This Styled Wedding Shoot At a Granary in Illinois Had No Color, But It Was Pretty Brilliant Nonetheless

Darkly romantic wedding couple in industrial setting

Don't get us wrong, we love a wedding with color. Warm and boho-inspired sunset shades, bright and punchy tropical takes, and soft-focused pastels that translate flawlessly for fine art interpretations, they're all SO good. But sometimes what we really need is a good, ole fashioned mood-fest, brought to us by a dark and slightly brooding palette and a duo of venues with simultaneously edgy and elegant vibes. That's exactly what transpired in this styled shoot and what brought the perfect collection of wedding vendors together to create pure magic in the midst of a global pandemic.

Keep scrolling to see more photos captured brilliantly by Esther Bloom Photography. Katy Doersam Decor+Florals planned every detail of this stop-you-dead-in-your-tracks shoot, including finding and arranging all of the to-die-for florals that were featured throughout. Mike + Ronna Eyman of Peregrine Media Productions were there to film as this inspiration came to life at a granary in Bone Gap, Illinois. All the images are in the full gallery, so make sure you swipe through everything (you'll get chills, we promise!!) and read on for more from Katy on all the striking and inimitable design cues.

Wedding invitation suite with ring on gold charger

Elegant gold ring with black stone in a velvet box

Candles grass and ribbon on concrete for event decor

A labor of love inspired by a seemingly-forgotten location

Woman in black dress wearing pampas grass headpiece

The entire shoot was inspired by a location: an old, abandoned granary. I wanted to take something decrepit and forgotten and show that it doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. This granary is located in a small southern Illinois village, Bone Gap to be exact. It was also home to the second location of our shoot – a basketball court. It, too, was abandoned (catching a theme here?).

Woman in black dress with pampas grass headpiece outdoors Man in suspenders with tattoo poses against industrial wall

Handsome man with tattoo in black shirt and suspenders

Real-life chemistry and real-life materials

Rustic concrete wall with door dried flowers and candles

Colton and Cheyenne were the perfect models. Being recently engaged, their fierce love and passion truly effused from these images. To play off the colors of the structures, I wanted to keep the colors to a minimum and stick to strictly neutrals – from Rose + Bliss’s amazing black dress + jumpsuit to the dried florals. I challenged myself to forage everything as organically as I could, down country dirt roads, and I didn't pay for a single flower. One of my favorite pieces was Cheyenne's headpiece, which was entirely handmade and, if I do say so myself, kind of totally stole the show.

Dark and moody wedding portrait with dried florals

Elegant couple in black attire embrace near rustic wall

They all played a part

Stylish couple in black attire, she with a pampas grass headpiece

The team at Natalie Joseph’s slayed the hair and makeup look – “sexy, but a touch messy.” Pastries from Unforgettable Cakes, a wedding cake from Bauerhaus Catering & Pastry, and a stationery suite from Bailey Marie Studio were all flawless editions. And peep that black engagement ring from H.D. Bean Jewelers! Laura Rush at Esther Bloom Photography captured every moment perfectly with her moody style of shooting which paired seamlessly with the overall vibe of the shoot.

Elegant couple in black attire walking amidst dust

Elegant couple in black attire posing near rustic building

Beauty can be found anywhere!

Gothic-styled couple embraces at rustic wedding reception

I hope you enjoy and always remember that in a world that strives for perfection, there is so much undiscovered beauty in things that are not new or shiny or picture perfect! Your special day will be beautiful no matter what you find inspiration from!

Delicious scones, cream horns, pastries, and fruit platter