Mirror, mirror, on the wall, which is the fairest wedding of them all? We have some magic for you today. This alternative fairytale wedding, organised by Tribe Member Charlotte Laurie Designs, is a real beauty! Think: Snow White with a dark twist. With earthy decor, real life owls and a spontaneous handfasting ceremony, take a look and get inspired! Over to Charlotte to explain how she did it!
how to style an alternative fairytale wedding
Don’t be afraid of the dark
Dark colours and subdued lighting created the rich, romantic atmosphere of this shoot. Make sure that if your venue has limited lighting, you let your photographer know so they can bring the right kit.
give yourself plenty of time
It can take a while to find the right thing at the right price so leave plenty of time to make sure you get it right. We wanted a feather bowtie for our groom and there are more out there than you might think! Eventually, we found an amazing bargain online and the quality was great despite the lower price tag.
Tie your catering choices in with your theme
We absolutely LOVED the wedding grazing table created by Graze With Me, it truly created a feast fit for a fairytale. A hog roast would have also been a great choice.
Alternative fairytale wedding styling- Au Naturale
The inspiration behind this alternative fairytale wedding shoot was the venue itself, The Lost Village Of Dode. It really is a magical place. It feels like it is somehow not built but grown from the earth around it. The aim was to create an earthy and natural feel, but without using any fresh cut flowers. We had an alternative felt bouquet with trailing ivy and used natural materials to style the wedding tables. We created levels using old books and wood pieces with moss bringing it all together. Finally, we added wooden, tree like candelabras made by our amazing stylist Lily Jones Events.
With all this talk of nature we can’t possibly not mention the Owls from Nuptuowls. They were amazing- so gentle and patient (and cute!) They were the perfect addition, helping bring the alternative fairytale to life.
a spontaneous hand fasting! Alternative fairytale wedding Ceremony
There must have been some magic in the air on the day because our lovely couple Natalie and Maxx decided to have an actual handfasting ceremony right there and then – it was lovely and so romantic. They have since got engaged and our now busy planning their own special day!
We’re a big fan of wedding celebrants here at UW! Check out our Ultimate Guide To Celebrants here, with details about different types of ceremony including handfasting!
Unique wedding looks for an alternative couple
Alongside alternative fairytale wedding venue styling must be awesome outfits for the bride and groom! The lovely bride looks gorgeous in a gold wedding dress and corset by Powdered And Waisted Corsetry, with a badass cape! The groom is rocking a bowtie/suspenders combo, with bespoke buttonhole by Charlotte Laurie Designs. Both with alternative headpieces, these looks have real personality and fit the theme brilliantly!
The team behind this alternative fairytale wedding
Coordination, Bouquets & Flowers – Charlotte Laurie Designs
Table Styling – Lily Jones Events
Photographer – Chloe Mary Photo
Location – The Lost Village Of Dode
Brides Outfit & Styling – Powdered And Wasted Corsetry
Grazing Table & Cake – Graze With Me
Embroidered napkins and Garter – Extra Special Touch
Hair – L.A Styling
Make Up – Sharon Owens Bridal Makeup
Stationery – Paper Punks Emporium
Jewellery – Sam Ryde Jewellery
Lace Boots – House Of Elliot
Owls provided by – Nuptuowls
Additional Props & Crockery- Harriets Table
Models – Natalie & Maxx
Over on the blog - more alternative wedding ideas
Enchanted Forest Inspired Wedding at Soughton Hall
Enchanted Forest Inspired Wedding at Soughton Hall An enchanted forest wedding isn’t defined by trees or setting, but by atmosphere. At Soughton Hall, this styled shoot builds that feeling entirely within the space. Moss, layered florals and texture reshape the room, creating something enclosed and immersive. The space shifts into
A Magical Pink and Emerald Wicked Inspired Wedding
A Magical Pink and Emerald Wicked Inspired Wedding Welcome to a magical Wicked wedding like no other. This styled shoot is full of magic, mischief and love. It’s bold, inclusive and bursting with creativity. Planned by Ella Bella Weddings and Events with Quirky Weddings , it took place at the
Pastel Fairytale Wedding Inspiration
Pastel fairytale wedding We all love a good Disney movie here at UW, and this pastel fairytale wedding inspiration is simply gorgeous. This styled shoot is based around Sleeping Beauty, featuring eclectic vintage antiques, springtime florals, and an ancient chapel wedding venue. Keep reading to find out how to create
Enchanting Fairy Wedding Magic!
I do believe in fairies! We have some magic on the blog today with this gorgeous fairy wedding! This styled shoot paints a scene of a whimsical afternoon in the garden, with three mischievous fairies peeping out of the trees. Inspired by the classic ‘Flower Fairy’ books by Mary Cecily
Fairytale Boho Wedding – Secret Garden!
Let me set the scene… A secret garden, a modern princess, and a fairytale boho wedding. These dreamy photos will spark your imagination AND give you a load of big day inspo. This whimsical bride is rocking a stunning flower crown and some killer alternative bridalwear. Keep scrolling for ethereal scenes
Lady Red- Gothic Wedding Inspiration with a Fairytale Twist
Elegant, moody and dramatic, this gothic wedding inspiration is giving us ‘dark fairy-tale’ vibes and we’re loving it. The shoot features a real couple of alternatives, Jamie and Mark, who recently got married! Jamie is rocking her own wedding dress which she made herself! She also designs awesome bespoke shoes,