1. Real Weddings

An Alternative Halloween Wedding at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California

Lindsay (37 and a designer) and Justin (37 and an artist) wed in the fall in a dramatic, avant-garde celebration that stitched together elements of sc

Lindsay (37 and a designer) and Justin (37 and an artist) wed in the fall in a dramatic, avant-garde celebration that stitched together elements of science, magic and the hereafter. A passionate palette of gold, black, red and plum was threaded throughout the event; Lindsey’s bouquet and the reception’s centerpieces boasted proteas, black dahlias, black calla lilies, red roses, feathers and Spanish moss. During the ceremony, a mystifying cloud of faux fog followed Lindsay into the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (also the couple’s proposal site) in Riverside, California, where a custom Ceremonial Thelemic Magick Ritual was performed under a towering 18k gold altarpiece that is more than 200 years old. Custom tarot-card-style programs guided guests through the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. After the vows, 85 guests stepped into the adjoining Spanish Art Gallery, where they sipped on a Monster Smash whiskey cocktail, under high ceilings projected with shadowy branches, creating the atmosphere of an enchanting haunted forest. To help guests find their tables, names were printed on brightly colored liqueurs in potion bottles (which doubled as favors). In keeping with the science-meets-magic theme, each table was named for an element from the periodic table (such as copper, mercury and gold). Centerpieces were crafted from black curly willow, stacks of vintage books, and apothecary bell jars filled with tiny lights—appearing as self-contained galaxies. The couple had their first dance to “Love Me Tender,” a heartfelt tribute to Lindsay’s mother, a devoted Elvis fan who was battling an illness at the time. The revelry went on into the night as black-and-white 1920s Halloween cartoons flickered on screens around the dance floor. —Carolyn Meers

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Lindsay and Justin wed at the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California. The building provided an ornate backdrop for their celebration.
Lindsay’s bouquet was made with proteas, black dahlias, black calla lilies and red roses.
Lindsay's Vera Wang gown had layers of black and nude tulle and was topped with a black bodice. Justin and the groomsmen wore pleather-lapel suit jackets, high black ascots, black button-down vests and black skinny ties.
Lindsay and Justin were married in a custom Ceremonial Thelemic Magic Ritual, which was performed under an 18k gold altarpiece that is more than 200 years old.
As 1920s Halloween cartoons flicked on screens around the dance floor, the couple had their first dance to Elvis’s “Love Me Tender,” a heartfelt tribute to Lindsay’s mother, a devoted Elvis fan.
Under their patent leather slip-ons, each groomsman wore socks depicting different Halloween monsters.
Lindsay's best man designed the invitations with a letterpress, which were gold and silver foiled with design elements scanned from old alchemical manuscripts. The invitation was enclosed in a laser-cut pattern that was inspired by the details on the chapel doors.
To find their tables, guests located their names printed on brightly colored liqueurs in potion bottles (which doubled as favors). In keeping with the science-meets-magic theme, each table was named for an element from the periodic table (such as copper, mercury and gold).
The high ceilings of the Spanish Art Gallery at the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California, were draped with fabric and projected with outlines of shadowy branches, creating the atmosphere of an enchanting haunted forest.
Each table was named for an element from the periodic table (such as copper, mercury and gold). Centerpieces were crafted from black curly willow, stacks of vintage books and apothecary bell jars filled with tiny lights—appearing as self-contained galaxies.
Candles, crimson accents and a porcelain bust decorated Lindsay and Justin's sweetheart table.
Each table was named for an element from the periodic table (such as copper, mercury and gold) and spotlighted centerpieces crafted from black curly willow, stacks of vintage magic and witchcraft books and apothecary bell jars filled with tiny lights.
Lindsay's art deco-style ring centers on a single black diamond. Justin's ring resembles a fantasy villain's ring and is made with a hexagonal black onyx. Both rings were designed by New Zealand jeweler Meadowlark.