Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday! I love horror movies, carving pumpkins, and dressing up. So when I saw a post on a photographers Facebook page looking to hire a second shooter for a Halloween wedding, I jumped at the chance. Being the second photographer for a wedding is a blast. I get to have a break from being in charge and I get to exercise a little more creative freedom with my images. I always get the important images first of course, but then I get the opportunity to get artsy. Overall, second shooting is a good way to stretch my creativity.
A Halloween wedding can be so hit or miss as far as the weather goes, but Alyssa and Grant were very lucky. It was a beautiful day, the temperate was so moderate I didn’t even have to wear a coat for most of it. The wedding and reception took place on their parent’s property. When I arrived Beth, the lead photographer, had Grant outside taking photos of him. Then Alyssa appeared at the door to do their first look. Grant turned around and exclaimed, “HOT DAMN! YOU LOOK GOOD BABE!” Instant laughter erupted from us three women. After that we took all of the wedding party to the back of the property by the barn. The lighting back there was absolutely gorgeous, like it was golden hour, but it was only 3:30pm.
Halloween Wedding
The ceremony took place at the front of the yard beneath towering pine trees. The couple had a birch arbor with silk florals decorating the top. One of their friends was their officiant which meant more relaxed rules for me. I was able to capture the coveted first kiss with the guests applauding behind them image that a lot of couples want right now. It’s such a special moment and the perspective of all their loved ones cheering from the couple is a heart-warming memory to have.
After the ceremony their neighbor brought over his rat rod and the couple were able to take photos with it. I have seen a lot of different vehicles used at weddings, including the original Bat Mobile, but never a rat rod. It was surreal, I don’t even know how he drives it around. The temps had dropped pretty significantly so we made our way up to the reception tent. Thankfully they had heat piped into the tent which was a sweet reprieve from the chilly air. The rest of the evening was filled with delicious food from Gene Davis & Sons, mingling, and dancing the night away.
For another Halloween wedding, check out Kevin and Jim’s Ann Arbor micro wedding.
