We’ve all been bombarded with pictures of engagement photos at least once in our life. If not from family and friends, we’ve seen pictures of adorable couples looking lovingly into each other’s eyes on places like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
There is always that split moment of thinking, “Aw, how cute” before we quickly wonder if the bride-to-be forced the groom-to-be to wear that ostentatious bow tie and suspenders. These photos are usually featured in some remote field where flowers are blooming and where there is an abundance of trees with wide trunks.
Maybe I’m just not the romantic, but while looking at these photos, some cynical comment always comes swimming to the surface of my brain. During these nature photos where the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be stand on both sides and peek lovingly at each other from across the tree trunk, I always think about how that tree is probably covered in a million fire ants that are eager to attack the beautiful pair.
Luckily, there is a new trend of engagement photos that have the ability to show slight cynics like myself that love is in the air — along with zombies and serial killers.
Now, instead of the usual engagement pictures, couples are trying to put a fun edge to the structured documentation of this momentous occasion. Show me photographical evidence of an unexpected couple triumphing over actors in zombie makeup and serial killer masks, and I become one happy camper.
Juliana Park and Ben Lee were one of the first couples to have their engagement photos massively spread across the Internet in 2011. Their series of photos begin with Park and Lee sharing a picturesque picnic at the bottom of a hillside. Suddenly, an undead monster rudely interrupts their wine and snacks. The last few frames depict Park and Lee victorious with the shovel-turned-weapon in Park’s hand, showing that love truly does overcome all.
A couple from Toronto took the zombie idea to a new level by making their bridal party the undead attackers. Viewers are even able to see pictures of the groom-to-be raise a rock over the head of their zombified reverend. While looking at these photos, I found myself thinking, “Holy crap, this is so cool” — pun intended.
Another couple has their photos made to look like a comic book — including thought and word bubbles. This couple outsmarted a masked serial killer by hitting him in the face with a wooden board and throwing him off a building, although this probably wasn’t the smartest idea. The killer always inhumanly survives the fall! C’mon, everyone knows you have to shoot him in the head.
While some may view these photos as unconventional, I feel like it still conveys the overall sense of engagement pictures. The couples are still showing their unwavering love for each other, but they also get to show that they are not going to succumb to the clichéd stereotypes that have been set up by the wedding industry.
After all, if these couples can survive zombies and serial killers, I’m sure they can survive marriage.
Opinion columnist Kelly Schafler is a print journalism junior and may be reached at [email protected]