Halloween is a little different in the southern hemisphere. In the dry forests of Quito, Ecuador, it arrives with sun, dust, and a different kind of magic. Assyah of Jamila and Juliette, who conceptualised and styled this photo shoot, wanted to capture that energy in the shoot, blending local traditions with a gothic edge.

The location, Santa Rosa de Nayón, sits inside a bosque seco. “We wanted to showcase Ecuador, and everything we do,” Assyah explained. “I mostly did all the design, print and even textiles myself. We used a dark colour palette, and had colada morada (a local drink) and Ecuadorian chocolate which are traditions here on the Día de Los Muertos.”

These additions details grounded the concept in local culture while pushing against the idea that Halloween weddings belong only to cold climates or North American imagery. “We wanted to show that Halloween can also be celebrated in southern countries too,” Assyah said. “I think in Latin America is a great source of inspiration when it comes to Halloween weddings because we have many traditions with variations from country to country. We don’t see a lot of it, except for Mexico.”

“The dry forest is really mystic and beautiful and Ecuador is a country where individuality can be celebrated everywhere. The sceneries hold a lot of mystery and beauty, its people are friendly and open-minded and I am not sure we have seen a lot of Ecuador destination weddings in wedding media.”