Art History for Brides: A Gothic Wedding
We’re already onto our 3rd installment of our Art History for Brides series and with each passing time period I grow more and more in love with the next. This installment was definitely a challenge in the way that I really wanted it to look romantic and elegant and not harsh and cold like so many attribute to this beautiful art movement. From the colors of the stained glass, berry toned flowers and a stunning model, I cannot express how happy I was with the end result. I hope you feel the same!
Art History for Brides: Gothic Wedding Inspiration
The Gothic art movement was during the 12th century and was very much inspired and driven by the inspirations of the church and had touches of Romanesque architecture, Byzantine textiles, and French fashion. Often confused with Goth (think vampires, Marilyn Manson, black lipstick and chokers), Gothic was daring yet refined and richly ornate with details.
Gothic Graphics
Bold Gothic style fonts are some of the most widely spread example of this genre and were even used for the very first example of printing, the Gutenberg Bible. For this Gothic style Wedding Invitation I created a custom quatrefoil pattern, incorporated vaulted arches and a diecut stained glass inspired invitation sleeve.
Gothic Architecture
Gothic architecture featured magnificent buildings that were built with signature pointed aches, vaulted ceilings, and flying buttresses. Some of the most notable examples of gothic architecture are Notre Dame. Reims Cathedral and Chatres Cathedral to name a few.
Gothic Symbols
Quatrefoils were a popular symbolic shape that was seen in the stained glass, ornate windows and other architectural elements that was widely repeated and gave a royal and majestic feeling. For our Gothic inspired table we used a rich gold velvet quatrefoil patterned as a runner layered on top of a rich berry stained wool. For an opulent and unique place setting we featured ornate marble tiles that featured golden scrollwork that could be seen through our cut crystal plates.
Flowers
For a bold yet romantic take on Gothic inspired flowers, Isari Flower Studio created a stunning yet delicate berry toned bridal bouquet composed of purples transitioning to merlot kissed Sweetpeas, dark burgundy Anemone with touches of wine hued Heleborus. The richly textured centerpiece offered a melange of deep red and cream ranunculas, schwartz mini calla lilies, succulents, black center anemones amidst astrantias, Hydrangeas and black berries. In addition to the large arrangement, the companion pieces boasted clusters of ranunculas, with grey dusty miller foliages and then topped each place setting a single cream ranunculas, and dusty miler leaves.
Stained Glass
Cathedrals boasted giant windows adorned with ornate stain glass that let light shine through in rich reds, blues, and yellows. Shapes including quatrefoils, floral inspired and geometric elements were combined to create these stunning light-filled windows from which the cathedrals patrons would gaze into from the pews. We brought the colorful glass from the windows onto the table with our bold and colorful goblets.
This vintage church chair by OC Prop Girl is a perfect example of Gothic style furniture with Gothic arches and detailing.
Gothic Fashion
The wealthy brought in expensive silks from Byzantium and wore them as long draping tunics with flared sleeves, a French fashion known as a bliaut. Blue and ruby red were popular colors accented with gold pieces such as a loosely worn belt with gold tassels. Women wore veils draped over their long braided hair to signify marriage. This was wonderful fashion during the 12th century but we opted for a stunning sand colored gown by Monique Lhullier and from M Bride for our bride to be.
Gothic Art
Triptychs are wonderful examples of Gothic art that featured three panels of settings framed by ornate vaulted arches. I was inspired by these classical pieces of art when I created a trifold wedding invitation in the same style showcasing the notable vaulted arch, quatrefoil and a stained glass inspired belly band.
With so many beautiful and meaningful artful elements to be inspired by this powerful artistic movement in history, Gothic is a wonderful genre to get inspiration for your wedding day. Whether it be Gothic inspired wedding invitations, stained glass inspired décor or even jewelry, Gothic design would be a great way to add drama and intrigue to your wedding.
Design & Styling by Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations
Photography by Jill Thomas
Invitation & Stationery Design by Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations
Flowers by Isari Flower Studio
Props by OC Prop Girl
Hair and Make Up by Katwalk Styling
Dress & Jewelry by M Bride
Venue The Capella at The Grand Del Mar
Pastries by Opera Patisserie
Art History for Brides: Gothic Wedding Inspiration
Art History for Brides: Glamorous Gothic Wedding Inspiration
I can clearly remember shuffling into an early morning art history class my first year of college at Otis. I had always loved history so I knew that I would be in for a treat if I could only keep my eyes open for the two hour class conducted in the dark that early in the morning. The moment the slides began to flash up on to the screen I was hooked. My favorite of course, Gothic. The power, the detail, the drama, I loved every bit of it. From the breathtaking flying buttresses of Notre Dame to the kaleidoscope of colors in the various Rose Windows, every element was so impactful to me because of the time and detail put into each element.
For our Gothic installment of our Art History for Brides series featured on Style Unveiled I wanted to incorporate the elements that I adored so much and bring them into a softer and more romantic feeling that would translate beautifully as Gothic wedding inspiration. Let me start by showing you some of my favorite examples of Gothic art and architecture. From flying buttresses, vaulted arches, quatrefoils, stained glass and even fonts, I have been inspired by these historical and beautiful examples of art. I hope you will be too!
These beautiful ornate scroll designs in the windows would be gorgeous elements to incorporate onto a Gothic wedding invitation design!
SPECIAL EVENT NOTICE
Isari Flower Studio announces their 2011 flower arranging class! Delicious and fresh spring lunch menu will be served by Julie Fran from Dining Details.
Sign up here!
Art History for Brides: Greco Roman Wedding Fashion
Greco Roman Wedding Fashion Inspiration
When in Rome do as the Romans do… Especially dress like them! And as we all know, the Romans have been setting the trends worldwide from the Greco Roman times until now. For our Greco Roman installment of our Art History for Brides series featured over on Style Unveiled we really wanted to portray the romantic and ethereal vibe that we all feel from those toga wearing eras. Soft and flowy light colored fabrics, gold and silver adornments and strappy gladiator sandals… not just for our styled bride, this was part of their daily garb! Don’t be afraid of infusing your wedding fasion with color via baubles, bold rings, bracelets and especially some bling braided into your flowing mane. With a little help from the ladies on Mount Olympus you’re sure to make a statement on your big day!
For a dramatic effect we stacked Rachel Leigh’s gold cuffs and bangles. Mixing metals isn’t a don’t anymore, experiment with this DO jewelry trend!
We dressed up our Greek goddesses hair with a silver toned jeweled headband by Rachel Leigh. The Allyson Simone halter neck wedding gown our bride is wearing features a delicate keyhole neckline with gorgeous silver beading for a wonderful way to bring your eyes up to our beautiful brides face.
This soft orange and peach bridal bouquet by Isari Flower Studio was the perfect compliment to her gold and silver toned jewelry.
Kat of Katwalk Styling created a gorgeous and ethereal fish tail braid and secured the end with a jeweled earring. Soft loose braids create such a beautiful and romantic look. We are also LOVING the daring back on this Allyson Simone bridal dress. Allyson Simone is an amazingly talented wedding gown designer with a new (few months old) bridal boutique located in Carlsbad, San Diego. They sell not only Allyon’s custom designs but many other amazing designers so if you’re in the Southern California area you must make this a stop on your wedding dress quest.
Photography by Jill Thomas
Bridal Styling by Stylish Silhouette & Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations
Wedding Dress by Allyson Simone of Provence Bride
Hair & Makeup by Katwalk Styling
Bridal Bouquet by Isari Flower Studio
Art History for Brides: Greco Roman Periwinkle Blue and White Wedding Invitation
An Aphrodite worthy Periwinkle Blue and White Wedding Invitation…
For part II of our Art History for Brides series being featured on Style Unveiled we wanted to create a one-of-a-kind invitation for our Greek and Roman god and goddess couple. For an Aphrodite worthy blue and white Greco Roman wedding invitation suite we were inspired by the details in architecture of those times such as the ornate capitals, Greek keys and laurel wreaths worn by the brides themselves.
We created custom shaped pieces with corner detailing and geometrical illustrations using the classic Greek key designs. The soft periwinkle, porcelain white, dove gray and dusty aqua colored wedding invitations were offset by rich vanilla and cobalt lined envelopes as contrasting yet complimentary accessories. A distressed vintage font was combined with a romantic script for a fun play of contrasting styles inside of the ornate borders. 
For the ‘dolci’ (sweet in Italian) dessert tags we created a custom shaped piece with a dusty aqua laurel wreath and secured them onto their corresponding pastry with soft blue velvet ribbons. Roman numerals counted down the courses on the menu and were also used on the actual invitation to show the date in time when the lovers, Athena and Maximilliano, would unite for eternity.
With so many limitless eras, genres and cultures to be inspired by, creating a one-of-a-kind blue and white wedding invitation needn’t be anything but ordinary.
Invitation and Wedding Stationery Design by Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations
Photography by Jill Thomas
Read More »