Funky Queer Halloween Elopement in Brooklyn, NY
It’s Halloween night in Brooklyn. Everyone’s in costume. There’s jazz blasting from a neon-lit stage, a leather flogger flying through the air like a kinky bouquet, and two radiant brides making out in a velvet booth under a disco ball.
Welcome to Jing & Lea’s spooky queer Halloween elopement.
A Non-Traditional Queer Halloween Elopement That Was All Vibes
Lea had been a past boudoir client of mine, so when she reached out with the subject line “spooky dyke Halloween elopement”, I didn’t even need to read the rest—I was in.
The day started with a private courthouse ceremony (not photographed), and then I joined them for what can only be described as the most deliciously queer, untraditional, and funk-filled elopement reception ever.
It started with a cocktail hour at The Turk’s Inn, an eclectic retro paradise in Bushwick, followed by a swingin’ jazz concert at The Sultan Room next door.
They showed up dressed like from Gatsby’s dream. It gave vintage glam, meeting goth femme. Jing in a stunning red qipao with black lace gloves. Lea in a sheer beaded gown and pearl headpiece with fingerless white gloves to match.
A Funky, Retro Venue That Basically Stole the Show
The Turk's Inn space is an eclectic, sexy space with ENORMOUSLY photogenic decor and furniture. It’s a maximalist dream with 70s-inspired design, saturated colors, shag carpets, beaded curtains, conversation pits, colorful leather booths, funky mirrors, and velvet. I want to photograph in this space forever!!
We did a full-on photo romp through the bar before guests arrived. Jing and Lea were very into the costume-y, stylized, flirty energy of the space, and leaned all the way in. Think sultry glances through beaded curtains, flirting at the bar, cozying up in booths, clinking cocktail glasses, plus some retro glam poses.
The Halloween Elopement Cocktail Hour, aka Sexy Conversation Pit Cuddle Puddle
Instead of a formal sit-down dinner, the couple hosted a Halloween cocktail hour in the conversation pit—a lounge area that became a cuddle puddle of friends in costume, sipping drinks and having fun.
Guests showed up in full Halloween drag, bringing energy that was festive, weird, and perfect. And instead of a bouquet toss? Lea tossed a leather flogger. To me, the photo of that moment looks like it belongs in the Met, somewhere between Renaissance painting and queer club night.
The Reception
The night wrapped up in the Sultan Room, the venue’s music space, where the couple’s friend and her jazz band put on a full concert. The crowd was a mix of friends in costume, couples swing dancing, and folks just vibing in the electric blue stage lights.
Jing and Lea were glowing the whole time, not because of any spotlight, but because they were so deeply themselves.
F The Traditions
If you’re planning a wedding or elopement and thinking, “what if we just did whatever the fuck we wanted?” DO IT! This is your sign!
Jing & Lea’s elopement is proof that you can throw out the rulebook entirely. In fact, light the book on fire and toss the ashes. Whether that means vintage-inspired fashion, spooky queer energy, a conversation pit instead of a reception hall, or a flogger in place of a bouquet—you’re allowed to make your own traditions.
And if you’re looking for a queer wedding photographer who’s fully on board for the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly personal, I’m here for it. I’ll show up, document the hell out of it, and I’ll never ask you to act like someone you’re not.
Reach out to book your Brooklyn elopement photographer for a day that’s all about you.
