Weddings are supposed to be memorable, and there is no doubt the nuptials of Sabastian and Kristen Van Esch will be a lasting memory for them.
The couple recently tied the knot at the annual Sask Expo, a comic convention in Saskatoon.
"After attending the first annual Sask Expo, Sabastian had the idea to hold the wedding at the next year's event," said the bride, formerly Kristen Spearey who was born in Yorkton, moving to Saskatoon when she was 10. "I agreed to the idea instantly. It only made sense! All of our close friends that we made over the years are convention goers as well. I mean, who doesn't love an absolutely unique wedding?" My brothers loved the wedding idea and Sabastian's parents were very supportive."
The couple are certainly diehard comic fans. Sabastian is often seen around Saskatoon in full costume as Batman, and Kristen has multiple personalities when it comes to dressing in roles.
The couple met, not surprisingly at a convention.
"In June of 2011, I attended my first Anime Con, in Saskatoon, selling my hand sewn plushies," recalled Kristen. "Sabastian had the table beside me, recruiting new members for his charity group, Justice League of Saskatoon. I joined the group because I thought his idea was fantastic. I always wanted an excuse to cosplay."
Cosplay, short for costume play, is a performance art in which participants called cosplayers wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character or idea that is usually identified with a unique name.
"Being a nerd of most things, comics, video games & anime/manga, I knew I needed this in my life," said Kristen. "Dressing up as your favorite character is a great way to express your love for that genre."
The connection to comic conventions continued for the couple after the initial meeting.
"After being together for two years, Sabastian proposed to me at the Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo (CCEE) during our skit in the costume contest," said Kristen.
As for the wedding, it was one for the comic books.
"It was the perfect wedding. Getting married by the Joker, walked down the aisle by Darth Vader; Dr. Doom, Harley Quinn, Spider-Man, Catwoman and countless other villains and heroes alike to witness our day," said Kristen.
"The only regret I have is that I wish it lasted longer. All this planning and preparation for only a couple hours. I could spend a life time with our friends, surrounded by smiles and love."
So what will the couple do for a first anniversary?
Attend a convention of course.
"Since next year's Sask Expo will most likely fall around the same time, it only makes sense to spend our first anniversary together there," said Kristen.
Sabastian and Kristen both currently work for Ashley Furniture. He is the in-house tech, where he repairs furniture within the home, and she is the in-shop tech, where she repairs the furniture within the warehouse.
