A love less ordinary: Idgie and Dave’s pagan Halloween wedding

Creative couple Idgie and Dave were never going to have an average wedding.

“There was never any question about the theme and style: it would be theatrical, full of music and dancing, and as close to Samhain as possible,” Idgie says of their pagan Halloween wedding.

First meeting in the theatre, the pair put their skills to good use at their October 27, 2018 celebrations in the bride’s home town of Ditchling, East Sussex.

“Dave and I decided that we would produce our wedding like we would a theatre show. I would write the script and he would direct it. It’s how we work – and how we fell in love!” the bride says.

Ninety friends and family joined the couple at their ceremony at Ditchling Village Hall – the first stage the bride ever performed on and where she caught the theatre bug.

The reception followed at Idgie’s parents’ house, decorated in unique autumn style by the couple with help from their creative families.

“It was so unique and intrinsically ‘us’,” the bride says. “None of it came pre-made, or from a packet.”

Photos courtesy of Paul Read Photography.

“When mum asked me what flowers I wanted I just said ‘dead ones’. It takes someone really special and creative to get fully on board with that idea! She and my aunt spent the whole year growing daisies, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas, poppies and leek flowers that they dried out in the airing cupboard. It being autumn, we had to have some vegetables too. Mum grew about 200 gourds and pumpkins! The bouquets my bridespeople and I held were also huge artichoke flowers,” Idgie says.

Idgie let her bridespeople choose their own outfits. “Completely by chance all of the girls went for knee-length, a-line dresses so it worked out incredibly well!” the bride said. Heels from Irregular Choice helped complete the look.

“It was a memorable day that was completely focused on celebrating everything our loved ones do for us, mean to us, and how they are an essential part of our life together,” Idgie says.