Gothic Wedding Inspiration

Vanessa is back!  Yay!  :)  This time she has focused on Gothic wedding inspiration.  I always look forward to that special something she adds to each styled shoot ... something I would never even think of!!  Like, the tiles used in this Gothic shoot.  Brilliant!!  :)  Scroll down below the images for a great write up on how Vanessa came up with all the gorgeous shown below.

Wedding vendors involved include: Photography:  Jill Thomas Photography  Event Design and Styling:  Vanessa of Alchemy Fine Events and Invitations   Invitation and Wedding Stationery:  Vanessa of Alchemy Fine Events and Invitations   Florals:  Isari Flowers   Props:  oc Prop Girl   Dress and Jewelry:   M Bride Salon    Tiles:  Waverly Tiles  Venue:  The Grand Del Mar  Pastries:   Opera Patisserie   Hair and Makeup:  Katwalk Styling

Art History for Brides: Gothic

The Gothic art movement was during the 12^th century and was very much inspired and driven by the inspirations of the church and had touches of Romanesque architecture, Byzantine textiles, and French fashion. Often confused with Goth (think vampires, Marilyn Manson, black lipstick and chokers), Gothic was daring yet refined and ornate with details.

ARCHITECTURE

Gothic architecture featured magnificent buildings that were built with signature pointed aches, vaulted ceilings, and flying buttresses. Some of the most notable examples of gothic architecture  are Notre Dame. Reims Cathedral and Chatres Cathedral to name a few. Cathedrals boasted giant windows adorned with ornate stained glass that let light shine through in rich reds, blues, and yellows. Shapes including quatrefoils, floral inspired and geometric elements were combined to create these stunning light-filled windows from which the cathedrals patrons would gaze into from the pews. We brought the colorful glass from the windows onto the table with our bold and colorful goblets.

FLOWERS

For a bold yet romantic take on Gothic inspired flowers, Isari Flower Studio created a stunning yet delicate berry toned bridal bouquet composed of purples transitioning to merlot kissed Sweetpeas, dark burgundy Anemone with touches of wine hued Heleborus.
The richly textured centerpiece offered a melange of  deep red and cream ranunculas, schwartz mini calla lilies, succulents, black center anemones amidst astrantias, Hydrangeas and black berries. In addition to the large arrangement, the companion pieces boasted clusters of ranunculas, with grey dusty miller foliages and then topped each place setting a single cream ranunculas, and dusty miler leaves. 

SYMBOLS 

Quatrefoils were a popular symbolic shape that was seen in the stained glass, ornate windows and other architectural elements that was widely repeated and gave a royal and majestic feeling. For our Gothic inspired table we used a rich gold velvet quatrefoil patterned as a runner layered on top of a rich berry stained wool. For an opulent and unique place setting we featured ornate marble tiles that featured golden scrollwork that could be seen through our cut crystal plates.

FASHION

The wealthy brought in expensive silks from Byzantium and wore them as long draping tunics with flared sleeves, a French fashion known as a bliaut. Blue and ruby red were popular colors accented with gold pieces such as a loosely worn belt with gold tassels. Women wore veils draped over their long braided hair to signify marriage. This was wonderful fashion during the 12^th century but we opted for a stunning sand colored gown by Monique Lhullier and from M Bride Salon for our bride to be.

GRAPHICS

Bold Gothic style fonts are some of the most widely spread example of this genre and were even used for the very first example of printing, the Gutenberg Bible.  

Triptychs are wonderful examples of Gothic art that featured three panels of settings framed by ornate vaulted arches. I was inspired by these classical pieces of art when I created a trifold wedding invitation in the same style showcasing the notable vaulted arch, quatrefoil and a stained glass inspired belly band.

With so many beautiful and meaningful artful elements to be inspired by this powerful artistic movement in history, Gothic is a wonderful genre to get inspiration for your wedding day. Whether it be Gothic inspired weddinginvitations, stained glass inspired décor or even jewelry, Gothic design would be a great way to add drama and intrigue to your wedding.

Comments

[The Memory Journalists]

Love this! So amazing. Thanks for sharing this very unique wedding.

[Kristeen]

This is just stunning!