“Everyone has their obsession, Consuming thoughts, consuming time, They hold high their prized possession, That defines the meaning of their life” — Mutemath, “You Are Mine”
Call it cliché. But there’s no better wat to describe the love Matt and Jacqui feel for each other than to compare them to famed lovebirds Gomez and Morticia Addams. The vibe these two emit around each other is large enough to fill a Lovecraftian-size universe with love, care, and passion.
The opportunity to capture their day was awe-inspiring. From the Halloween-themed decor of their ceremony/reception hall, to the Matt’s specially-crafted spider web design in his hairstyle, to Jacqui’s elegant black wedding dress, the day couldn’t have epitomized the world these two have built together any more perfect.
Their day started with a few shots of Jacqui’s previously-mentioned dress, shoes, and ring. The Fall/Halloween motif showed the care and dedication put into their day. Once we got those images, it was time to meet Matt to get ready for their First Look.
Just a few blocks from their wedding, Matt got in place, back turned so he wouldn’t see Jacqui arrive. Jacqui glided her way to Matt, and as he turned to see his soon-to-be-wife in her wedding dress for the first time, a warm mid-Fall day got even warmer. Matt beamed. Jacqui radiated. Together they outshined the Sun. It was the perfect way for their day to start.
After they had time to soak in the moment, it was time to grab bridal party shots. Roaming the area, we found some beautiful spots, and captured images for both the family (the “serious̵ shots) and friends (the “silly” shots). Lots of playful razzing, stories, and jokes, helped ensure great images with some of the closest people in their lives. And while everyone was having a blast, thay had to be sent away to get time with Matt and Jacqui alone to get images of them before their cermony.
What followed was 45 minutes of affectionate looks, passionate touches, and exquisite joy as they freely displayed their feelings for each other, captured so wonderfully in the couples portraits they received a few weeks later. They set the bar for how couples in love show their feelings on camera.
As much fun was was being had, it was time to head back for their ceremony. Everyone arrived back at The Seville, active and anxious to see Matt and Jacqui tie the knot, and to assist them in the start of the next chapter of their lives.
As with the pictures of the two of them, their ceremony reflected the love and passion they feel for each other. Personal vows were read. A pagan handfasting ritual was held to signify the joining of lives. And there were a handful of laughs and tears throughout. And at the end, Matt and Jacqui were pronounced husband and wife to hardy applause from family and friends as they walked their processional.
While friends gathered in the main reception area for cocktail hour, Matt and Jacqui got pictures with their loved ones. As with the bridal party images, each picture combination consisted of serious and silly images. And it would be a crime if there wasn’t a shoutout to family friend Erik, who helped corral the family members efficiently—ensuring Matt and Jacqui got the images they wanted, and with plenty of time to spare before the reception started.
The reception kicked off with some rousing introductions, courtesy of An Enchanted Evening DJ Services. That rolled smoothly into Matt and Jacqui’s First Dance. As Mutemath’s “You Are Mine” filled the air, the bride and groom swayed back and forth, that Addams-like passion still beaming strong. Think gothic fairy tale, and you have an accurate idea of the moment.
After dinner, Best Man Corban and Maid of Honor Lindsey share stories with the guests. Stories that showcased bridges and bonds built and solidified over the years. Stories that showcased friendships and feelings that have grown deeper roots over time. Just as Matt and Jacqui showcased what it means to be a couple passionately in love, Corban and Lindsey showcased how wedding speeches should be done.
Soon after, the reception floor opened. The gothic fair tale continued as the music switched between wedding reception favorites and Halloween classics. While guests danced around, mingled, shared storied, and danced, Matt and Jacqui stepped outside for a quick nighttime shot…or two. Wrapping that up, it was back inside to finish the evening surrounded by their loved ones.
And while the wedding day eventually ended, the gothic fairy tale continues.
“There are objects of affection, That can mesmerize the soul, There is always one addiction, That just cannot be controlled” — Mutemath, “You Are Mine”
