For this styled wedding shoot, the aim was to create an atmosphere that was dark, dramatic and regal. We used royal purple, lavender, deep burgundy and vibrant cerise as our colour palette, with plenty of gilded gold highlights. And no white! This was the inspiration for my dark fairytale feather wedding dress.
My design was inspired by iconic evil queens: the evil queen from Snow White, Regina from Once Up A Time, and Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. It was also inspired by haute couture and historical costuming, specifically the Elizabethan period. Using my extensive knowledge of Elizabethan fashion, I went to town making the kind of dress I would create for a live action Disney film with a classic, fabulous villainess.
Dark Fairytale Feather Wedding Dress Details
Are you ready to get a bit nerdy about Elizabethan fashion? The Evil Queen dress features a whole host of yummy historical details:
- A boned corseted bodice, laced up at the back
- Hip flanges (the feathered structures sticking out of the bottom of the bodice)
- Underneath the skirt is an entire wardrobe’s worth of support layers; panniers, 2 hoop skirts, netting and a false petticoat (false because it doesn’t go all the way around)
- A long train from the shoulder (called either a sacque-back or a Watteau train)
- And detachable iridescent gold Elizabethan ‘wings’
And then there are the the more modern details:
- Around 550 feathers (400 in cerise and then 150 in purple, green and gold) all hand-sewn by me
- Beaded tulle sleeves that look almost like tattoos
- The hand-appliqued purple lace motifs, taken from the same materials as the sleeves and added to the waist, shoulders and back
The Devil’s in the Detail
I created two different sleeves for my Evil Queen dress. The first set were purple beaded tulle, fitted to the arm.
The second set I sewed on half way through the shoot. Good thing I’m handy with a needle and thread! My goal was a fuller balloon sleeve, made from the same taffeta fabric as the skirt. You can still see a flash of the beaded sleeves underneath as well. The volume adds to the drama, don’t you think?
I wanted this dress to be a visual feast, and the sleeves really contribute to that. With different colours, textures and shapes to keep giving your brain little bits of dopamine as you notice new, exciting details.
A Cake Fit for a Queen
This three-tiered cake by Mooreish Cakes was a sight to behold. Gilded with gold flourishes, with the middle tier painted artfully with 3D purple flowers. The perfect centre-piece for royalty. Structural elements were also made from coloured sugar, and looked like smoke or waves frozen in time. And the cake was decadence all the way through – made of a chocolate sponge with a raspberry cream filling. It was delicious.
A feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach.
Hair, Makeup and Accessories
The make up design and hair styling by Emma Garrod MUA and Capelli Amalia for this shoot were showstopping. Creative, eccentric, whilst still being beautiful. Not something you would find on a typical wedding day, but then again, these aren’t your typical brides.
The use of gold leaf really elevated these looks to something ethereal and opulent. Whilst flower crowns, golden feathered halos, fascinators and unique pieces of jewellery brought everything together. Those final touches really do make all the difference, taking something from being impressive, to causing a whole room to catch their breath.
Styling the Shoot
The stationery made for this shoot by The Ink Moth was gorgeous. Gilded leather, tassels, wax seals, watercolour, floral illustrations and beautiful calligraphy. It felt like the kind of papercraft that Persephone herself would approve of.
Not the Only Queen of the Castle
My dress was not the only outfit to be featured, and I have to shout out my fellow seamstresses and stylists. The Midnight Garden, Natasha Nicole Studio and stylist extraordinaire Thea Lily Loves for bringing it all together. There were four other brides, each one rocking an amazing darkly sumptuous outfit. From a deep plum suit, to a dramatic coat dress. There was sequins, velvet, tulle and satin, in dark berry shades, along with pops of champagne and purple. These brides look powerful.
Wild Wedding Flowers
And let’s not forget the flowers by The Midnight Garden & Wild Rose and Willow. Just look at that huge centre-piece. It looks like a scene from Sleeping Beauty, where the castle has been over run by greenery; ivy, hydrangeas, moss and pampas grass. A place for a princess to get lost in. Not to mention the bouquet as well!
And here I am, assisting on the day!
More Dark Fairytale Inspiration
If this kind of haute couture bridal fashion excites you, why not follow me on Facebook or Instagram? I’ve always got new, gorgeous creations to share.
And if you’re enjoying this dark fantasy vibe, then you’re going to love this Labyrinth-inspired wedding dress. Or if you’re interested in wedding dresses that incorporate feathers, have a look at my red masquerade creation.
Suppliers
Venue: Layer Marney Tower
Concept & styling: Thea Lily Loves
Photography: Caroline Horne Suffolk Photography
Headwear: The Milliner Provocateur & Thea Lily Loves
Make up: Emma Garrod MUA
Hair: Capelli Amalia
Feather gown: Felicity Westmacott
Silk coat/skirt/blouse: The Midnight Garden
Gold sequin dress: Jenny Packham
Velvet trouser suit: Tu Clothing
Embroidered tulle balloon sleeves: Natasha Nicole Studio
Cake: Mooreish Cakes
Stationery: The Ink Moth
Florals: The Midnight Garden & Wild Rose and Willow
Models: Niamh Hornsby, Louise Hartill, Chloe Appleford, Alice Doman, Ruby Ryan
Right hand women: Julia Coppen & Clara
