Black lace, bass drops, and big queer love in the trees

queer goth forest rave wedding 45 — Photos by Andrea Michelle Photography

When Courtney (she/her) and Riley (they/them) got married at Treehouse Point in Issaquah, WA, it was a full-body vibe. We're talking gothic romance meets rave energy meets deep soul love… all under a canopy of mossy Pacific Northwest trees.

Courtney wore a black lace gown that gave full witchy goddess energy, complete with a thigh-high slit, garter, and cathedral-length veil that ghosted through the ferns like something from a glamorously haunted fairytale. Her dark lipstick and boots screamed “don’t mistake my softness for weakness.”

Riley, meanwhile, wore a sleek all-black suit that fit like it was conjured just for them—dapper, grounded, and hot. From their silver ear cuff to their smoldering gaze, Riley was the kind of androgynous forest prince that fanfiction dreams are made of.

The ceremony was tucked into the woods, with guests nestled on benches and moss underfoot. This was no stiff affair: the vibe was barefoot, misty, and magical. Their kids stood nearby, wrapped in the warmth of community. You could feel the hush fall over the crowd the moment Riley took Courtney’s hands… like everyone instinctively knew they were witnessing something sacred. Tears flowed freely. So did laughter.

Courtney and Riley made the day personal down to the details: gothic florals in rich purples and blacks, candlelit tables draped in dark textiles, and custom table numbers highlighting places they’d explored together. The reception space glowed like an enchanted underworld. Their dessert? A minimalist, moody cake paired with sweets that looked like they'd been kissed by starlight.

After tacos were devoured (On Safari Food knows how to throw down), and the tequila was flowing like a river of rave fuel… the bass dropped. And holy hell, the forest turned. Out came the LED lights, out came the hair flips, out came a crew of chosen family raving in the mud like the most blessed kind of bacchanal. Riley and Courtney didn’t just share a first dance… they thrashed together like no one was watching. And then they invited everyone in.

From the tearful toasts to the deep belly laughs, every part of the day radiated connection. These weren’t guests, they were kin. Chosen family who showed up in eyeliner and combat boots, in hugs and dance battles, in fierce love and loud pride.

Courtney and Riley’s wedding was a forest ritual, a goth fairytale, a rave revival, and a queer love story all in one. It wasn’t about perfection. It was about presence. And power. And PLURR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect… and RILEY).