Gothic Seaside Wedding Inspiration: Dark Romance in Laguna Beach
If you read our posts about black wedding dresses being a hit in 2021, this next inspirational shoot will fill your little gothic heart with love! This is not your typical by the beach wedding. An edgier feel for a small town seaside wedding filled with moody florals, greenery + tasty desserts. Get your pinning fingers ready to save some of this glamorous inspiration.
Keep scrolling to see more photos by Sara Keefe Photography. Moonbeam Weddings & Events planned every detail of this wedding inspiration and Willow Garden Floral created all of these incredible florals you'll see throughout. WanderLand Media was there to film as this inspiration came to life at Seven 7 Seven. All the images are in the full gallery, so be sure to click through and read on to hear more from Moonbeam Weddings & Events.
The Venue
This gothic romance inspired shoot came from a mutual love of all things dark and alternative. Leaning into our edgy creative sides, all of us vendors let loose to explore the dark and glamorous. Set in Laguna Beach, the venue Seven 7 Seven is a gorgeous villa-esque site complete with lush surrounding greens that feature a gentle hillside waterfall. The buildings on site are softly aged and look fabulous in the setting sun as it falls behind the nearby hillside into the Pacific Ocean. We choose to make use of this wonderful golden time for the majority of our shoot. With magical invites handcrafted by H&L LOVELY, you too are invited to take a peek into the dark side.
All Black Everything
Lilia and Jon, our couple, come to us wearing their exact wedding outfits from 2 years prior. Her black, midnight colored gown was lovingly handcrafted for her by her own mother. Paired with an onyx crystal crown and edgy make-up from Mia Valdez Beauty, she stands as an impressive "bride-to-be". Meanwhile, he cuts a striking figure in his all-black tux paired with an enamel bat pin on his tie for that extra dark spice. Together, they come before our ceremonial alter fit with burning sage, palo santo, a golden chalice, and a glass skull for another dash of gothic fun. As a plethora of candles surround them, they seal their love for one another with a handfasting.
Lounge Garden
In the antique gothic lounge, Above The Top Party Rentals and Willow Garden Floral take the lead in filling it with a dark and warm ambiance. It is a haven for aged wooden furniture, soft cozy fabrics, lush and blooming florals, and natural crystals decorating every surface. With our bride changing into a silver sequined dress for the rest of the night (paired with a leather jacket, of course), our couple partakes in medieval banquet type reception. Complete with dark glassware, plates, and utensils provided by Something Borrowed Party Rentals, our table is set for the evening.
Table Decor
Running down the center, surrounding the dark floral centerpieces, are dark fruit, berries, and meats for guests to nibble at much like the olden days of long ago. Finishing off the night, Sambiguous Desserts fills the sweets table with dark, gothic treats such as individual dark chocolate mousse, chocolate-covered strawberries, double chocolate cookies, and a black colored cake. Each with a bit of glam added through the form of edible gold sheets, golden sprinkles, and florals. Created and designed by Moonbeam Weddings & Events and captured through the wonderful eyes of Sara Keefe Photography and WanderLand Media, we ask you...won't you take a turn in the dark side?
- Cakes & Catering: The Wild Whisk
- Couple: Lilia Gonzalez
- Couple: Jon Gonzalez
- Event Planning & Design: Moonbeam Weddings & Events
- Flowers: Willow Garden Floral
- Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Mia Valdez Beauty
- Paper Goods & Calligraphy: H&L LOVELY
- Photographers: Sara Keefe Photography
- Rentals: Something Borrowed Party
- Rentals: Above The Top Party Rentals
- Venues: Seven 7 Seven
- Wedding Films: WanderLand Media