Midnight at Crichel House Archway: a Dark and Gothic Styled Shoot

Blog

26 Jan

Introducing a bewitching and new addition to our dark and gothic wedding blog - a mesmerising styled shoot captured under the enchanting veil of night at the historic Crichel House Archway. Our latest submission, courtesy of Garnet Weddings, unveils an otherworldly celebration of friendship, rich with the essence of the unconventional. Featuring 2 strikingly ethereal models, the shoot encapsulates a hauntingly beautiful setting… lets delve into this shoot with Garnet Weddings and allow their own words to paint the picture.

There is a lot of inspiration for traditional weddings... but this isn't it! Darker weddings are a real thing, and they are stunning, fun and full of personality.

Lauren and Adele were excited to join the photoshoot as our models. Who doesn't like to be a gothic bride for a day? Lauren's look was icy cool with a wonderful black and white dress from Brides of Dorset, a Gillingham based bespoke bridal boutique run by the lovely Tracey. The dress is completed with black floral details and a flattering cut. The shorter front turns to a long, beautiful train on the back. The dress was matched with a long Belladonna veil from Holly Winter Couture. The veil is a part of her collection in collaboration with Rachel Bedell aka @thepicketywitch. The details include illustrations of Victorian-style hands holding belladonna flowers, also known as the deadly nightshade. These were seen as the flower of mourning and everlasting love. The look was complimented with a Bat halo headpiece and matching nail rings from Twilight Couture. A shop specialising in enchanting handmade headwear and accessories. Finishing touches were a gothic necklace with "Til Death" lettering made by Simply Gothic and beautiful hair and makeup by Sonia. Flattering lace up boots called "Evangeline Elliot black lace knee high boot" were provided by House of Elliot.

Adele had a warm red atmosphere created for her outfit with added red spotlights. The stunning black and red dress with a hugging corset structure was provided by Rosie Red Couture. This beauty is one of her first made gowns and the first person to ever try it on was no other than Helena Bonham Carter. To accessorise we added a black mid length veil with "Til Death do us part" embroidery. The dress was matched with a brilliant red and black halo headpiece and nail rings by Twilight Couture. Completing the look, we had an open hair style and dark gothic makeup by Sonia. Lovely Victorian black half boots were provided by House of Elliot.

The inspiration didn't end at the outfits and mood lights! We had Ruby the red campervan as our backdrop at the beautifully gothic location of Crichel House Archway. Ruby was stationed in front of the old stone gate, and I took my chance of adding skull decor in. Anyone else obsessed with skull decor?

Hannah from Mooie's Cake Company made us an elegant origami textured ganache cake that tasted heavenly. She also made the beautiful wafer paper flowers herself.

The real flowers used on candle holders and 2 bouquets were provided by Old Chapel Flowers. The floral arrangements made the candles stand out well in the dark and complimented the melting red wax of the black pillar candles. Two lovely bouquets were provided with green and dark foliage with pops of red colour in the florals.

Nestled among ancient stone, the setting exudes an undeniable energy; the moon’s ghastly glow illuminating details and casting an eerie ambience over the entire affair. This styled shoot is testament to the haunting beauty that exists in the shadows,,, and we are here for it!