Dark Gothic Forest Wedding at the Ebell Long Beach
Sheena & Steven came to us with a vision of dark forests, black candles, deep blue flowers and branches covered in moss and lichen. Their request: design us a gothic forest for our wedding day. Our answer: YOU GOT IT!
The Ebell Long Beach provided a gorgeous indoor courtyard setting for their ceremony and a moody dark wood backdrop for their reception dinner. The perfect setting for a gothic inspired affair.
A Dramatic Dark Bridal Bouquet & Plum Toned Boutonniere for the Bride & Groom Dressed in Black
Both the bride and groom were dressed all in black. Steven’s boutonniere featured a dark plum toned ranunculus bloom along with a black calla lily and moody grass, berry and foliage accents. Sheena wore a dramatic black lace gown & veil along which were already fit for a gothic queen but to really make it perfect she topped it all off with a stunning black and silver coronet. We wanted to create a bouquet for Sheena that stood out against her black dress but still offered a dark and moody gothic look. We nestled black calla lilies, scabiosa and dahlias next to deep plum ranunculus and accented the dark florals with hints of deep blues. To keep in the lush forest theme, her bouquet featured ferns, jasmine vine, moody black tipped grasses, and other dark green seasonal foliage. Her moody gothic bridal bouquet is still one of our favorites!
A Hanging Greenery Ceremony Arch Draped with Fabric
An asymmetrical arch of lush greenery, black calla lilies and deep blue delphinium was suspended over the ceremony altar and draped with dark grey chiffon fabric. The entrance to the aisle was flanked on either side with a lush and moody collection of moss, ivy and ferns in black ceramic vessels. Styled among the plants were all organic arrangements of moss & lichen encrusted branches and globe thistle, and black candles. The Ebell Long Beach is styled with plenty of lush greenery so this was a beautiful way to both bring our gothic forest theme to life and to blend nicely with the existing decor in the historic venue.
A Fern-Filled Reception in the Depths of a Gothic Forest with Black Candles
The reception dinner was held in the Ebell Long Beach’s Grand Dining Room. With high ceilings, dark wood detailing, and crystal orb chandeliers, this room was the perfect home for our lush and plant based tablescapes. Fern and moss plants potted in an assortment of black ceramic vessels graced the length of the long dining tables and the rounds. A mix of black candles and delicate bud vases filled with moody blooms were styled throughout. This was a simple but gorgeous way to bring the gothic forest to the dinner tables. The sweetheart table was placed in front of the Ebell’s stunning ornate fireplace and was styled with a mix of plants, moody bud vase arrangements and black candles. Between the dark wood paneling of the dining room, the stunning fireplace, the surrounding green plants and moody florals, Sheena and Steven’s reception felt like we were being transported to a gothic fairytale feast.
An Elegant Black Cake for our Gothic Couple
Sheena & Steven’s wedding cake was not your typical white piped stack of sweets. Their frosting choice, a slate grey with delicate black filigree, complemented the grey chiffon draping at the altar and all of the ornate black accents throughout the wedding. Because this wedding cake was already so beautiful, we didn’t want to overdo it with florals. Clusters of deep plum calla lilies, accents of black scabiosa buds, and hints of blue delphinium were all connected by swirling jasmine vines. This cake was the perfect end to an edgy yet elegant gothic wedding.
Vendors
Venue: Ebell Long Beach
Planner: Pop The Champagne Events
Photographer: Ashley Vandevelde
Florist: Nocturne in Bloom
DJ: Kaleb Brand
Catering: Tres LA
Cake: Rossmoor Pastries
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling: Fairytale Hair and Makeup
Officiant: Reverend Clint Hufft
Wedding Gown: Coco Melody
Rings: Point No Point Studio
Officiant: Chris Robinson