Chihuahua bouquet and a vintage Corvette: This backyard Halloween wedding is the ultimate DIY treat

Trey (he/him) and Emma (they/them) first crossed paths in October 2020 at the University of Central Florida, brought together by a mutual friend named Jojo. At the time, Jojo was directing a project and cast Trey as the talent, while Emma happened to be assigned as the floor director. Because of strict COVID-19 safety protocols on campus, the studio was nearly empty, leaving the two of them to spend every moment between takes laughing and joking together. Adding to the absurdity of the moment, the entire class was dressed up for Halloween; because crew members had to remain fully masked and shielded while talent was unmasked, Emma spent their entire first meeting in a full astronaut costume, complete with a face shield.

The early days of their relationship were shaped by the specific constraints of the global pandemic. Since Trey lived with family and Emma was in her sorority house, they had to find creative ways to spend time together while following safety guidelines. Their “dating” phase consisted of streaming movies and playing games online, wandering through local record shops and thrift stores, and eating drive-thru meals together in the car. It wasn't until a trip to the beach (a rare outdoor escape during lockdown) that they finally said “I love you” for the first time. In the years that followed, they graduated, traveled to theme parks, attended concerts, and eventually welcomed a Chihuahua puppy named Eve (affectionately known as Eevee) into their lives in 2024.

The proposal happened in February 2025 during a trip to New York City. On what Emma describes as the “coldest day ever,” Trey popped the question at sunset on the waterfront of the East River at Pier 35. With the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges as their backdrop, they began planning a wedding that would bring their story full circle, returning to Halloween exactly five years after that first meeting in the UCF studio. This date wasn't just a holiday; it was a tribute to the “full astronaut” version of themselves that started it all.

A Sanford backyard transformed for spooky season

For the wedding, the couple chose a family property in Sanford, FL, to lean into a backyard, DIY vibe. One of the most significant “props” of the day was a vintage white Corvette belonging to Emma’s grandfather. This wasn't just a cool car for portraits; there is deep family lore attached to the vehicle, as it was the same car that brought Emma’s mother home from the hospital when she was born. The sleek, classic lines of the car and its vibrant red interior perfectly complemented the “2000s vintage” aesthetic the couple was aiming for.

Instead of a traditional floral arrangement, Emma opted for a much more animated “bouquet.” Their dog, Eevee, was carried down the aisle in Emma's arms, serving as the primary accessory for the ceremony. Eevee was dressed for the occasion in her own tiny white garment, making her way to the altar with an attendant as a literal part of the bridal party.

The ceremony itself was a family affair, officiated by Emma’s father, Francisco, under the shade of the trees on the property. The atmosphere was intimate and deeply personal, emphasizing their history together rather than traditional wedding formalities.

Three outfit changes and a red party dress

The fashion for the day was a marathon of transitions, starting with Emma's classic white bridal gown. Emma began the day in a traditional wedding dress featuring a long, intricate veil that trailed dramatically across the grass during portraits. While the specific story of the veil's construction remains a family secret for now, its sheer length and weight provided a classic contrast to the rugged backyard setting. Trey started the day in a sharp black suit, matching the rest of the wedding party who remained in “normal” formal wear for the duration of the ceremony.

However, as the sun went down and the Halloween spirit took over, the wardrobe shifted into something much more alternative. For the first dance, the couple signaled the change by swapping out jewelry and adding a bolo tie. This was followed by a dramatic “costume change” for the reception. Emma transitioned into a vibrant red party dress paired with a matching red veil, giving off a distinct “gothic-chic” vibe that stood out against the evening's DIY decor. The red dress featured delicate lace and tiered ruffles, paired with dark footwear that highlighted the couple's love for Y2k style.

The highlight of the reception was the transformation of the guests and the wedding party themselves. Following the couple's lead, the entire wedding party changed out of their black ceremony attire and into full Halloween costumes for the party.

Though the photographer noted that things ran a bit behind schedule, the photos captured individual guests in their second looks, ranging from spooky to whimsical. It was a fitting tribute to the day they met: two people in costumes, laughing through a strange situation, and making it their own.

DIY logistics and backyard reception secrets

Hosting a wedding on a private property requires a massive amount of logistical coordination, and Emma and Trey leaned on a variety of local vendors to make the backyard functional. They brought in a mobile bar from Wildflower Bar Co. and a luxury restroom trailer from Potty Pals to ensure the guest experience was seamless despite the unconventional location. These choices allowed them to keep the celebration centered on the family property while maintaining the comfort and amenities of a more traditional venue.

The reception featured a mix of high-end custom treats and clever DIY hacks. They served a custom cake from Valhalla Bakery alongside guest sheet cakes from Costco, proving that high-low DIY mixes can still feel cohesive and intentional. For couples planning their own backyard Halloween affair, Emma and Trey's day serves as a reminder that with a little creativity (and a Chihuahua bouquet!), you can build a wedding day that is entirely your own.

Vendor list

• Photography Team: Koontz Photography @koontzphotography
• Second Shooter: Michael Fried of Sonacity Photography @orlandoweddingphotography
• Content Creator: Aly the Social Chair @alythesocialchair
• Nails: Nails by Erica @nailsbyerica.j
• Hair: Nikki at Scandalous Artistry @scandalousartistry / @nikkiscandalous
• Hair Styling: Beverly Washington @thequeenbeverly
• Restroom Trailer: Potty Pals
• Wedding Dress: Bella Bridal Outlet
• Alterations: Sewing by Marilyn
• Couple’s Cake: Valhalla Bakery @valhallabakery
• Chairs & Tables: Orlando Party Rentals @orlandopartyrentals
• Mobile Bar: Wildflower Bar Co. @wildflowerbar.co
• DJ: Patricio Solano “DJ Rocky” @rocky477412
• Officiant: Francisco Torregrosa
• Catering: Michelle Murphy
• Photo Booth: Madeline Davis
• Florals, Favors, & Guest Cakes: Costco @Costco