An Undead Steampunk Wedding: Renee & Ian

Kat

November 28, 2011

So where do I begin trying to explain the awesomeness of Renee & Ian's undead steampunk wedding? I think maybe the title gives away just how amazing this wedding is going to be doesn't it? The couple were married at Catalyst, a private live/work artist community in Chicago. "We actually had to 'audition' for the space," Renee told me. "The members have a delicate relationship with the community and can't risk any trouble. We had to prove to them over several months that we talented and responsible enough to be able to use their space. We had to foster a personal relationship with them before they would even consider us. It was tedious, but worth it in the end. We gained some more wonderful friends for our already stellar collection, and the space allowed us freedom that traditional venues could not (like staying until 6am and coming back later in the week to help clean up)."

Giant Nests, Smoke Machines & A Bath of Feathers – An Advanced Flash Workshop at The Photography Farm

Kat

November 23, 2011

The second Photography Farm (remember the first one which I took part in?) took place earlier this month. The subject was off-camera flash and organiser Lisa Devlin invited Adam Bronkhorst of Viva Photography, an expert in the field, to teach the latest 'farmers' all about the techniques.

‘Lola the Bird’: An Art Deco Photo Shoot

Kat

November 23, 2011

This beautiful shoot was set up by headpiece designer Natasha Jane to promote her amazing 'Lola the Bird' headpiece (I've seen it in real life and it is an amazing piece, I'd love to see a real Rock n Roll Bride wearing it!) The shoot took place at the UK's oldest cinema, Birmingham's Electric Cinema, which has been open for over 100 years. The art deco cinema is even available to hire for weddings so it really was the perfect venue to show off this new wedding collection.

A Gothic Masked Ball: Debs & Sean

Kat

November 22, 2011

Sean & Deb's masked ball wedding took place at the beginning on November at Brownsover Hall Hotel, Brownsover, Rugby. "We stumbled on the venue by accident after previously reserving two other venues", the bride told me. "We were on our way up to my parents for christmas and made a detour to see the hall - it was amazing! Gothic, yet romantic. We fell in love with it as soon as we saw the giant Elk's skull in the entrance hall!" The venue fitted their wedding theme perfectly - slightly gothic and masqueradey (I'm pretty sure I just made up that word) with a 1920's/30's vibe.

A Black Wedding Dress, A Traditional Church Wedding & A Burlesque Themed Reception: Scarlet & Craig

Kat

November 21, 2011

Scarlet & Craig's wedding wowed me as soon as I spied that dress. I was so excited to be able to share this incredible Goth extravaganza and luckily for you lot, so were the newlyweds. In fact Craig's reply when I emailed him back saying 'Yes yes, hell yes (ps your wife is hot)' was something along the lines of 'OMG so excited that you're going to feature us!!! Squeeee'. "I'd never really thought about my wedding day growing up, so when Craig proposed on a trip to Amsterdam (with a tattoo that simply said 'Marry Me' on his wrists!) I was thrown into a bit of a panic!" Scarlet explained. "But as soon as we started planning we knew we wanted to do things our own way. Luckily we found Rock n Roll Bride, which made us realise there really are no 'rules' for a wedding, and then we just went all out! We didn't start out with one, but as we went along we developed a kind of pink and black gothic fairytale theme, pink being my favourite colour, and black being Craig's!

A Gothic Inspired Beach Wedding in Sweden: Alan & Chrissie

Kat

October 27, 2011

Alan & Chrissie were married in September on the Swedish island of Gotland. The couple were the first from Hong Kong to be married there and their nuptials even made the from page of a Swedish newspaper! They flew British photographer Ian Johnson to shoot it for them.

Under the Spotlight – Steff Metal: Gothic Wedding Blogger & Celebrant

Kat

October 18, 2011

A Darkly Dramatic Gothic Wedding: Alix & Zach

Kat

September 22, 2011

Some of you may remember Alix & Zach from their gothic tea party engagement shoot. Well I'm thrilled to be able to share their wedding with you today - and guess what, the smoke came with them! After getting ready at The Rookery Hotel (somewhere which I've actually stayed - its a beautiful hotel!) the couple were married at Lauderdale House in Highgate. The reception was held at somewhere that's fast becoming one of my favourite London venues, The Metal Works in Islington.

A Heavy Metal, Karaoke Party: Julia & Steve

Kat

September 16, 2011

Julia & Steve found their photographer Hannah Millard after seeing a feature on her on Rock n Roll Bride. It's always so extra special to me to share weddings that my blog has 'helped' in some way and I'm really excited that this gorgeous couple were able to get such great wedding photographs because of Rock n Roll Bride. Happy face! Hannah clearly agrees. "Woahhh," she writes. "This wedding was just... wow. I mean. Just... OK, I'm having trouble putting it into words, it was just pure Rock n Roll. Julia & Steve are an awesome couple and they definitely know how to party. There was vodka and tattoo artists and rock band karaoke and Julia's brother DOVE INTO A CAKE. It was amazing."

A Beer-Swilling, Handfasting, Freak Show Wedding: Heather & Tyler

Kat

August 23, 2011

Whoa Whoa Whoa...old onto your knickers as they are about to be blown off! Heather & Tyler's wedding is quite simply and all out freak-fest (and I mean that entirely as a compliment!) "Yeah I would describe our wedding as a Red, Black, Moustaches, Beer, Victorian, Wild West, Freak Show" Heather told me. "We wanted to get married in place with a lot of history (and liberal liquor laws) so we chose Virginia City, NV becasue it still has the Victorian beauty, but has decayed a bit to make it spooky and they welcome rowdiness. The ceremony venue was The Mackay Mansion and it is thought to be haunted. For the Ceremony, the wedding party (bride included) walked out to 'Hysteric' by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. We had a gender-blind wedding party with both guys and gals on both sides."

A Gypsy Rocking Dancing Celebration of Love: Cole & Mike

Kat

August 5, 2011

Cole & Mike were married at The Mercury Cafe in Denver which is is actually they first met. When I asked the couple how they'd describe their wedding they replied, "A gypsy rocking vintage dancing celebration of love!" "I don't know if we could ever NOT do things differently, but with our wedding, this was especially important," Cole continued. "The venue itself created a unique atmosphere. It's this gorgeous ballroom above a local-healthy-organic-delicious cafe, and they have dancing there almost every night of the week. The place is strung with lights all over, and the walls are painted with gorgeous murals. The whole place is a bit bohemian and romantic, and in a lot of ways it dictated the style we went with-a very eclectic and romantic theme. The only thing that was really consistent throughout was. . . peacocks."

Kristin & Brian’s Black & White & 1940’s Themed Wedding

Kat

June 28, 2011

"We got engaged in prison. Well...that's what my Mom likes to say - we got engaged on Alcatraz!" newlywed Kristin told me. "We both have a fascination with prison documentaries and we ADORE San Francisco. So, Brian took me to Alcatraz and surprised me with a ring. If you walk to the back of the prison by the water, you get the MOST gorgeous view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. This is where he asked me to marry him." Kristin & Brian's unconventional but beautiful engagement was perfectly reflected in their glamorous wedding on Friday 13th May. "Our inspiration was a combination of vintage, old Hollywood glam, and a bit of Rock n Roll! I wanted to be in black and white," continued the bride. An all-white dress was never an option for me."

Juliana & Tony’s Tim Burton Inspired Wedding

Kat

June 23, 2011

Juliana & Tony's wedding was inspired by their favourite Tim Burton movies. "We wanted to pack a big punch in a small and intimate way," they told me. "We constantly reminded ourselves to keep it simple, not to sweat the small stuff, and to enjoy the day." "Even though the date was set for October, we didn't want our wedding to be considered or overpowered by a Halloween theme," they continued. "The main focus would always be about us as the couple. It was a bit of a challenge finding a wedding theme that worked for us and that was appropriate. We started with the color scheme of black, red, and white. After the colors we started looking at decorations that would work with the venue's ambiance. We were inspired by a visit to Disneyland’s Holiday decorated Haunted Mansion. After looking more at the work (art and films) of Tim Burton it was decided that we wouldn't limit ourselves to just one of his movies but try to select something from all of them. The purpose wasn't to be creepy and eerie but to help describe us (like many of his characters) as off-center."

Charlotte & Kevin’s Atmospheric Edinburgh Wedding

Kat

May 27, 2011

Charlotte & Kevin were married at The Caves in Edinburgh - a challenging venue for any photographer (it's very dark!) but photographer Bryony Claire certainly rocked this one and the couple ended up with some fantastic images of their special day. Charlotte explained, "Kev & I have been together for 8 years now. We went to The Caves for a night out and when quite by chance we heard it was a wedding venue so we booked for 8 months later before he even got a chance to propose! The Caves is a truly magical place and it felt so right to have our whole wedding there. We had a Humanist wedding ceremony that was filled with love and laughter and believe that the whole atmosphere and venue suited us and out relationship. I think quite a few people were shocked at my choice of dress, but hey, if you’re getting married, do it your own way! I've always been a bit of the beaten track, I'm sure a few of my friends and family would have been disappointed had I turned up in a traditional white gown!"

Alix & Zack’s Gothic Tea Party Engagement Shoot

Kat

May 25, 2011

Alix & Zack...ahh what's not to love? I'm secretly still a bit of a closet goth at heart so anything gothic inspired really gets me excited...and cupcakes, cupcakes always make things 100 time better don't they? Alix wrote to me to tell me all about their engagement shoot with Rock n Roll Bride favourite Lisa Devlin. "So what do you say when the fabulous Lisa Devlin asks whether you'd like to shoot your forthcoming engagement shoot at, none other than, the Hasselblad Studio in Hoxton? How about "Hell Yeah!!!"

Sarina & Wayne’s “Spectacular! Spectacular!” Rock n Roll meets Moulin Rouge Wedding

Kat

May 12, 2011

Sarina & Wayne were married on their own estate in Denmark, West Australia, where they farm large crayfish (lobster!) Their gardens made the perfect setting for their ceremony and Moulin Rouge inspired after party. Sarina wore a dress by Collensione which she rocked up herself by adding a vest by Dada & Co. The bride also designed and made the junior bridesmaid's dress from black satin. She also gave it a black bustle of tulle at the back to really give it a Rock n Roll edge. Her adult bridesmaid wore a dress by Wheels & Doll Baby.

Sarah & James’ Deep Purple, One Mayfair Wedding

Kat

May 11, 2011

I was actually really excited about Sarah & James' wedding before it even happened. My friend Alicia Barron, events manager of One Mayfair, told me about this fabulous wedding she had coming up at her venue - a bride in a purple dress, loads of dramatic lighting...ie right up my street! I told her to try and find out who the photographer was so I could beg them to let me feature it afterwards. But low and behold, would you believe that the lucky photographer was actually my friend Annamarie Stepney! I saw these images pop up on her blog last week, but before I could even email her with my request, she'd already sent them over...and told me that the bride had read Rock n Roll Bride throughout her planning too. Woo! Happy faces all roun

Annette & Chris’ Fancy Dress Victorian Circus Themed Wedding

Kat

March 17, 2011

Annette & Chris had a fancy dress/steampunk themed wedding in Liverpool. The bride wore a corset purchased from Corsets UK and a skirt from MTCoffinzUnderground on Etsy. "My dress wasn't technically a 'dress' as it was a Corset and a separate skirt," the bride told me. "I bought the white and black steel boned corset for around £60 and the skirt, which was described as a 'Victorian Lace Gothic Ball Gown', cost around £100." She also wore Victorian-style black ankle boots which she hired from a fancy dress shop! Chris hired his unique outfit from a fancy dress shop too.

An Elizabethan/Alexander McQueen-Inspired Shoot

Kat

March 17, 2011

Do you remember the last shoot I featured that was styled by Sugar and Fluff? It was super duper popular with you lot, and I'm convinced this second set will have just as big an impact. The inspiration they ran with for this session was the Elizabethan period, "A sort of cold, romantic, dark and lethargic feel that illustrates the Elizabethan theater and also the dramatic style of the talented William Shakespeare," explained stylist Aasim. "Christine Farah and Sugar and Fluff came up with the story of the Widow/Great dame of the manor. It's a woman who sustains herself by luring men into her house/lair concocting a web of seduction and then having her way with them. She invites her guests to her bedroom where she draws her preys. She then lures them into the dining room where there's a grand feast on her dress (that's simultaneously a table) The feast looks too good to be real...enhanced to look golden in the light...but...upon closer inspection...it IS golden!"

Offbeat & Alternative Floral Inspiration

Kat

March 10, 2011

"We had the idea for a Rock n Roll themed stylized wedding shoot and one of our former client was perfect for it!" explained photographer Jessica. "MJ is a local tattoo artist and amazing painter. We set up in an apple orchard on a fall day and had a mix of vintage glass, flowers, instruments and an old radio from the 1930's. The shoot was styled by our assistant and partner-in-crime Brooke Biette and flowers were provided by the amazing Judy Bourgeois of Flora Fauna. The bottom of the bouquet even had a record that was melted down to go around it."