Post by Joanna on Nov 1, 2014 11:03:00 GMT -5
Couple Weds in Cemetery ... on Halloween
STATEN ISLAND N.Y. – Morticia and Gomez Addams have nothing on these Staten Island newly weds. Donald Walters and Kim Holmes celebrated their love for each other (and Halloween) in a very special way – with a ceremony in Lake/Sylvie’s Cemetery in Graniteville as the two exchanged vows among family and friends with a backdrop of historic, English Ivy-covered gravestones.
The couple arrived in a hearse, lying side-by-side in the rear cabin, which typically carries a coffin. As the door opened Walters quickly sat up, then helped his bride-to-be out to greet family and guests. “It’s a dead theme,” said Holmes of the wedding. “We like everything about Halloween, we like everything about cemeteries, we visit them quite often just to walk around them.”
Holmes and Walters were high school sweethearts who began dating in their teens. More than a decade separated the couple before they reconnected. Five years later the two decided to marry. Admittedly, Holmes said she was still a bit nervous about the nuptials as they stood hand-in-hand, wearing black-and-white skeleton makeup and dressed in a Victorian-era formal wear.
When asked about their future anniversaries, the couple said their annual Halloween party will now have an extra special meaning for them.
Plenty of family and friends got in on the action too; some wore costumes, while others sported simple black. Holmes’s son, Blaine, who made his way to the event from Florida, wore a costume as well, and marveled at the unique ceremony and setting. “It’s not a typical, traditional wedding like most people would have,” explained Holmes. “I think it’s a lot better. You can express yourself individually while sticking to the theme of Halloween.”
Jayjay Jackson, a comic book artist, wore all black and donned decorative, Mexican “Day of the Dead”-style makeup, as she gave out flowers to guests. “I love it," she gushed. “You couldn’t have a more beautiful cemetery – it’s gorgeous here.”
The groom’s oldest brother, James Walters, served as the best man and while the wedding theme wasn’t quite his style, he said it was typical of his brother Donald. “I don’t know what to say about this wedding,” he added with a chuckle. “I love you, this is for you.”
Rev. John Rivera donned a costume complete with gloves and monster wings as he officiated at the couple’s ceremony. He did, however, have to remove his mask so guests could hear him clearly. After the exchange of rings and a symbolic sand ceremony, the reverend referenced the holiday as he addressed the groom: “This is usually the moment where I remind the groom he has to remember the day when he got married ... there’s no way you’ll ever forget this day,” he quipped.
Lynn Rogers, Executive Director of Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries and President of the Lake Cemetery Association, said space in the Island’s 11 historic burial sites maintained by the organization can be rented as venues, should any parties be interested. “It was the first wedding that we had in the cemeteries,” Rogers explained. “We’re happy it went well.”
Enquiries concerning events should be directed to Ms, Rogers through Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries, Staten Island’s Facebook page, or by calling 917-545-3309.
Source: Anthony DePrimo, SILive, October 31, 2014.