Halloween Wedding

Matt and Gemma got married at Halloween. The venue? Where else than Asylum in London. They wanted a unique day, something that reflected their tastes, something special and fabulous, and so their masked ball wedding was planned. With candles instead of floral decorations, the venue lit up with soft light and dancing shadows, transforming the atmosphere and creating the magic they desired.

So where did it all begin? At dawn in Flores, Indonesia, Gemma and Matt rose early to see the sunrise over the ancient volcanic lakes. Matt’s proposal took Gemma totally by surprise, and after gathering herself, she replied “I’d love to”.

They wanted a wedding completely unique to them. They wanted to keep some traditions, but add in some of their own, a wedding that reflected their relationship, not governed by the Church, but one that was true to them and put their friends and family at the centre of it all. This intimate focused ceremony should be followed by a fun-filled decadent party, and that is what they did.

They started planning in the February, planning to marry at the end of October on Halloween. Luckily they agreed on almost everything throughout the planning, with things falling happily into place within the last manic month.

Their ceremony and reception was to be held at their chosen venue, Asylum in London, which meant a few room changes throughout the proceedings, but all went without a hitch, and they relocated to the local pub for the after party.

Drinks and canapés were served on the portico, making it possible to prepare the ceremony room for lunch, then after the speeches, guests were treated to macarons and a cute coffee van so the masked ball could be prepared.

A lighting crew transformed the daytime venue into a decadent night time affair, and the atmosphere was changed for a fun-filled and sexy evening party.

The venue was completely bare, and so Gemma and Matt hired in large golden candelabras for the tables, and props from the National Theatre to create a chilled corner with chaise longues and a standing lamp. Candles added to the atmosphere and the venue provided a welcoming space for all their friends and family.

Gemma and Matt chose a Humanist ceremony, conducted by a celebrant, and had speeches from the Bride and Groom, Father of the Bride, Best Man and Bridesmaid, and chose tequila shots instead of champagne toasts. They had a reading from The Prophet by Khalli Gibran, and Us Two by A.A Milne, then sang Fever by Peggy Lee and Get By With a Little Help From My Friends by the Beatles, accompanied by their friends Nick, Cleo and Yaz.

Gemma wanted an Oscar worthy gown, and didn’t she just get it! She wanted red, and after her off the peg search proved fruitless, she turned to designer dressmaker Catherine Blades. Catherine was brilliant and completely ‘got’ Gemma’s vision. She took her two pictures, one a Marchesa red dress with a huge skirt and lace bodice, and the other an Oscar de la Renta black dress with an open back and asked Catherine to merge the two. What Catherine designed was absolutely perfect, it combined all the elements of the two dresses that Gemma loved, with an added bit of something thrown in. The dress was three quarter sleeved, with a lace bodice and an open back to show off Gemma’s butterfly tattoos. The large silk skirt added drama and the red colour made the gown even more dramatic and stunning. Gemma decided against accessories as the dress was so grand, and had a simple pearl, cream and black silk bouquet made by Matt’s Mum. Gemma already owned the perfect pair of shoes, and so she was wedding ready.

Matt chose a cobalt blue classic slim cut two button Paul Smith suit, and the five bridesmaids wore black dresses of their own choosing and red shoes, to match their red glitter masks for the ball.

Gemma and Matt’s photographer, Sassy from Assassynation, captured their day perfectly, missing dramatic images of the couple and their venue with gorgeous candid shots of their friends and family enjoying such a special day. Sassy took the couple around the Old Kent Road to find some interesting places for shots, and the resulting shots are wonderful.

After the wedding, Gemma and Matt flew to Glasgow, got legally married, and then drove to Islay in the Hebrides where they rented an Eco Lodge for a week’s honeymoon.

Humanist – Sally Feldman – www.humanist.org.uk/sallyfeldman/

Band – Congo Faith Healers – www.thecongofaithhealers.com

Venue – Asylum, Caroline Garden Chapel – www.asylumlondon.org

Photographer – Sassy at Assassynation – www.assassynation.com

Oystermeister – James Bowles – www.oystermeister.com

Dressmaker – Catherine Blades Couture – www.catherinebladescouture.com

Coffee Van – Santiago Coffee

Thanks to Gemma and Matt for sharing their day with us.