I always love to do styled shoots, it’s a way to tap into my creative mindset and get together with some of my favorite wedding vendor peeps. I’ve wanted to do a Steampunk shoot for quite some time now and it’s been on my back burner for the last few years. Now, I know why, I had to meet the ‘right’ people in order to create just the right look.
This year was the time to do it and I had the pleasure of bringing together a team of incredibly, talented New England wedding professionals to create it. I had a blast designing it and allowing the others to tap into their creativity as well to help give you ideas that bring in authentic steampunk elements with an elegant twist into your wedding. This shoot has been under wraps for months {sad to say, it wasn’t picked up to be published}, so I’m quite happy to finally be able to share the stunning images from EAS Photography and the creative awesomeness of the whole team! I hope you enjoy….
A Tale of Two Dreams: How you envision your wedding and how your parents do are completely different! Written by Kelly Belt
Let's face it, Steampunk is becoming more mainstream, but when you tell your parents you want a “Steampunk Wedding”, they look at you like you’re crazy. As much as you try to explain your ideas, they just don’t understand it and may revert to Google. You know that may not be the best place for them to look since we all know what pops up. Images of people in leather arm pieces adorned with brass and crotch revealing skirts. Who knows, they may even come across the man pictured from this photo shoot breathing fire.
Truth be told, you can still have a steampunk inspired wedding that you love and your parents are willing to invite their friends to. Your wedding theme, colors, location and décor does not need to be all black and brown, set in an abandoned mill and dimly lit with a bunch of Edison bulbs to feel authentic.
There are not many true Steampunk venue locations where you can have a wedding besides the occasional bar or diner. There are other great options to have your wedding such as barns, rustic themed restaurants and your very own backyard where a tent can be pitched. The photo shoot featured here was done at the Nevin's Memorial Library on a lovely Sunday afternoon. The architecture of the library fit with the appearance we were trying to create, but how your wedding style comes to life falls in how you decorate the venue and what elements you bring in.
In the steampunk world, almost nothing is used for its original intended purpose. For example, antique couch springs can be used to hold the flowers. Centerpieces can be made out of tea lights and thrift store finds of old large medicinal and tonic bottles can be used to hold loose flowers. Antique keys and price tags can be used as the escort cards and favors.
It’s a wedding, so there is bound to be cards and gifts and what better way than using old luggage to hold the cards. Another great idea to use for a card box is an antique birdcage from a thrift store that can add a Victorian feel. For the flatware and glasses, you can bring in the key steampunk elements that have character to add a vintage feel or incorporate types of metals that your guests will see that will tie into the décor.
This is a great way to keep things whimsical by using daisies and other types of flowers. If flowers aren’t your cup of tea, you can make a bouquet of buttons and paper flowers. As you can see below, color was used to bring in a different aspect to the overall look and feel. Rich tones and petals that remind you of velvet will bring back a feeling of yesteryear and Victorian luxury.
Truthfully, it’s usually all about the dress! Using colors of ivory and oyster can add an antique feel to your wedding. The dress featured here is made of fabrics from ivory to golden pink brown. Yes, it is 100% acceptable for you to wear a corset. The key when you’re shopping for a dress is to keep an open mind. If you are a smaller dress size and short in height, you may find a great vintage dress at an antique shop. Also, don’t forget this could be a good excuse to have something custom made that you can use over again.
You also want your beloved to be looking spectacular as well, so having them in a corset is a good option to keep them “looking their best”.
Your wedding is about whatever you choose it to be and should reflect your personality. Above all, make your wedding day; a day you will remember and others will talk it about fondly.
We all had a blast creating this shoot for you and I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.
Vendor Love:
Planner/Designer: Inked Events Florist/Designer: OUTBloom Floral Design Photography: EAS Photography Hair: J. Scott Salon Makeup: Katherine Macdonald Beauty Dress: Kelly Belt of Voltaire Design Studio Suit and Corset: Jane’s Corset Rentals: Peterson Party Center Venue: Nevins Memorial Library Model: Sarah Maillet Model: Charlie Hayes
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