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Gothic Luxe at Fanhams Hall – A styled shoot full of alt wedding inspiration


I’ve always been drawn to gothic or grungy styles—probably from my early 00s emo days (though I was more into the music than the eyeliner). It’s only later in life that I started feeling confident enough to let that side of my personality show through in my work and dress sense.


As a hair and makeup artist in the wedding world, I’ve seen the same classic looks pop up time and time again. Yes there are little tweaks as trends shift, but something truly different is still quite rare. So, when alternative wedding styles started gaining a bit more traction, thanks to some more alternative wedding fayres popping up, I knew it was time to bring something of my own to life.

That’s where the idea for this Gothic Luxe styled shoot came in.


Creating the vision


I reached out to my lovely wedding planner friend Rachel, and between us we put a callout in one of the wedding networking groups we’re part of (Becca Poutney's - Wedding Pro's membership). The response was crazy! So many brilliant suppliers were up for it, we ended up with multiple photographers (I think four in total?), florists, stylists, you name it. The energy was amazing right from the start.

We also managed to get Fanhams Hall in Ware as our venue (where I'm a recommended supplier), a stunning setting with just the right amount of gothic charm, and started planning what we wanted! It took a good few months to pull together, but everyone was buzzing with ideas, it was fab! Everyone was encouraged to bring their own take to the table, which made it even more exciting.



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The hair & makeup looks


On the day, I had two fabulous models in the chair. First up was Jade.

I gave Jade a soft but grungy black smokey eye, nothing harsh, just really feminine and soft, yet still strong. I wanted her eyes to stand out most, so I kept her lips nude and her skin really fresh. Her natural curls were too gorgeous to change, so I styled them into a mermaid braid and added a stunning crown from Clare Lloyd. It gave that fairytale-goth feel without being too “done”. I loved it.


Then came Jen with her bright purple hair and covered in tattoos, I couldn’t wait to start! I went for a more neutral smokey eye for her, but brought in a bold pinky-purple lip to tie in with her hair. Again, I wanted that balance of bold and soft, so I pinned her curls into a high loose, slightly messy bun, leaving pieces around her face for softness. Another crown finished her look beautifully.


Each look felt really true to the Gothic Luxe theme, but still wearable and still bridal. It was important to me to show that alternative doesn’t mean extreme. It can still be elegant and romantic, just in a different way.





On the day


Honestly, the atmosphere was electric. Everyone was bouncing between rooms, adding finishing touches, swapping ideas, and cheering each other on. It felt like we were creating something amazing! So much so, that the shoot was picked up and featured in Quirky Wedding Magazine, which was such a proud moment for all of us. Styled shoots are such an important part of the creative process for many wedding suppliers, as it's a time for us to trial ideas and showcase our work with no boundaries, and boy did we all do that!






The final result


The images speak for themselves (scroll down—you’ll see what I mean), and Dan's video footage captured the day perfectly. Every supplier gave their all, and the result was a shoot that truly reflects what can happen when creative minds are given space to play.







If you’re planning your wedding and want to do things a little differently, or just want to be surrounded by suppliers who get you, definitely check out everyone involved. I’d recommend them all in a heartbeat.


And of course, if you're dreaming up a wedding look that's a little quirky or alternative, but still completely you, I'd love to hear from you. Lets do you but bridal. Dare to be different!


Full list of suppliers...


Models @jen_wooly @jamieyoungson https://www.beautywithinlittlehallingbury.com/ and Patrick O’Brien (other models do not have websites) 

Tableware/room decor https://www.dressityourself.co.uk/ 

Ring box & name holders https://www.hatchfullyyours.com/ 




 
 
 

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