This opulent fine-art dark and moody wedding inspiration editorial is a testament to the power of an original, artistic, creative concept and the power of art, luxury, and bold statements. Drawing inspiration from the works of Gustav Klimt and the elegance of European Renaissance art, this unique fusion creates a truly unforgettable wedding experience.
Rubana Gaspar, the founder of Crimson Letters and the creative force behind this editorial, felt a strong urge to take it upon herself to add to the conversation rather than add to the noise and conceptualized an editorial she wanted to see. “In the realm of wedding inspiration, it’s hard to come across well-thought-out creative concepts. As a luxury, custom wedding invitation designer, I have thankfully worked on many editorials throughout my seven years in the wedding industry. After a while, many shoots started to look very similar and lacked a strong identity or theme.”
Embrace the allure of opulence and let this editorial inspire your own dark and moody modern wedding.
One theme that continues to captivate Rubana is the play between dark and light contrasts and the use of a powerful and sharp style dynamic. This editorial brings together elements of luxury, bold contrasts, and strong ornate design to create a truly unforgettable, artistic wedding experience as a celebration of lavish, dark and moody stationery, gold floral motifs, and a play between powerful hues to cater to a dynamic and bold bride.
Every invitation is a work of art in and of itself, setting the tone for the entire shoot.
Drawing inspiration from the paintings of renowned artist Gustav Klimt, “the kiss” was a focal starting point that Crimson Letters used for a stationery suite. Continuing from that, the stationary artist added intricate details from European Renaissance classical art and gold floral designs. The invitations feature ornate gold motifs, intricate patterns, and delicate flourishes. The use of metallic gold accents adds a touch of regal elegance, while the dark hues create a sense of mystery and arresting allure.
To bring Rubana’s bold and creative ideas, she gathered the team of like-minded creatives she carefully picked.
From Rubana: “Monika Kos truly showcased her exceptional skills, bringing her A-game to the table. Inspired by the intricate details of my stationery, she ingeniously crafted two stunning “stationery papers” that featured beautifully torn and rough edges that mimicked my designs perfectly. Her biscuit designs flawlessly completed my creative concept, and her attention to detail was impeccable.”
“The hand-painted stationery and wedding invitations were not an overnight event. I worked away quietly for several months, forging this collection slowly into existence. I had no idea where to start and what to do, but in the end, I followed my heart, relied on my innate passion, and followed what inspired me.”
Rubana Gaspar
Gibson Bespoke provided a chic embroidered black cape to transport you flawlessly from day to night and a striking crystal headpiece.
Dramatic Backdrop
With a quest for heightened drama, Rubana embarked on a mission to create a grandiose statement – a colossal two-meter-high black backdrop meticulously hand-painted with intricate brown branches and opulent gold flowers, completed with crumpled gold foil leaf centers. This extravagant masterpiece was meticulously crafted to captivate attention and serve as a sophisticated focal point in any space it graces. Unlike flower arrangements on the wedding day, this artwork will last through the testament of time and will go on to be displayed on the walls of her villa in Portugal.
“Cremilde Bispo, from Portugal, blew me away with her dedication and kindness and made a bespoke large gold stone ring, especially for this editorial as well as lending other distinct, hand-made lace ring and golden loop earrings.” – says Rubana.
Edera Jewellery donated a meticulously crocheted metallic choker to a shining necklace, stunning earrings, and delicate hair embellishments.
Alison Miller, the head of Monvieve, went above and beyond to supply not one but four couture veils. Her exquisite pieces, adorned with thick Chantilly lace in captivating shades of pale antique gold, pale cream, and deep grey, were beautifully made by hand in Italy and really go a long way to conveying a deep sense of heirloom quality.
Every element of this editorial has been thoughtfully curated to cater to the modern and adventurous bride who appreciates impeccable design and style. From the exquisite luxury stationery to the captivating interplay of light and shadow, every detail will ignite your imagination and serve as a source of inspiration for your own moody wedding, immersing you in a world of boldness and creativity.
CREATIVE CONCEPT, PLANNING, FLOWERS & TABLE DESIGN Crimson Letters | STATIONARY & HAND PAINTED BACKDROP Crimson Letters | PHOTOGRAPHER Katie Julia | ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER Stories from Eros | VIDEOGRAPHER Picture Mode | DRESSES Joanne Fleming Design | VEILS Monvieve | STYLING ANTIQUES Cristin Francis CAKE Monika Kos | JEWELRY Gibson Bespoke, Edera Jewellery, Cremilde Bispo | CHAIRS Wedhead | MUAH The Bridal Artists MODEL Olivia Beck | MODEL AGENCY Industry Model | VENUE Prestwold Hall