When Erin and Thomas reached out about their Hellvis wedding, I knew it was going to be a good one. Then they told me they wanted their entire wedding documented on film only, and suddenly I was even more excited!

As a Las Vegas wedding photographer, we get to document all kinds of celebrations, but this one immediately stood out. Between Hellvis, Baby Hellvis, a surprise burlesque performance, and 43 guests who were fully committed to the experience, the entire day felt playful, unexpected, and completely true to who Erin and Thomas are.

The details made it even better. Erin wore a veil she made herself, and their baby attended the wedding dressed as a tiny version of Hellvis in a costume Erin also created. From the very beginning, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a wedding built around tradition. Every choice reflected their personalities, and those are always our favorite kinds of celebrations to photograph!

This wedding was recently featured on Rock N Roll Bride, and after experiencing the day firsthand, it’s easy to see why.

Hellvis, Baby Hellvis, and a Ceremony Nobody Saw Coming

The ceremony took place at Sure Thing Chapel surrounded by 43 of their closest friends and family. From the second Hellvis and Baby Hellvis made their entrance, everyone knew this wasn’t going to be a traditional wedding ceremony!

The two kicked things off with a performance of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The singing was intentionally out of tune, Baby Hellvis had his own guitar solo moment, and the entire room was laughing before the ceremony had even officially started. It set the tone perfectly!

If you’re considering a Hellvis wedding, it’s important to know that you’re signing up for much more than an officiant. You’re getting a full experience. There are jokes, audience participation, some swearing, and of course, the infamous Unholy Bible. It’s fun and truly unique!

The Surprise Burlesque Performance

Just when everyone thought the ceremony was wrapping up, Hellvis reached into his pocket and started handing out dollar bills to the guests. At first, nobody knew what was happening.

Honestly, neither did I! A few seconds later, the surprise was revealed. A burlesque performer entered the chapel and suddenly the wedding turned into a full show. Not even Erin and Thomas’ guests saw it coming!

The best part was watching everyone’s reactions. Their friends were cheering, laughing, and completely invested in every second of it. Even Erin’s grandfather was loving the performance. It was one of those moments nobody will ever forget. If you’re planning a Hellvis wedding, just know that anything can happen!

Why We Love Film-Only Weddings

One of the biggest things that made this day stand out was Erin and Thomas’ decision to document everything on film. Every photo from this wedding was captured on 35mm film.

Film weddings always require a little extra trust. There are no previews, no checking the back of the camera, and no instant gratification. Instead, every frame is intentional. For a wedding like this, film felt like the perfect choice! 

Hellvis Wedding Photos at Sure Thing Chapel

After the ceremony, we stayed around Sure Thing Chapel for some of our favorite portraits of the day. Of course, we made a stop at the photo booth. If you’ve spent any time around our work, you already know we never skip photo booth photos! 

From there, we took portraits inside the chapel with Hellvis himself. One thing I always recommend for couples booking a Hellvis wedding is adding the fake bottle smash. Trust me on this one! Watching couples smash a fake bottle over Hellvis’ head always leads to some of the funniest photos of the day. It perfectly matches the chaotic energy of the experience and gives everyone another reason to laugh.

Atomic Liquors Celebration & El Cortez Portraits

After portraits wrapped up, the guests made their way over to Atomic Liquors while we spent a little more time with Erin and Thomas for more photos.

While their guests enjoyed the open bar, we slipped away for a few minutes and headed to El Cortez for some classic Las Vegas portraits. Slot machines and film photography are a combination I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of. This photo break gave them the chance to slow down together before jumping back into the party.

As we walked up to Atomic Liquors, Erin and Thomas were surprised by custom banners featuring Hellvis that had been set up for the reception. It was such a fun touch and tied the entire day together.

Letting the Guests Document Part of the Day

Before heading to Atomic Liquors, I secretly left a point-and-shoot film camera with one of their friends. This is one of my favorite things to do during film weddings!  I usually hand the camera off to the most energetic person in the room and let them take over for a while. The result is always a collection of photos that feels completely different from the rest of the gallery. They’re a little messy, a little chaotic, and full of moments the couple might have missed otherwise.

For a wedding like Erin and Thomas’, it fit perfectly. Their entire day was built around letting go of expectations and having a good time, and giving their guests a film camera felt like an extension of that.

Cactus Bloom Photography | Las Vegas Wedding and Elopement Photographer and Videographer Duo

If you’re planning a Hellvis wedding, a film-only wedding, or simply want a celebration that feels completely your own, we’d love to help document it! As a Las Vegas wedding and elopement photographer and videographer duo, we’re drawn to couples who prioritize personality and having a genuinely good time with the people they love most!

Whether you’re planning a chapel wedding, an alternative wedding, or something that doesn’t fit into any category at all, we’re here for it. Reach out and let’s start planning!

Vendors

Ceremony Venue: Sure Thing Chapel 
Reception Venue: Atomic Liquors 
Wedding Dress: Shop Akira 
Bridal Shoes: Steve Madden 
Groom’s Suit: Alain Dupetit 
Flowers: Lucid Juliet