How This Gay Couple Put On a Black, Plague-Appropriate Wedding
| 11/29/20
Til death do us part!
Congratulations to Mr. and Mr. Alex Illest and Setenio Borges, who got married on a rural farm in Dundas, Ontario on October 10, 2020. Taking place on a scenic mountain peak, their ceremony was an all black affair with a "Til Death" theme, incorporating handmade leather plague masks, serving "as a nod to the time."
The two first met in August 2019 on a dating app and exchanged numbers shortly thereafter. After a bit of texting they decided to meet up at a friend's birthday celebration where sparks -- and the first "I love you's" -- flew. Borges proposed in March 2020 on a trip to Quebec City (they were supposed to go to Japan but the looming pandemic cancelled those plans). They stayed at Hotel de Glace, a hotel entirely made of glass, and the ring was buried in the mouth of a sculpture they were sculpting.
Although the pair initially planned to host a masquerade-themed ceremony, with up to 200 guests, there were 32 guests at the socially distanced outdoor ceremony. Taking further precautions, the couple gave each one of their guests a black organza gift bag with a personalized black mask and a large vial of hand sanitizer that resembled a potion bottle. As for their ring bearer, their 5-year-old nephew Colin delivered their rings in a mini coffin-shaped box. The reception had only 20 people -- the wedding party and only the immediate family -- at a bank turned restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario.
"We're so wholeheartedly thankful we had the means and the support of our family and friends to make our dream day come to fruition," Illest tells Out. "Marrying Setenio meant more to me than words can describe. We defied all odds and through our passion and determination we made it happen. We often reflect upon, and thank, the LGBTQ+ pioneers who came before us and paved the way for us; their sacrifices are why we have the right to say 'I do' today."
