Halloween Wedding

I had only met Brooke Haber twice. She was an author I met at a Boudoir Bombshell Calender photo shoot. Brooke is writing a novel where the main character is a photographer. Like me, she was absorbing real life experience through observation. The second time was at an authors talk back, where Jamie Freveletti spoke about her experiences becoming a woman thriller novelist.

Terry and I were invited to Brooke’s Halloween Wedding. Costumes were not required and any sexy costumes were discouraged since children would be present . It was a gorgeous day. The wedding was in Clermont and Terry wondered aloud about all the open farmland we drove through. We knew we were in the right place when we saw the cornstalks and bales of hay. It was hot in the direct sunlight and there were people huddled in the shade of a gazebo for some shade. Folding chairs were arranged in two sets of neat rows. I picked up a couple of chairs and sat in the shade of a small tree. We were told the wedding wouldn’t be for another half hour which gave me a jump start on the sketch. I sketched in all the background elements waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Movie music from Pirates of the Caribbean and ET began to play. When Brooke arrived, the music switched to Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy singing “You make me Happy.” Children rushed up the isle in front of her throwing fabric Autumn colored leaves. The ceremony was short and sweet stressing that this was the first step in a life of fidelity and trust. Brooke expressed with tears, the fact that Nick has made her the happiest she has ever been , and that he has stood by her even when things got bad.

At the reception a block away there were sandwiches and endless homemade dishes. Two skulls greeted people as they entered. The first dance was tender and sweet as Nick cupped Brook’s face in his hands and kissed her. It was more of a slow affectionate embrace than a dance. Christen Wheeler, a friend and photographer shouted out, “Dip her!” Nick gladly complied and she fired off a shot. Brooke then dipped Nick for comic effect. The wedding cake was Goth and magnificently decorated, blood red and velvety when stabbed. Terry and Denna Beena swapped shoes and I must say, Terry’s yellow pumps went really well with Denna’s purple tutu and bright multicolored hair. They were instant Facebook friends. Terry fired off a friend request on her iPhone and Denna confirmed on the spot.