact that it was not the 'same old thing.' I mean, it was on Halloween, after all."

Julie & Albert Cook's lovely attendants
Photo Credit: David Dougwillo
Q. "Julie, you’ve shared some amazing photos and ceremony details with me. Yours was a very romantic event, something that might surprise those who think it’s all about the spooky."

A. "Aside from Halloween, Timeless Love played a big part. The poem ‘Key to Love’ was central. Our favors were little antique keys with tags and quotes. The poem was written in China by an anonymous writer during the first century. To us the words represent how true love transcends differences in time and culture to speak to the souls of humans. We were making the most sacred of promises to one another.”

Q. "What was your favorite part of that day?"

A. From Julie: "The 'reveal moment' at our home in Rockport, MA. Everyone had left to go to the hall. Al waited in the front yard for me to walk out of the house. The only other person there was our photographer. I got to see his expression, seeing me in my dress for the first time. It was magic!”

The Cook's Halloween-themed cake
Photo Credit: David Dougwillo
Albert and Julie’s special day was intimate and came together rather quickly, but some Halloween-themed weddings, engagements, and vow renewals require significant preparation. Get an early start, especially if you want a popular date or destination, and search for tips and inspiration online. If you'd like to learn more about weddings in Salem, MA (Anytime of the year is lovely!) visit Things to do in Salem. It's a fun site for planning any visit to one of my favorite cities.

So, by now I’m guessing you know I LOVE HALLOWEEN! The holiday even plays a role in my Time Traveler’s Journey Series. Sometimes during modern days, other times it's the late Victorian era, but it's always in New England. Visit my website to learn more.

Thanks for reading!

~ Kathryn ~

Don't forget our Monthly Giveaway!

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED to the ROMANCE GEMS June Wedding celebration. Enter our RAFFLECOPTER for a chance to win jewelry designed for Readers, or Amazon Gift Cards, or romance ebooks about love & weddings.

Hint, hint... My book, Hellfire and Handbaskets, is one of many you can win.
But HURRY - This giveaway ends soon.



Good luck, and thank you for visiting #RomanceGems!



14 comments:

  1. I hope when you do your next vow renewal you'll invite me so I can join in the fun and cheer you on.

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    1. Hahaha Nora...pretty much my same words to the Cooks! :D

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  2. Very cool and unique. The only wedding I went to where they has something even a tiny bit different was when the bride and groom had a huge Bruins cake instead of the traditional white flowered thing.

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    1. Die hard Bruins fans, I love it! It's fun to see what couples plan now for their "big day." What would we do without Pinterest?!

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  3. What a fun wedding. The only themed one I went to was western where guests sat on hay bales. The bride, elegant ballgown style dress and veil, came riding in on a white house. After the I do's and the kiss, she mounted the horse and the groom mounted behind her. The horse reared and almost dumped them both on the ground, but the groom was an excellent horseman and got the nervous horse under control. Then they rode away while everyone applauded!

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    1. WOW! I would LOVE to attend a Western wedding! What a great entrance and exit! I bet that bride had awesome boots under that ballgown, too. And her groom sounds like he stepped from the pages of a book. :D

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  4. Both our daughters had non-traditional settings, but nothing like this! It sounds like fun and a true celebration that meant a lot to the bride and groom...and that's what counts. What a fun post!

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    1. Thanks Bonnie! I love the creativity couples have today when planning their weddings. The Cook's big day truly seemed perfect for them. You could feel the love and happiness in their responses to my questions.

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  5. lol I'm not sure about going this far if I was the bride, but I could definitely see it for an anniversary. Maybe a different theme each year. I bet this couple have a really fun marriage, though.

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    1. The Cooks are a delightful and VERY loving couple - I'm happy to know them! Halloween themed weddings are not for everyone, but Autumn weddings are super popular. And I've seen some great ideas, incorporating Dark/Gothic themes without all the usual Halloween trappings. Disney Haunted Mansion or villain-esque weddings come to mind.

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  6. I love weddings that have different themes. Truly, the love shines through all.

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    1. Truth, Kathleen! It's all about couples personalizing their special day. That makes it so much fun and truly unique. :D

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  7. Thank you so much for the beautiful write up on our wedding. Our "attendants" in the photo are actually our beautiful daughters :) <3

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    1. I LOVE that your family played such a big part in your special day! Wish I could have shared ALL your pics here, as they were awesome. Thanks for sharing with Romance Gems, Julie and Albert!

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