Weddings

Muggle Matrimony: Fandoms Collide at Adam and Michaela’s Bash

by Kevin Assam · Published October 9, 2015 · Updated October 23, 2019

Our newest additions to Muggle Matrimony met through a mutual friend at college who invited the eventual bride to visit the future groom’s hometown. Michaela has been a fan of the series since she was nine, are Adam also enjoyed the novels from a similar age. However, with the subsequent release of the movies, Adam left the second, third, and fourth books to the wayside. But with Michaela being a super-fan, this curious tidbit did not go unchecked and actually made its way into Adam’s vows as one of his commitments. When you hold your significant other to an unbreakable vow, you know how hardcore these fans are.

Their love for whimsical and other-worldly elements is not confined to this series. Being a carpenter, Adam actually labored over a life-size replication of Doctor Who’s TARDIS and hid the engagement ring inside. They did manage to spread the love around the fandoms and opted to host the wedding at Montsalvat Castle’s Upper Gallery and Great Hall located in Eltham, Victoria, Australia. The location fulfilled the perfect compromise of Adam’s love for medieval architecture and Michaela’s Regency stage plays.

Guests were sent Hogwarts Express and Maurauder’s Map-themed save-the-dates and invitations, respectively. Instead of something blue, Michaela went for something Potter in the form of a Hufflepuff garter. Similarly, the groom sported a pair of Slytherin cufflinks. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge that these Houses are on opposite ends of the personality spectrum.

Their ring box comprised that very romantic image you have surely seen around social media – The Half Blood Prince cut open to the Unbreakable Vow chapter. And while it would have been great to have Fred and George emcee their reception, two of their well-versed relatives readily stepped in and provided the evening’s entertainment. Harry Potter, Doctor Who, Jane Austen, Firefly, and even Game of Thrones found their way into lively duels, heartwarming dialogues, and grand performances. As Michaela pointed out,

They took the things that we love… and turned our reception into a performance of epic proportions! They were phenomenal! Everything we loved in the world was there in that room. They made it ours. That would have to be my standout.

Congratulations, Adam and Michaela! May your marriage withstand the power of those Unbreakable Vows. Be sure to view their gorgeous photo spread of the journey together (shot by Michael Renga) and check out the Q&A for some glorious tidbits. If you have a Potter wedding that you would like to share, please get in touch with us here. Until the next couple!

Q&A with Adam and Michaela

Q: What is your best advice for someone planning a similarly themed event?
This is your day. Throughout a lot my planning, I would often ask myself (or others would ask me) if my guests would get our references. We weren’t the sort to go overboard with our theming. So I did not necessarily run the risk of alienating our guests but there were times where I questioned whether or not certain things would go over our guests’ heads and were therefore unnecessary. I think, when planning such a big event, it’s easy to get caught up in catering to the wants and needs of those attending… but you have to remember, at the end of the day, this is your celebration and it should be a representation of your head and heart. Do what you want and forget the rest.

Q: Was it surprising to pair off with a Slytherin?
No, not at all. I’ve never held any particular bias towards Slytherin and, in fact, envy them their determination and ambition. I find that Adam and I balance each other out well — he pushes me and I ground him (in the best of ways). Besides, green is my favorite color!

Q: Which wizard or witch would you most look forward to having at your wedding?
Hagrid! He’d give the warmest hugs and the best gifts (a magical creature, please!) and wouldn’t he look so cute all dressed up? I bet he’d cry during the ceremony, too.

Q: What magical item from the series would make the ideal wedding gift?
A broomstick! I want, I want, I want to fly. Quidditch has been a fascination of mine since I first read the books, along with brooms in general, and what better gift could you possibly bestow upon someone than the opportunity to touch the sky?

Q: Doctor Who or Harry Potter?
Harry Potter. Hands down. I go through stages with my fandoms, but I am always head-over-heels for Harry Potter.

Q: What has your relationship with MuggleNet been like?
I remember MuggleNet from so long ago! I spent a lot of time on it in my early teens (along with The Leaky Cauldron!), looking for like-minded people, and would lose myself in forum discussions (until Mum needed to use the phone — dial-up!). I think I grew away from MuggleNet as I grew older and the real world began to monopolize my time but, having returned to it recently, I am so happy to find it just as engaging as always!