The best kind of Unbreakable Vow! Couple says 'I do' in magical Harry Potter-themed wedding, complete with Marauder's Map invitations, a Sorting Ceremony, and delicious Honeydukes desserts

  • Cindy and Matthew said 'I do' in California February of 2016 
  • Matthew had never read the books but agreed to have a Potter wedding, and Cindy designed and DIYed much of the details herself
  • They asked guests to come in costume, gave them wands, and sorted them into houses
  • Decor included table runners made from book pages, hanging candles, books, and bird cages 

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A California couple who said their vows with a Harry Potter-themed wedding proved once and for all that paying homage to J.K. Rowling's books can be magical without being cheesy or childish.

Cindy and Matthew said 'I do' in February of 2016, and pictures from their enchanting nuptials have recently caught the widespread attention of the internet.

Their incredibly romantic big day was a total fantasy, down to the woodsy floral decor, candles dangling from the ceiling, and even a Sorting Ceremony after the wedding ceremony had concluded.

They've charmed each other: Cindy and Matthew of California said 'I do' in February of 2016

They've charmed each other: Cindy and Matthew of California said 'I do' in February of 2016

Delivery from Hagrid not included: They had a Harry Potter-themed wedding, starting from the Hogwarts letter save-the-dates

Delivery from Hagrid not included: They had a Harry Potter-themed wedding, starting from the Hogwarts letter save-the-dates

I solemnly swear, for better or for worse... The invitations, designed by Cindy, looked like the Marauder's Map

I solemnly swear, for better or for worse... The invitations, designed by Cindy, looked like the Marauder's Map

Arrival by thestral? They picked the Hollywood Castle in LA to stand in for Hogwarts

Arrival by thestral? They picked the Hollywood Castle in LA to stand in for Hogwarts

Cindy made wants to hand out to guests at the ceremony
Cindy made wants to hand out to guests at the ceremony

The wand chooses the wizard, but the wizard chooses seat: Cindy made wants to hand out to guests at the ceremony

Too bad Dumbledore couldn't officiate: The beautiful outdoor wedding was moody and woodsy, not cheesy

Too bad Dumbledore couldn't officiate: The beautiful outdoor wedding was moody and woodsy, not cheesy

Books and candles sat at the end of the church pews for the ceremony
Books and candles sat at the end of the church pews for the ceremony

The James to her Lily: Books and candles sat at the end of the church pews for the ceremony

No Malfoys allowed: Guests were asked to raise their wands after the couple got hitched

No Malfoys allowed: Guests were asked to raise their wands after the couple got hitched

Couldn't find dress robes? The bridal party wore dark, moody outfits and the bridesmaids carried red bouquets 

Couldn't find dress robes? The bridal party wore dark, moody outfits and the bridesmaids carried red bouquets 

Cindy and Matt had been dating for six years when he popped the question. When Cindy said yes, she had her own question for Matt: Could they have a Potter-themed wedding?

Even though he hadn't actually read any of the books, he agreed, and Cindy got to work DIYing much of the decor, with some help from event designers Crosby + Jon.

According to Martha Stewart Weddings, this included the save-the-dates, which looked like Hogwarts acceptance letters and came with a 'ticket' to the train on Platform 9¾. 

The invitations, too, were designed by Cindy, and looked like foldable versions of the Marauder's Map.

Surprised they made it down the aisle... Cindy got Matt to agree to the theme even though he had never read the books

Surprised they made it down the aisle... Cindy got Matt to agree to the theme even though he had never read the books

10 points! Much of the decor was crimson and gold, Gryffindor colors

10 points! Much of the decor was crimson and gold, Gryffindor colors

There were subtle accents, like bird (or owl) cages and goblets
There were subtle accents, like bird (or owl) cages and goblets

Got these in Diagon Alley! There were subtle accents, like bird (or owl) cages and goblets

As long as it's not a Quick Quotes Quill... Guests could sign the guestbook with quills

As long as it's not a Quick Quotes Quill... Guests could sign the guestbook with quills

The florist certainly aced Herbology: Guests were sorted after the ceremony and got their table assignments in the form of 'class' assignments

The florist certainly aced Herbology: Guests were sorted after the ceremony and got their table assignments in the form of 'class' assignments

Collecting cards: Each place setting had a custom Chocolate Frog

Collecting cards: Each place setting had a custom Chocolate Frog

Sensitive subject... The table runners were made out of pages from Harry Potter books

Sensitive subject... The table runners were made out of pages from Harry Potter books

Working their magic: Event designers Crosby + Jon helped with the affair

Working their magic: Event designers Crosby + Jon helped with the affair

Tasty! The dessert section was called the Honeydukes table and had 'potion parfaits' and other theme sweets

Tasty! The dessert section was called the Honeydukes table and had 'potion parfaits' and other theme sweets

Delish: There were also chocolate wands (made of pretzels) and lightning bolt-shaped cookies.

Delish: There were also chocolate wands (made of pretzels) and lightning bolt-shaped cookies.

Those invites instructed guests to wear 'formal wizard-inspired clothing' and come to the event at the Hollywood Castle in Los Angeles, which subbed in stone walls and gardens for Hogwarts. 

'It was one of the few locations we found that captured the magical feeling of Hogwarts,' Cindy said.

The ceremony was set up in a garden with church pews and books and candles as decor. There, guests were greeted by their own personal wands, which Cindy made by decorating chopsticks. She also added a tag that read: 'Cast a spell of love and joy throughout the night.'

After they said their vows, the newlywed couple walked out to a song from the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire soundtrack.

Cast a spell on her: Cindy said she liked that the castle captured the Hogwarts feeling

Cast a spell on her: Cindy said she liked that the castle captured the Hogwarts feeling

Good sports! Guests were asked to dress up in theme costumes for the occasion

Good sports! Guests were asked to dress up in theme costumes for the occasion

Amazing pals: Many complied and wore cloaks and other fun items 

Amazing pals: Many complied and wore cloaks and other fun items 

The total picture: Everyone really threw themselves into the theme

The total picture: Everyone really threw themselves into the theme

Classic: A few even turned to Harry Potter costumes and accessories

Classic: A few even turned to Harry Potter costumes and accessories

Finally! Since the wedding, Matt has given in and read the books

Finally! Since the wedding, Matt has given in and read the books

Was it to Celestina Warbeck? Candles hung from the ceiling inside, where the couple had their first dance

Was it to Celestina Warbeck? Candles hung from the ceiling inside, where the couple had their first dance

Guests stayed in the pews, though, so they could take part in a Sorting Ceremony. Two of Matt's cousins called guests up one at a time to sort them into houses and receive personalized boxes with the history of their house, a pin, and their first 'class assignment,' or table.

At the reception, the long Great Hall-like tables were set with crimson and gold — Gryffindor colors — and table runners made out of the series' book pages. Each guest also got a Chocolate Frog at his or her seat.

After eating, guests could make their way to a dessert bar — called the Honeydukes table — including pumpkin pie, potion parfaits, chocolate wands, and lightning bolt-shaped cookies.

Dancing took place in side after the meal, with attendees grooving under a ceiling of hanging candles. 

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