Q: How long has your husband been a fan of the series?
We both coincidentally started reading the series when the third book came out, so that would be 1999.
Q: Which Hogwarts houses do you and your husband belong to?
Ravenclaw through and through. I was a math major and am now an analyst, and my husband is an application architect/software engineer. We are both extremely logical and quite witty, if I do say so myself. Sometimes we both have Slytherin characteristics, but the Ravenclaw attributes outnumber them.
Q: In theory, both you and your husband must be fans of many things. What was it about Harry Potter that led you to select and feature it prominently on one of the biggest days of your lives?
We definitely are fans of many things, but Harry Potter is special to us. One of the first outings we went to together (before dating) was a Harry Potter trivia night. I also am a bit more than just a fan – I flew to England to get the seventhHarry Potter book five hours before all of my friends! I also have dressed up for all the book and movie releases and read the series well over 10-15 times (though it could be more – I’ve lost count!).
Q: That cake looks incredible. Did you keep a piece? How long did it take your guests to get through it all?
We kept a couple of pieces – I don’t think either of us finished a piece at the wedding. We were just too busy. There was so much left over. I think we ended up giving the majority of it away to guests and vendors. It was hard to cut it because it was so cool. I just wanted to stare at it.
Q: We saw from the photos Mandrakes, castle cakes, and Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. What other sort of Potter representation and symbolism did you have tucked throughout the wedding and reception?
Great question! One of my favorite parts that many people may not have noticed was that instead of saying “I do,” we say “Always.” The wedding invitations were Marauder’s Maps, the guests waved ribbon wands made of house colors for our send-off, the photobooth pictures had a Hogwarts crest (with an M for Meyer), the table names were all Harry Potter-related (Platform 9 3/4, the Burrow, the house names, etc.). We also cut the cake to “Hedwig’s Theme,” and our cardbox was a Harry Potter chest.
Q: What vision did you initially have of finding the perfect bridal gown?
My gown vision actually changed once I tried some on. I thought I wanted something very unique, but ended up falling in love with a simple elegant one. It fit my body well, and sometimes you just know!
Q: Did you find yourself having to explain the prevalence of Potter at your wedding to any guests?
A lot of people didn’t understand a few things, but I think they asked other people. We got some questions on the invitations (we addressed them to “The Cupboard Under the Stairs” before their real address), but at the wedding itself, people seemed to just embrace it even if they didn’t understand.
Q: How much did having a photo booth enhance your reception?
The photobooth was perfect! A lot of our friends and family aren’t big dancers, so it gave them something to do (along with filling out the advice cards, eating the beans, etc.). It also kept the kids out of our hair the whole time. Plus, each time they did it, they got two strips. We had a photobook on the table, so we asked the guests to put one strip in there.
Q: What was your favorite moment from the entire day?
My favorite moment of the entire day was seeing my husband’s face when those doors opened. I know it sounds cheesy, but my heart just sank, and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect moment.
Q: What’s your best piece of advice to anyone who wants to host a HP-themed wedding or event?
My advice is to not go overboard. We wanted a HP theme but also didn’t want to overwhelm our guests. We had HP tidbits and enough that people knew it was our theme, but we chose to do different colors.
Q: If you could have had any two characters from the series help you plan your wedding, who would they have been and why?
Hands down, Fred [sad face] and George. They would be okay with going the untraditional route and could add so much fun into it. I’m already very organized, so I wouldn’t need somebody to help me with that. I would just need somebody to help with the creative stuff! I bet they could’ve bewitched me much cooler centerpieces.
Q: What magical or non-magical item from the series would you choose as your ultimate wedding gift?
Is it too cliché to say an invisibility cloak? I mean, come on, who wouldn’t want one of those? Even if it isn’t as good as the Deathly Hallow one.
Q: If you could choose any character to ordain your wedding, who would it be and why?
I would absolutely love for Umbridge to ordain it. [laughs] For real though, I think Snape would be my first choice to ordain it and then Flitwick. They both have cool voices and would add such character. I would want Dumbledore to do a reading with those sparkling eyes.
