Love Long and Prosper Photography

A Halloween Wedding at The Pond House | Jaqulyn & Sean's D&D Star Wars Celebration

By Gary Pope

A Halloween Wedding at The Pond House | Jaqulyn & Sean's D&D Star Wars Celebration

Updated July 27, 2026

When Jaqulyn and Sean first connected on Bumble, they probably didn't realize they were swiping right on their own legendary love story. The kind that would eventually unfold with lightsabers, spell slots, and a "Till Death Do Us Part" that hit different on Halloween night.

Their October 31st wedding at The Pond House in West Hartford, Connecticut was everything a geeky couple's celebration should be: deeply personal, wildly creative, and dripping with dark academia romance. From the first detail shots to the last dance floor glow stick, every moment told the story of two people who found their player two.

Wedding rings with dark floral details and pendant

The Details: Where Dark Romance Meets Fandom

Before Jaqulyn even stepped into her dress, the detail shots told us everything we needed to know about this couple. A moody dark bouquet with deep purples, blacks, and midnight blues set the tone. This wasn't your grandmother's wedding palette.

Dark moody bridal bouquet with deep purple and black flowers

And then there were the boutonnières. Because of course Sean's featured Lego Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader locked in an epic lightsaber duel, nestled among purple flowers and dark berries. Wooden pins engraved with the Death Star and "Till Death Do Us Part" completed the look. If that doesn't say "I love you," nothing does.

Lego Star Wars Obi-Wan and Darth Vader boutonnière with purple flowers

But the pièce de résistance of the detail shots? A custom Magic: The Gathering card featuring Sean and Jackie as a "Legendary Couple." The card text reads: "Whenever Sean attacks, target creature you control gets 'Till Death Do Us Part.' It can't be sacrificed this turn." The flavor text? "Two hearts, one vow; endless strength." Dated 10.31.2025. If you know, you know. And if you don't, just trust us that this is the most romantic thing a gamer couple has ever done.

Custom Magic: The Gathering Legendary Couple card with Death Star cufflinks
Gothic save-the-date invitation with dark floral design

Getting Ready: Black Dress, Bat Sleeves, Boss Energy

Jaqulyn's wedding dress was a showstopper. A stunning black gown with sparkling beadwork and dramatic bat-patterned lace sleeves that caught the light with every movement. Dark, romantic, and completely her. This bride wasn't walking down the aisle in anything but black, and she looked absolutely incredible doing it.

Black wedding dress detail showing bat-patterned lace sleeves
Bride getting buttoned into black wedding gown
Jaqulyn in full black wedding dress with bat lace sleeves

The First Look: Under the Pergola

The first look happened under the beautiful pergola at The Pond House gardens. Sean waited, hands in pockets, while Jackie approached from behind in her full dark princess glory. The moment he turned around? Pure magic. No dice roll needed. This was a natural 20.

First look at The Pond House pergola - bride approaching groom

Portraits: Walking Through a Storybook

The Pond House grounds in late October were pure perfection for this couple. Autumn foliage blazed in golds and crimsons as Jaqulyn and Sean walked hand-in-hand through garden arches and winding paths. Sean in his deep green suit with burgundy shirt, Jackie in her flowing black gown. They looked like characters stepping out of a dark fairy tale.

Couple walking through autumn garden arches at The Pond House

The Ceremony: Vows by the Pond

As the sun began its golden hour descent, Jaqulyn and Sean exchanged vows overlooking the pond with Connecticut's peak fall foliage painting the backdrop. The ceremony was intimate, emotional, and perfectly framed by the warm autumn light reflecting off the water. Their officiant presided over a ceremony that was equal parts heartfelt and true to who they are.

Wedding ceremony at The Pond House with fall foliage and pond backdrop
Full ceremony scene at The Pond House with autumn colors

The Reception: Rolling for Initiative

Here's where things got truly legendary. Instead of traditional table numbers, every table at the reception was themed after a Dungeons & Dragons character class. Each table featured hand-crafted centerpieces that would make any dungeon master weep with joy:

Pond House welcome sign at reception entrance

The Wizard Table featured ancient-looking scrolls, a glowing lantern, and a leather-bound spellbook. Perfect for the guests who always play the intellectual.

Wizard table centerpiece with scrolls, lantern, and spellbook

The Warlock Table brought the dark energy with a crystal ball, a mysterious red tome, and a scroll reading "Pact." Someone clearly made a deal with a patron for good seating.

Warlock table centerpiece with crystal ball and Pact scroll

The Paladin Table was decked out with crossed swords and battle axes. Because sometimes love requires a little righteous fury.

Paladin table centerpiece with swords and axes

The Druid Table went all-in on the nature theme with a mossy tree centerpiece, antlers, and (in true cross-fandom fashion) a Star Wars TIE fighter perched among the branches. Because even druids appreciate Imperial engineering.

Druid table centerpiece with mossy tree, antlers, and TIE fighter

The Sweet Stuff

Forget the traditional tiered cake. Jaqulyn and Sean went with a towering cupcake display featuring purple, black, and marbled frosting in deep jewel tones. Topped with green sprinkles and arranged on a crystal stand, it was as dramatic and colorful as the rest of the wedding.

Purple and black cupcake tower with jewel-toned frosting

And at the sweetheart table? Custom Funko Pop figures of the couple, complete with a glitter heart and a tiny Star Wars ship. Because even the table decor needed to be legendary.

Custom Funko Pop couple figures with glitter heart at sweetheart table

First Dance & Celebration

When the lights dimmed and the music started, Jaqulyn and Sean hit the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple. Surrounded by string lights and the warm glow of The Pond House's reception hall, it was the perfect ending to a perfect day. One final scene in their own epic love story.

First dance at The Pond House reception with string lights

The Vendor Dream Team


Are you planning a wedding that's unapologetically you? Whether you're rolling initiative at reception, wielding lightsabers instead of sparklers, or just want a photographer who gets it, we'd love to hear from you. Let's talk about your day.

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