DÃa de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Courthouse Elopement
~Vibrant Fall Elopement at Wake County Justice Center on Day of the Dead~
As a wedding photographer, my favorite types of weddings to capture are those that are unique and specific to a couple and their relationship, and Socrates and Frida's was just that. I was so excited to photograph Socrates and Frida among the fall colors and document their wedding on DÃa de los Muertos. Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned and you end up sick in bed with the flu, searching for an associate photographer who is available last minute, and missing out on shooting an event I was really looking forward to. Enter Bri, of Freckled Photography and Film Co., who stepped in to ensure that Socrates and Frida's memories would be captured flawlessly.
I feel like an underlying theme of this wedding was unexpected changes to plan, because not only was I unable to attend at the last minute, but the courthouse ceremony was not even the original plan. They had spent the past year planning a big overseas wedding with friends and family overseas, but with the required documentation they instead decided on a civil ceremony at the Wake County Courthouse and a party overseas later. The elopement then big party later is a great, flexible plan, that I have noticed more and more couples opting for lately. It's actually what me and my husband did for our wedding! Considering the change in plans, Socrates knew it was important to Frida to have the day documented, and so hired me and Bri as a surprise to help document the day.
Both Socrates and Frida grew up in the Dominican Republic (but actually met in the US during college), and decided to get married on a culturally significant day, November 2nd, the day of the dead. DÃa de los Muertos is not on Halloween as some people think, the magistrate at the courthouse actually argued with Socrates and Frida, saying it wasn't the day of the dead, and was from what I heard being extremely rude towards them. Everyone moved on and didn't seem to let it bother them, and I'm not trying to be a downer in the blog post, so I'll move on as well. In keeping with the spirit of the holiday, the couple were adorned in the iconic La Catrina makeup. La Catrina and the makeup has come to symbolize many things, life and death, beauty, tradition, and remembrance; and so its use in Socrates and Frida's wedding honors the past, their loved ones, and the couple's journey and future together.
Following the courthouse ceremony, Socrates and Frida ventured to Dorothea Dix Park. Its sprawling landscapes and fall foliage was the perfect backdrop for some couple's photos. The fall colors mirrored the vibrancy of the La Catrina makeup, and Frida's handmade paper flowers.
In the end, it's a reminder that even when life takes an unexpected turn, things can still work out beautifully. As their photographer, even though I couldn't be there physically, I'm grateful to Bri for capturing the essence of their journey and allowing me to be a part of their day. Without sounding too cheesy, I'm glad to have participated and been able to edit the photos of their Dia de los Muertos elopement celebrating a love defying distance, challenges, and even a global pandemic.
Vendors:
Associate Photographer: Freckled Photography and Film Co Venue: Wake County Justice Center and Dorothea Dix Park Raleigh NC
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