Caridad and Frank chose a park in Bayonne, New Jersey as their wedding location because it felt like neutral ground. A place where they can just be without an audience. They didn’t want spectacle, or a big wedding. They wanted to make it official, take some photos, go home with their kids and eat dinner.

The mood for the elopement came from the things they love: spooky romance, Victorian references, vampires, MCR, Interview with the Vampire, and that whole gothic-but-tender world. “We wanted our photos to be romantic spooky similar to the vibe of the movie Dracula: A Love Tale“, said the bride.

Caridad’s dress was found in a thrift store, entirely by accident, but as soon as she saw it, she knew it was right. “We were doing a day of thrifting send our last stop was American Thrift Store“, she continued. “Frank took the kids to the toy aisle so I could shop with no distractions and while walking through the aisles, I caught a glimpse of stain and pearl beading peaking out. When I pulled it off the rack I was surprised to find it was a wedding dress. Never did I imagine that on a random Saturday thrifting that I would find my wedding dress, but there she was, waiting for me with a price tag of only $80.”

Her veil originally belonged to another dress that someone in their town was getting rid of, and her was I found on Facebook Marketplace for $5. She then spent several sewing moths onto the veil to represent different people in her life. She also attached some to her bouquet.

This wedding was exactly what having a non-traditional day on your own terms is all about and it couldn’t have been more perfect for them and their little family.