During Still Poetry Photography’s eight years in the wedding industry, we’ve never seen a group of vendors come together to so flawlessly execute a couple’s elaborate vision. Heather and Michael wanted a Til Death themed wedding that showcased the pair’s love for the gothic and macabre. Each vendor they selected brought their best to create an atmosphere unlike anything we’ve ever photographed. Here’s how we all pulled off an unforgettable evening that began Heather and Michael’s journey as a married couple.
The Engagement Session
We got a feel for Heather and Michael’s aesthetic during the planning for the engagement session. We customize our engagement photo concepts for every couple so that it reflects their love story authentically, and these two had a very clear vision for the aesthetic of their portraits.
For Heather and Michael, we started out with a more simple forest session that felt more relaxed for their daughter to warm up to the camera. After finishing the more standard portraits, we went all in on the drama and elegance.
We combined our own props with the ones the couple brought to make an elaborate, gothic display as the backdrop to their portraits. Sew Romantic Designs collaborated with us by offering their Black Great Gatsby dress, which fully completed the look. Michael brought his suit, and their daughter Rosie wore a piece from our client closet that actually belonged to me as a child! My mom loved seeing a dress her little girls wore over two decades ago getting some love again.
To finish out the session, we brought out our angora rabbit Matilda to give a bit of a gothic magician air of mystery to the final photos. Don’t worry; we compensated her with plenty of treats for her incredible modeling performance.
Getting Ready
La Banque de Fleuve, the venue Heather and Michael selected, has multiple unique features that cater to several different aesthetics. The building this couple selected is a historic bank the owners converted into a unique event space. The original vault still remains and gives couples a really neat place to pose for photos! While Alliyah, owner of The Bridal Bestie, worked tirelessly to deck the hall with lavish details, linens, and more candles than I have ever seen before in my life, Heather and Michael got ready at La Banque’s second building next door. Glam by Gabby and Honey Bridal worked to prepare the bridal party’s hair and make up when we arrived. Gabby did a phenomenal job; after 7 hours of non-stop photos and partying, not one spec of Heather’s make up was out of place!
While Gabby finished up, we got to work photographing those precious detail shots. Heather gave us an entire box filled with unique items that allowed us to get creative with our flatlays.
After Michael put Rosie’s tiara in place, we were ready to help Heather into her dress.
The First Look
La Banque’s upstairs quarters were the perfect spot for a first look. The secluded spot gave them a private place to take in each other’s immaculate wedding day looks in front of windows that looked out upon the river. We then had a second first look with Rosie, and after a few family portraits, we let Rosie go take a break while we started on newlywed portraits. It’s essential not to burnout and overwhelm children too early on the wedding day, especially when they’re such a big part of the celebration. No matter how old you are, it’s exhausting posing for photos in an uncomfortable dress, so we wanted her to have some time to decompress periodically so she could pace herself.
We highly recommend incorporating a first look into your day. Not only does it allow you to have a private moment of excitement before the hubbub of the ceremony, but it also enables you to open up your timeline considerably. Once the ceremony takes place, you’re on a tight schedule from cocktail hour to reception.
Why would you take time away from the biggest party of your life to take portraits?
Newlywed portraits are of course an essential part of the wedding day experience, but we want our couples to actually experience their wedding without it feeling like a photoshoot. Knocking out portraits before the ceremony starts gives you so much more breathing room during the wedding day, and it allows you to actually enjoy the process without stressing about time.
The creative portraits we took of Heather and Michael wouldn’t have been possible without a first look. We’re so glad they opted for this format!
The Ceremony
Sometimes ceremonies can feel a little cookie cutter, but these two made sure to make this important moment their own. Erin Baker played the harp beautifully as guests took their seats with a themed cocktail in hand. She continued as the bridal party entered, the music swelling as Heather walked forward towards her future husband.
The officiant tailored her remarks to Heather and Michael’s love story, and they wrote their own vows to declare their love in their own unique way. They incorporated a beautiful detail where Rosie also got a wedding ring to symbolize her inclusion in this union. They aren’t just marrying each other; they’re officially becoming a family of three.
They finished the ceremony with a knot tying ceremony, sealing their union with a kiss.
The Reception
No detail was overlooked for creating the ambience Heather and Michael wanted for the reception. They had a tarot card reader giving out fortunes to guests, they had a temporary tattoo station outside, every bit of the catering was themed perfectly to fit the decor, and the Bridal Bestie immaculately adorned the sweetheart table to match the guest tables.
Heather and Michael’s entrance into the reception was welcomed warmly by the guests who all enjoyed their choreographed first dance. After they finished their performance, they brought Rosie up for a more relaxed family dance. Then, Heather and Michael each danced with their mothers to the same song. We love this option for parents who are more shy; if you don’t want 100% of the attention on you, we highly recommend sharing the spotlight and dancing at the same time!
Maison Intimate Catering began serving the guests (and vendors!) a sumptuous meal that I’m still thinking about three months later. Once the guests ate their fill, it was time to get the party started!
DJ Blacpoet didn’t miss a beat with selecting songs that got the crowd on the dancefloor, and Heather changed into a short dress so she could really cut loose with her guests. The party only paused when it was time to toss the bouquet.
It was an incredible evening and we were so lucky to be there to capture those memories for the happy couple and their loved ones!
Throwing Your Own Til Death Themed Wedding?
If you and your partner are interested in throwing your own Til Death themed wedding, we hope Heather and Michael gave you some inspiration! None of this day would have been possible without the incredible vendors that brought their amazing vision to life, and we look forward to the next wedding we get to work with all these incredible creatives.
Still Poetry Photography is a queer, neurodivergent owned photography business that specializes in documentary-style, true to color photography that captures your wedding day with compassion. If you want to walk away from your wedding with incredible photographs that didn’t feel like a photoshoot to create, we’d love to hear from you!
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