This Elegant Halloween Wedding Had An Ofrenda And Money Dance

In celebration of Hispanic and Latin Heritage Month, our team at Luis Martinez Photography reached out to our valued vendors on Offbeat Wed. Among the responses was a showstopper from Libby Martin at Dragonfly Events OC, who shared an enchanting Halloween wedding that seamlessly blended cultural traditions with a dramatic wardrobe change – including a stunning black wedding dress! This elegant and unique celebration has captured our hearts, and we can’t wait to dive into the details with you.

Let’s see this elegant Halloween wedding!

As Melissa and Ruben’s special day coincided with their beloved Halloween, they were determined to infuse their wedding celebration with the eerie yet sophisticated ambiance of the season. To achieve this delicate balance between spooky and sublime, we cleverly juxtaposed gruesome cupcakes and iconic horror movie posters against a backdrop of understated elegance, allowing the centerpieces to serve as a beacon of refinement.

Steal this music idea for your elegant Halloween wedding

As the wedding party’s esteemed guests began arriving 15 minutes prior to the ceremony, a tantalizing treat awaited them in the form of the iconic Haunted Mansion ride intro, accompanied by the eerie yet endearing ‘Grim Grinning Ghosts’ tune. The pre-ceremonial cocktail hour, meanwhile, transformed into a spellbinding atmosphere as Disney’s Halloween-themed playlist and Michael Jackson’s nostalgic ‘Goosebumps’ theme took center stage, setting the tone for an unforgettable celebration.

The florals for this elegant Halloween wedding were aptly named

The setting was deliberately dramatic as red amaranthus, affectionately known as Love Lies Bleeding, cascaded down the length of black manzanita branches, while votive candles nestled within delicate glass bulbs cast an ethereal glow. Amidst this somber yet captivating atmosphere, table numbers were subtly adorned with a coffin design and complemented by a splash of color from the flowers.

This Hispanic/Latin wedding tradition will make you cry

The couple incorporated a meaningful ofrenda table at their Halloween wedding, as a tribute to Melissa’s dad and grandma. This traditional Latin American setup honors loved ones who have passed away, particularly fitting for the fall season when the veil between worlds is believed to be at its thinnest. The table typically features marigold flowers, family photos, and offerings of traditional foods.

A unique aspect of this ofrenda was the inclusion of mirrors, which serve as a poignant reminder of the living’s connection to their ancestors. As guests gazed into the reflective surfaces, they were able to see themselves in the likenesses of their deceased loved ones, fostering a sense of unity and remembrance across generations. The editor notes that this beautiful tradition has left them with tears of joy, highlighting the profound impact it can have on those who experience it.

Check out the wardrobe change at this elegant Halloween wedding

Initially, Melissa had her heart set on donning a sleek black gown for the special occasion. However, her mother’s gentle persistence convinced her to reconsider and opt for a more traditional choice – a dazzling white outfit. In the end, Melissa struck a perfect balance by choosing a stunning black dress for the reception, giving in just enough to her mother’s wishes while still staying true to her own sense of style.

Now for the money dance at this elegant Halloween wedding

In many Hispanic weddings, a traditional money dance remains an integral part of the celebration. Melissa and Ruben’s special day was no exception, as they participated in this beloved tradition. Interestingly, Libby Martin, a planner at Dragonfly Events OC, notes that she has never attended or witnessed a single Hispanic wedding that did not include this reception staple.

There was even a spooky surprise at this elegant Halloween wedding

As the special day approached, Libby, a dedicated and meticulous planner, went above and beyond to make sure the couple’s Halloween-themed wedding was an unforgettable experience. She managed to secure a rare and thrilling surprise – an autographed item from horror icon Robert Englund, best known for his iconic role as Freddy Krueger in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise.

The thoughtful gesture left a lasting impression on the couple and their guests, making it a truly one-of-a-kind celebration.

Vendors behind this Halloween wedding:

The team of professionals who brought this special day to life included a range of talented individuals and vendors. At the venue, @thecatalinaroom provided the perfect setting for the celebration. Catering and rentals were handled by @karizmaevents, while Ofrenda took care of all the decorative elements. For planning, design, and decor, @dragonflyeventsoc was on hand to ensure everything flowed smoothly.

The couple’s photography needs were met by @lmartinez_photos, with videography services provided by @JA. Videography. To keep the party going, @socaldjpros handled both DJ duties and photobooth activities. The ceremony officiant was also provided by @socaldjpros. For floral arrangements, the talented team at @fleurtygal created beautiful bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages. Makeup services were offered by @Beeveemakeup, with hair styling for the bride handled by @Jennistylez.

Hair styling for the family was provided by @semprebellaby_renee. The stunning bridal gown was designed by @dellacurva, while @Friartux supplied the tuxedos. Sweet treats were provided by @LatinaBaker in the form of cupcakes and a personal cake. Finally, @EdenwoodPaperie created the invitation suite and table numbers to complete the overall aesthetic.