Cosplay Wedding
Truly Out of This World
On Saturday 6th April 2024 there was a shift in the space-time continuum. The science fiction multiverses collided and united to celebrate the love between a TK Stormtrooper and Black Cat. The Vision that our happy couple had been working towards for such a long time had finally come together and it was such a Marvellous day.
Photo by Anna Chalk. @_annachalk on Instagram
First Impressions
My first meeting with our bride and groom, Kat and Rob, was great. They are a wonderful couple and we clicked right away. They shared some of their ideas with me and I was on board immediately. My aim is always to ensure that my couples or families have the celebration they want. It was so exciting and I was honoured to be involved. Over the coming months myself, Kat and Rob were in contact to ensure that their wedding was exactly what they wanted. I created their ceremony script and on first reading it Rob messaged me saying “we have now read the script, just awful do it again”. Then he made me sweat for 4 minutes before messaging “only kidding love it”. I was 99.9% sure that the first message was a joke; however, those 4 minutes took a long time!
What a Vision
Rocking up to the wedding with my suit on, but the rest of my outfit in my suitcase I was amazed to see such incredible cosplay costumes. The guests were a mix of Star Wars, Marvel and DC characters and I myself was Rainbow Dash from My Little Pony. The reason being that Kat loves My Little Pony and I didn’t want to divide the crowd by choosing Superheroes or Star Wars. The couple signed off on my costume and helped me decide who/what I would be which was really helpful. It was tricky to maintain a level of aesthetic professionalism while also being a rainbow Pegasus, but I think I pulled it off. Once I had finished setting up my items for the ceremony, I went off to finish putting on my costume, tail and all.
Walking through the hotel lobby was an experience! A life-size Chewbacca towering over everyone, storm-troopers and Jedis in conversations with The Joker and Bro Thor as well as a few very bemused onlookers who just happened to be staying at the hotel.
Photo by Anna Chalk. @_annachalk on Instagram
Where it All Took Place
The wedding was at the Holiday Inn, Fareham. Samara, the wedding coordinator, and the team were brilliant at accommodating this alternative wedding. Myself, Kat and Rob met up with Samara in the lead up to the big day and she made sure that everything was in place, so it would all run smoothly. On the day itself Grace and Matthew were there to ensure everything went to plan. They did a fantastic job of swapping the room around between the ceremony, reception and evening do whilst ensuring everyone was in the right place at the right time and the music cues were spot on. This was mine and the hotel’s first ever cosplay wedding and I would highly recommend them for helping the vision come to life.
A long time ago in a galaxy not so far, far away...
Now to the ceremony itself. After a brief introduction from myself and the obligatory “please turn off your phones” message it was time to begin the incredible ceremony. The Imperial March came on and the Star Wars groomsmen entered with the groom himself bringing up the rear. The groomsmen formed a line to the right of the groom, which looked awesome and was a powerful show of support for the couple.
Next up, the bridesmaids entered to Twist me to the Left by the Dollyrots. The bridesmaids were dressed as different versions of Harley Quinn and all looked insanely awesome. As they entered, they exploded glitter bombs over the aisle and guests which was magnificent and super cool.
Then it was time for the beautiful bride to enter, in walked the stunning Black Cat with her lovely Mum to Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith. What an absolutely amazing sight to see all of these beloved characters in one room to celebrate the love of Rob and Kat.
Photo by Anna Chalk. @_annachalk on Instagram
Photo by Anna Chalk. @_annachalk on Instagram
Ultimate Geek Mashup Reading
Of course, during the ceremony there were quite a few subtle (and some not so subtle) puns, however, we also chose to include a reading called Ultimate Geek Mashup (complier unknown). The reading was so in tune with our couple and all of the guests could appreciate why it had been chosen. Here it is below:
Ultimate Geek Mashup – Compiler Unknown
We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird,
and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours,
we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.
Love is the moment before you’re frozen in carbonite when the girl you’ve had your eye on finally admits what you always knew.
Love is when you say, “I know”.
Love is do, or do not, there is not try.
Wuv…twu wuv… goes on forever and ever.
And always says “As you wish”.
Love is not cupid’s Arrow, it’s a green one.
It happens in a flash and makes you feel like you can leap tall buildings in a single bound.
It’s a shield, a smash, a hammer, and an iron suit.
You should always be in love. Unless you can be Batman. Then you should be Batman.
Love is the Ron Swanson of emotions. There is nothing stronger, except Ron Swanson.
When it comes to love, treat-yo-self.
Love says “Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear”. Love is like a prayer. It’s the great American hero, Kevin Bacon, teaching a small town that it’s our time, it’s our time to dance.
Love is 1.21 gigawatts. It makes us drive 88 miles per hour, speeding towards our Density.
It’s dogs and cats living together…mass hysteria.
It’s more powerful than a T-Rex and almost majestic. Love is our happy thought.
Love is magic. Love is asking “After all this time?” and knowing the answer will be “Always”.
Bespoke Ceremony
Kat and Rob’s love story is beautiful. Creating and officiating their bespoke wedding was an absolute pleasure. Kat and Rob chose to read their own vows to one another and they were heartfelt and sincere. They also chose to have a sand ceremony (click here to read about symbolic ceremonies including sand ceremonies) so that some of their children could play a role in the ceremony too. Of course, this could be in none other than a Stormtrooper decanter. It can now be in pride of place in their home as a reminder of the promises and commitments made and as a symbol to their bond as a family.
The couple also had some heartfelt personal readings from family and friends, a ring exchange and certificate signing. The whole joyful ceremony culminated in them sharing a kiss and walking down the aisle together with their guests creating a heroic archway using their weapons of choice for them to walk through. This symbolised the joining of the multi-verses in a display of unity. Celebrating a love that is stronger than Vibranium and more enduring than lightsabres.
Photo by Anna Chalk. @_annachalk on Instagram
Marvellous Reception
Then it was time for photographs and drinks before the amazing reception and party. The wonderful Anna Chalk and Alex from the Imperial Film Division were the photographers/videographers for the day and took most of the photos you see on this blog (see underneath each photo for relevant credits. I’ll pop links at the bottom of the page for you to check out their photos and video).
We ate some beautiful food at the wedding and there were some really moving and funny speeches to be shared. While we were having our meal, the whole room turned into children after opening the wedding favours as we found that each of us had a different “build your own aeroplane”. I was given a spitfire which was such a thoughtful touch as our family is ex-RAF. In any case, there were planes flying everywhere with plenty of near misses into people’s food and drinks. It was such great fun.
A Night to Remember
More guests arrived in the evening ready for the party. One such guest was of course Deadpool. He was incredible, he even danced like Deadpool.
The couple’s first dance was full of love and the moment came when they beckoned us to join them on the dancefloor. Deadpool jumped at the chance to split the happy couple up. He gave Kat a Wolverine figurine to dance with while he whisked Rob away for a romantic dance of their own. It had the whole room in stitches.
Everyone danced into the night and had the most amazing time, especially the newlyweds.
I would like to take this moment to thank Kat and Rob for trusting me with their special day and allowing me to play a part in it. I wish you all the happiness in your future together.
Links
To see more of Anna’s artistic photography check out her Instagram @_annachalk Pop on over and give Anna a follow to see more of her art.
You can also click here to see an epic short video captured and edited by the talented Alex of The Imperial Film Division. While you’re there feel free to give a cheeky like and subscribe to see more of Alex’s content.
Let’s not forget the gorgeous cake from Nanny Sam’s Cakes, pictured below. Check out her Instagram on @nannysamscakes if you want to see more of her content, please give her a like and follow too.
While I’m at it you might want to check my Instagram out and give it a like and follow as well on @cat.hopkins.celebrant
Click the button below for the Holiday Inn, Fareham if you would like to book them for your event. The team are great and really friendly and helpful.
The Daily Echo even did an article about the wedding. Click the button below to have a look.
