It's a Nice Day for a Fright Wedding...

I know a lot of people who love Halloween. For most it's a nostalgic time of childhood costumes and partying in a pretend identity. Other people can turn it into an obsession with lavish decorations and rituals. There are even those who feel it's inherently "evil" and forbid its mere mention. It's a holiday surrounded in myth, mystery, and morbid thoughts. But not by everyone. Every so often, some creative souls turn a love for Halloween into celebrating love for Halloween.

That's exactly what Derek Noel and Joey Norton decided to do.

These two southern boys met by chance on MySpace in 2005 sharing many similar interests (including an "unhealthy obsession with the film Scream") and it quickly blossomed into more than friendship. They met face-to-face for the first time in Joey's Alabama hometown in late September; Derek made regular visits from NYC as their relationship developed. After falling ill with meningitis, Derek moved out to Nevada and Joey followed suit. On their 4th anniversary, Derek popped the question on the rooftop of the Hard Rock Hotel and Joey said, "Yes!"

Last year on October 31^st the two love ghouls threw a Halloween engagement party with family and friends. Their wedding is only a few short days away in Corona del Mar, California on October 17th. With the wild temperature fluctuations we're experienced lately, I hope the weather cooperates for the outdoor ceremony. The subesquent reception in Newport Beach will be a hauntingly good time for all, continuing the holiday theme into the twilight hours.

For those of you wondering if this is a legally recognized marriage or just ceremonial, they are following proper procedures to file as partners as per Nevada's Domestic Partnership Act. "When the laws, minds, and hearts of America catch up with us." they say on their website, "Joey and I will happily allow the goverment into our relationship and savor all the federal benefits that come with it."

So, in just a few short days, the two will officially declare their love for each other and for Halloween in front of friends and family (and hopefully decide how to hyphenate their last names). The couple plan on having their honeymoon in New York City. It might not be your typical Halloween destination but the Big Apple will undoubtedly be a great place to have a good time. I wish them both the best on their special day and the years to come. "In the midst of life, we are in death." And what a perfect way to celebrate the former.