Tim Burton Meets Fire Dancing At This Twisted Black Tie Wedding
The visual narrative of this special day was brought to life by talented photographers Laura Fulmer Photography and Keaton Elise Photography. As for the offbeat pair that stole the show, Aja, a forensic toxicologist, and Wes, a mechanical engineer, proved that their unconventional careers only added to the charm of their unique bond. The ceremony took place on October 7, 2017, at a picturesque private neighborhood clubhouse/pavilion nestled amidst the serene river marsh in Augusta, Georgia.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
We envisioned our special day as a whimsical celebration of love, inspired by the iconic style of Tim Burton. Our goal was to create a traditional yet unconventional wedding that still felt like a twisted fairy tale. To achieve this unique atmosphere, we asked guests to dress formally in black tie attire and incorporated a monochromatic color scheme featuring black, white, and subtle hints of red through lace and flowers.
The only exceptions were the vibrant blooms used as boutonnieres, which added a touch of Tim Burton’s eccentricity. To give our celebration an extra layer of whimsy, we incorporated movie-inspired elements that still felt timeless. For instance, we set up a photo op that recreated the iconic hill from Nightmare Before Christmas, complete with stairs and a platform for guests to take pictures on. Our friend crafted this intricate setup by hand, ensuring every detail was meticulously designed.
Another creative touch was the use of foam-carved heads of Adam and Barbara from Beetlejuice as decor on our cake table. These unique decorations added a playful touch to our reception, which was made even more special by the realization that I had finally found my perfect match. Looking back, it’s clear that we were meant to be. After years of friendship, he asked me out twice before I finally said yes – and I’m so glad I did!
Tell us about the ceremony:
As the guests settled in, the atmosphere was set with Victor’s poignant piano solo from The Corpse Bride and the haunting instrumental scores from Twilight. Our ceremony was infused with personal touches, including the recitation of vows inspired by the same film. I made my way down the aisle to a bespoke rendition of Calvin Harris ft Rihanna’s ‘This Is What You Came For’, a nod to the attention-grabbing presence of our beloved guest of honor.
Little did anyone know, however, that the true pièce de résistance was yet to come. My engagement ring featured an enigmatic pear-shaped stone, which I affectionately referred to as resembling a blood droplet. Wes’s wedding band, meanwhile, bore a striking resemblance to the ashen one from Dark Souls 3 – a testament to our shared love of the unknown.
Our aunt, a gifted opera singer in her own right, served as our officiant and guided us through a series of thoughtful questions about each other weeks prior to the big day. The result was a ceremony that was both a delightful surprise and an intimate reflection of our relationship. As we honored our parents with a poignant flower ceremony featuring black dahlias, our aunt’s powerful vocals soared through Ave Maria, further heightening the emotional impact of the moment.
Meanwhile, our flower girl Kadee – the daughter of dear friend Ryan, who had brought the magic of Nightmare Before Christmas to life by building an awe-inspiring hill – added her own special touch to the proceedings. As a couple who straddles the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary, we aimed to create a wedding experience that would be both familiar and surprising to our guests.
And so, we opted for a non-traditional ring box, instead crafting a quirky yet beautiful ring holder that reflected our unique style. Every element of the wedding – from our handmade invitations to the very fabric of our ceremony – was imbued with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of whimsy.
Tell us about your reception:
Wes’s friends, who share his passion for fire and LED poi or glow sticks, surprised us with an electrifying fire performance that lit up the evening. The reception was also filled with rave lighting, glow hoop, and poi spinning, setting the tone for a truly unforgettable celebration. As we exchanged our vows, Wes couldn’t resist poking fun at our long-standing joke about Rick Rolling me – even at ungodly hours like 5am!
So, it only seemed fitting that he’d serenade me with the entire song in front of everyone at the wedding. The crowd went wild as he belted out the iconic tune. Our bridal party got creative for our toast, reworking Tenacious D’s ‘Tribute’ into an epic tribute to us, complete with a toy guitar solo that had everyone in stitches. For our first dance, we swayed to Alanis Morissette’s ‘Head Over Feet’, a sweet and sentimental choice.
The DIY centerpieces were a labor of love, each one a unique reflection of our quirky style. One featured tiny flowers suspended over mirrors, as if the souls reflected back at us. The others incorporated Tim Burton-esque elements, including black and white stripes, spirals, and even a nod to the classic ‘War of the Worlds’ with a giant crystal eye adorned with feathery eyelashes.
And when it came time to cut the cake, we discovered our fancy cutter was MIA, so we improvised with a trusty kitchen knife, feeding each other a slice (or three) in a delightfully rustic fashion.
What was your most important lesson learned?
One of our biggest challenges was striking a balance between creativity and budget. To stay within our means, we got crafty and made as much as we could ourselves. While it ultimately worked out well, I underestimated just how much time and effort would be required to bring everything together. If you’re a couple looking to save money on your special day, my advice is to build in plenty of buffer time.
Even when you feel like you’re on track, it’s better to have a little extra wiggle room – just in case.
My friend and talented hairstylist and makeup artist not only helped me get ready for the big night but also lent her expertise to our theme. She even created the remarkable Adam and Barb heads that adorned our cake table, which we wore as part of our costumes.
Another close friend took care of my nails and added a touch of whimsy by hand-painting sand snakes – inspired by Beetlejuice, of course! These slithery friends wrapped around each foot before meeting in a romantic kiss on our big toes.
To add an extra layer of magic to the night, we designed a custom Snapchat filter with a Tim Burton twist.
And for the grand sendoff, we used LED balloons that represented the ghosts of our guests floating above them, each connected to a hair tie so they wouldn’t float away and harm the environment.
Vendors
The talented team behind this beautiful scene included photographer Laura Fulmer Photography, who brought her expertise to capture every special moment. As the second shooter, Keaton Elise Photography was on hand to provide additional coverage and perspectives. The videography portion of the event was handled by Sugar Peach Productions Photography + Cinema, which ensured that all the action was preserved for years to come.
For the bride’s dress, Allure Romance was the go-to destination, providing a stunning gown that perfectly complemented her overall aesthetic. A touch of glamour was added courtesy of Halo Salon & Spa, where the makeup and hair team worked their magic to create a truly unforgettable look. The finishing touches came in the form of custom nail art by Shawn Johnson, Nail Artist, which added an extra layer of personal flair to the overall design.
Fresh flowers were provided by Rachel Frisell Design Studio, bringing a burst of color and vitality to the proceedings. Finally, for dessert, Crazy Cupcake Lady whipped up a delectable treat that perfectly satisfied the sweet tooth of everyone in attendance. Meanwhile, Shane’s Ribshack kept hunger at bay with their mouthwatering offerings, ensuring that no one left feeling famished.
