I created two bespoke wedding dresses in Brighton for this fun, campy, Cabaret photoshoot. The goal was to create a vibrant celebration of life and love, full of bright colours and bags of personality. There’s no better way to celebrate than with glitter, confetti and a whole lot of fun!
I don’t know about you, but this wedding looks like the kind of party I want to be invited to!
So if you’re looking for some inspiration for a wedding that’s a little less ordinary, then step right this way, and dare to be different…
Camp, Queer and Ready to Party
For the location, we chose the iconic Proud Cabaret in Brighton, Sussex. It’s such a unique indoor wedding venue, and the perfect alternative if a church wedding was never on the agenda for you. Being in Brighton means the whole place oozes queerness, fun and the promise of something a little bit naughty.
And who doesn’t want to get married on an actual stage?
The place was decked out with a fabulous flowers (by Ashdown Events, who also styled the whole shoot), a sparkling streamer backdrop (from Streamadelica) and beautifully decadent three-tier wedding cake made by The Blue Box Cake Company. Nothing was too over the top. Feathers, flowers, sequins, and a little golden cupid all adorned the top table.
Everything was in our colour scheme of pillar box red, bright pink, purple and gold. Something about pink and red together scratches an itch in my brain in a very satisfying way.
You Don’t Have To Ask Me Twice!
Stationery was designed by The Amyverse, using modern calligraphy and bold colours to tie in with our theme.
Two Brides, Two Vibes
For this shoot, we had two stunning brides (real couple Michele and Graziella), so I had to make sure the bespoke wedding dresses I provided were just as beautiful. There was something very cool about seeing the soft, floaty elegance of the full length Aurora dress, matched with the edgy and fun, red Elodie dress (which you can find on my Etsy). A perfect example of femme and masc mixing together in complete queer harmony.
I designed the Elodie dress for a modern, bolder bride in red silk dupion with a glittering sequin bodice. The front has a simple boat neckline, but peak around the corner and there’s a plunging low back featuring a tiered necklace plus a statement sash and bow train. I also added tulle spilling out from the column of the dress, in contrasting navy and bright fuchsia, for extra drama.
The Aurora dress has a different kind of drama. Made of layers and layers of blush organza and ivory tulle, creating this beautiful, opulent silhouette. The bodice is covered in sparkling metallic lace, with a sweetheart neckline glittering with sequins and beading. Then there are the balloon sleeves, made of featherlight tulle. And finally, the dip dye skirt. Going from lightest pink, through cerise, into deep burgundy. What a stunning colour gradient!
These two dresses show that a colourful wedding dress can mean either a pop of colour (like the crimson pink dip dye) or leaving out the white all together with the bright red sequins of the Elodie dress.
Partying After Dark
Once the ceremony is done, the chairs can be cleared and the dance floor can be claimed. And the treats don’t end there, with little layered desert pots to be enjoyed by the evening guests and cocktails available at the bar. They’ll need the energy if they’re going to dance the night away!
Closing Time
Like all good things, the party has to come to an end. And now the guests stumble to their taxis, holding their heels in their hands and smiling all the way home. That was the feeling we had at the end of this photoshoot anyway!
Want To See More?
Hopefully seeing these bespoke wedding dresses in Brighton has given you plenty of inspiration for your own outfit. You can see more of the Aurora dress in two other photoshoots. This dreamy Marie Antoinette-inspired shoot and this atmospheric Castle photoshoot in Essex.
If you love the Aurora dress, then the original is currently up for sale here. Or if you’d rather have it bespoke and made to your exact measurements and preferences, you can start that process here.
Or if the Elodie dress is speaking to you, then you can find this exact version here. And again, for a completely bespoke experience, you can find the Etsy listing here.
If you’re still trying to find the perfect wedding look for you, you can see a load more colourful and unique looks here.
And if you want to find out more about the other suppliers, this photoshoot was featured on the Unconventional Wedding blog.
Here I am, working away on the day.
Photoshoot Suppliers
Organiser & hairstylist – Big Hair Energy
Model couple – Michele and Graziella
Bridal party models – Isabella Posenato, Nastia Photography, Kelly Marie Wheeler
Wedding dress – Felicity Westmacott
Celebrant – Jess May’s Special Days
Stationery – The Amyverse
Photographer – Magpie Eye Weddings
MUA – Joanne Hook
Videographer – Richie Ashwin
Cake – The Blue Box Cake Company
Accessories – The Lucky Sixpence
Styling/floristry – Ashdown Events
Streamers – Streamadelica
Coordinator – Dani Singam
