A Witchy Halloween Handfasting Next To A Cemetery

Captured by the lens of DNA Photography, our offbeat adventure began with the perfect pair: Marilyn and Jesse. The setting was nothing short of eerie yet charming – our backyard bordering a cemetery in the mid-Hudson Valley, NY, on October 31st, 2020.

Our witchy Halloween handfasting at a glance:

After 10 years together, my partner and I decided to make our relationship official by getting married. We shared our engagement news in October 2019, planning to tie the knot on Halloween 2020 – a date that seemed far away at the time. Our vision was to create a dark fantasy-inspired atmosphere reminiscent of our love for Renaissance faires and witchy aesthetics. The plan was to transform our backyard, which borders a cemetery, into an enchanted forest.

However, due to COVID-related issues, all our initial venue reservations fell through. With only a month left before the big day, I frantically worked on securing a new location for 20 guests (down from the original 80), finding a caterer, and updating our guest list. Despite the chaos, everything turned out beautifully. Our photoshoot took place at a nearby castle in the woods, which perfectly complemented my wife’s royal attire and my own gothic-inspired dress.

The early morning snowfall added an extra layer of charm to our pictures. When we returned home, we found our backyard transformed into a beautiful setting (thanks Mom!) filled with close friends and family gathered for our handfasting ceremony. Under the shade of a large tree, surrounded by the cemetery in the background, we exchanged our vows and sealed our love.

Tell us about the witchy Halloween handfasting ceremony

As you read through the details of our Halloween-themed handfasting ceremony, you’ll notice the unique language and tone that sets the mood for this spooky celebration. The special wording is designed to evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue, drawing in guests and creating an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for inspiration or want to get a glimpse into what makes our Halloween handfasting so special, be sure to check out the full ceremony details.

Tell us about the witchy Halloween handfasting reception:

Our intimate reception was transformed into an enchanting setting, complete with a tent adorned in vibrant ribbons and twinkling fairy lights. The warmth from two crackling fire pits kept our guests cozy as they mingled and socialized. To add to the whimsical atmosphere, we invited members of our wedding party to bring their favorite treats to share with our signature cake, carefully crafted by yours truly, and a bewitching Trick-or-Treat candy bar.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we gathered ’round the fires, cherishing quality time with loved ones amidst the magical ambiance. Although our initial plan was to unwind with board games and snacks throughout the night, we still managed to squeeze in a few rounds of playtime with some friends who lingered into the evening, enjoying the convivial atmosphere.

What was the most unique wedding gift you received?

As I reflect on my unconventional marriage to my wife, I’m reminded of the unique ritual we shared with our guests on our special day. Amidst the celebrations, one of our friends received an unexpected phone call and vanished for a brief period, only to return with an unusual ‘wedding gift.’ It transpired that a local coyote had met its untimely demise, and my friend had been entrusted with retrieving the carcass.

Given our shared fascination with ‘vulture culture’ – the art of collecting animal remains – we jumped at the opportunity to accept this morbid present. The next morning, we dedicated ourselves to respectfully preparing a burial site in our backyard, allowing the coyote’s decomposition process to unfold naturally. A year later, on our first anniversary, we revisited the site and collected the resulting skeletal remains, marking another peculiar milestone in our unorthodox journey together.

What was the most important lesson you learned from your wedding?

In hindsight, the COVID-19 pandemic taught us the value of simplicity and intimacy in celebration planning. Our decision to opt for a small, backyard wedding was a blessing in disguise, allowing us to connect with loved ones on a deeper level without feeling overwhelmed. By scaling back our expectations, we were able to spend quality time with each guest, rather than rushing through hasty greetings and goodbyes. This approach also had the added benefit of significant cost savings.

As practicing pagans, we incorporated various elements of our spirituality into the wedding celebration, including tarot readings at the reception and a Samhain memorial altar. These personal touches added an extra layer of meaning to the day. While there were some minor mishaps, such as forgetting to live stream the ceremony or set up background music, these mistakes ultimately didn’t detract from the joy and love that filled the air.

In fact, they served as a reminder to prioritize what truly matters in our celebrations – meaningful connections with those around us.

Our witchy Halloween handfasting vendors

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I’d like to take a moment to express my gratitude towards the talented individuals who helped bring my Renaissance-inspired outfit together. At the heart of it all are Hiranor Workshop, where every stitch and detail was carefully crafted by Lady Hiranor herself. Her dedication is evident in the 100 yards of tulle that make up the skirt of my handmade dress – a true masterpiece. Lord Hiranor brought his own expertise to the table, designing and crafting my scalemail cape with precision and skill.

He also kindly lent his sword to complete my wife’s look, showcasing their willingness to go above and beyond. Their support went beyond just the physical aspects, as they provided emotional encouragement throughout the process. To add a touch of elegance, Tetra’s Treasures on Etsy created my tiara, which I had the pleasure of personalizing with some raccoon bones.

Our short cloaks were actually acquired from Moresca Clothing at a previous year’s Renaissance faire – a find that has served us well in our attire. Last but not least, my wife took it upon herself to sculpt her antler headpiece, adding an element of self-sufficiency and creativity to her overall look. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with these talented individuals, and I’m grateful for their contributions to making this outfit truly special.