With the newest season of Bridgerton captivating screens once again, we couldn’t resist revisiting one of our most theatrical styled shoots to date.

This Bridgerton inspired editorial was created as part of Dark Wedding Collective’s mission to champion alternative love stories in all their dramatic, candlelit, unapologetically romantic glory.

Designed and conceptualised by Dark Wedding Collective and brought to life at The Sessions House, this shoot explored Regency aesthetics through a darker, more cinematic lens. Think corsetry, whispered vows, lavish florals, gloved hands brushing in shadowy corridors and couples who look as though they’ve just stepped out of a society scandal sheet.

Only… moodier.
More decadent.
More rebellious.

Because rewriting the rules is kind of our thing.

At Dark Wedding Collective, we exist for couples who crave atmosphere over tradition.

Couples who love velvet textures, dramatic sleeves, candlelit ceremonies and storytelling woven into every detail. Couples who want their wedding day to feel like stepping into another world rather than ticking boxes on a planning spreadsheet.

This shoot was designed to show how period inspired styling can be adapted for alternative weddings without tipping into costume. Elevated rather than theatrical for theatre’s sake. Romantic without being saccharine. Dark without losing softness.

Styled editorials are one of the ways we celebrate creativity within the alternative wedding industry. They allow our community of suppliers to experiment, collaborate and show what becomes possible when tradition loosens its grip.

The Vision Behind the Editorial

The brief for this shoot was rooted in mood.

Cinematic lighting.
Overgrown florals.
Gilded textures.
Soft silhouettes paired with sharp edges.
Quiet intimacy mixed with dramatic flair.

Every creative decision was about creating a world rather than a backdrop. A place that felt secretive, indulgent and slightly scandalous. Somewhere a love story might unfold in hushed tones between candle flames.

Not polished.
But powerful.

Styling Regency With an Alternative Edge

Fashion played a central role in balancing historical inspiration with modern edge.

The gown and suit were created by Scarlet Tayla, with the tailored look coming from Scar by Scarlet Tayla. Styling was led by Eva Rose Weddings, who layered silhouettes, textures and accessories to create looks that nodded to the era while still feeling unmistakably contemporary.

Hair and makeup were crafted by Katie Gale Collective, keeping everything soft, romantic and editorial rather than theatrical.

Accessories added those final, deliciously dramatic touches, from the headpiece by The Lucky Sixpence to statement lace boots by House of Elliot Lace Boots.

Florals by Carrie Newnam Scott Floral Design brought depth, scale and a slightly wild, untamed energy that softened the grandeur of the surroundings.

Photographing and Filming the World

This editorial was captured by Laura Fitzgerald Photography alongside Janie Blackheart Photography, focusing on intimacy, movement and cinematic framing rather than stiff posing.

Videography came from Shot by Rutley, with behind the scenes and social first storytelling created by Electric Joy Moments.

The ceremony elements were led by Electric Joy Ceremonies, who brought emotion, theatrical pacing and alternative romance into the heart of the story.

Stationery by WOW Wedding Stationery added tactile, beautiful paper goods that anchored the whole world in detail and texture.

Real model couple, Bambi & Jay, embodied the slow burn romance and scandalous tension that made the entire concept sing.

Collaboration at the Heart of Dark Wedding Collective

At the core of every Dark Wedding Collective editorial is community.

This shoot was only possible because of the wildly talented alternative wedding suppliers who trusted the vision and brought their creativity to the table. From venue to florals, fashion to film, every contributor added another layer to the story.

This is what DWC is about.

Championing creatives.
Creating inclusive spaces.
Giving couples permission to dream bigger, darker and more theatrically.

For Couples Dreaming of Something Different

If your saved folders are full of gothic novels, period dramas, candlelit feasts and dark academia aesthetics, this shoot was made for you.

You do not have to dilute your vision.

You can go historical.
You can go dramatic.
You can go intimate.
You can go strange.

You can build a wedding day that feels like a world you invented together.

And we are here to help you find the suppliers who will not blink when you say, “Regency but make it moody,” and instead reply, “Absolutely.”

The Dream Team

Concept: Dark Wedding Collective
Venue: The Sessions House
Photography: Laura Fitzgerald Photography and Janie Blackheart
Dress: Scarlet Tayla
Suit: Scar by Scarlet Tayla
Styling: Eva Rose Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Katie Gale Collective
Florals: Carrie Newnam Scott Floral Design
Celebrant: Electric Joy Ceremonies
Videography: Shot by Rutley
Content Creation: Electric Joy Moments
Stationery: WOW Wedding Stationery
Headpiece: The Lucky Sixpence
Shoes: House of Elliot Lace Boots
Models: Bambi & Jay

If you’d like to read more, head over to Laura Fitzgerald Photography to read the full blog