Monica and Dominic’s wedding at The Grove in Las Vegas brought a medieval touch to a venue known for its romantic almond orchard. While most couples embrace the venue’s natural elegance, Monica and Dominic transformed the space into a scene filled with gothic magic and Celtic traditions. “We are both ‘Elder Emos,’ and I have an Irish/Celtic background,” Monica told us. “So we wanted something that really reflected our roots and personalities.”
The ceremony began with a twist on tradition. Their officiant and friend, Keegan, entered in a leather kilt, with a rhyton fastened to his belt, ready to perform a Celtic handfasting ceremony. The ropes used for the handfasting had been custom-made in Europe. “The actual tying of our handfasting cord was probably one of the coolest and most unique things about the whole experience,” Monica said. “We are so happy that we stayed true to ourselves.”
Monica’s bridal look was equally striking, if not more so. She wore a black gown made by Euriell Vaire with a bodice and cape lined in deep purple to match her violet hair. From the crown on her head to the intricate nail designs, every detail was meticulously thought out. “Receiving my gown from Eurielle didn’t feel real. She truly made my dreams and vision come to life,” Monica said. “100% will be buying more gowns from her in the future!”
The couple’s choice of music further reflected their love for alternative sounds. Their ceremony featured rock and metal ballads, from Life Eternal by Joel Blido for the groom’s entrance to Love You to Death by Type O Negative for the exit. “We wrote our own vows, and the guests were in tears, so we take that as a good sign,” Monica added with a laugh.
The reception embraced a more minimalist approach. Protection stones and gothic florals greeted guests at the sign-in table, but it was the bold use of purple that set the tone for the evening. “It filled the reception room with magic and grandeur,” Monica noted. The couple toasted their marriage and celebrated with friends and family, capping off the night with a quiet moment at their hotel bar. “Our favourite moment of the night was just being together finally as husband and wife.”
Reflecting on the wedding, Monica and Dominic admit they wouldn’t change much, though they do wish they’d considered a smaller, more intimate ceremony. “The venue itself was $10k, and we spent about $20k for six hours,” Monica shared. “In retrospect, that’s pretty insane, but we don’t regret anything about our day!”
Their advice to other couples? “No matter what you do, people are going to drop out last minute and cost you money. Don’t let it get to you, it’s not worth it,” Monica concluded. ” Also, both of us have ADHD, and we’re professional procrastinators. Our advice to others is to make a schedule, set deadlines, and stick to it!”
