how to have a castlecore wedding

Alessandra Barilla
Jul 17
3 min read

It is with great pleasure that I can show you my latest labour of love, a castlecore styled photoshoot.

For this concept, I wanted a fantasy atmosphere, an artistic aesthetic with gothic accents, and a medieval feeling (all my favourite things).

I wanted to create a visual that spoke to all the people who don't feel comfortable with a traditional white wedding, but would like to embrace their alternative side, expressing themselves with choices that are a little different from the ordinary - dark colours, rich textures, intricate designs - but make it soft gothic.

choose your castle - your venue is the heart of the magic, and where all your dreams are going to come true, so don't be afraid to pick something out of the ordinary. I chose Ruthin Castle as the backdrop for my styled photoshoot, for its dark and moody vibe - and for the spectacular grounds and the peacocks! - fun fact: lots of peacocks inhabit the castle gardens and they are extremely chatty!

set the scene - I worked with Sam from She's electric events , a fabulous venue stylist, to create the perfect backdrop for our ceremony and the most magical table setting : draped satin, hurricane vases with candles, old books. All the elements contributed to that otherworldly, Game of Thrones feeling. Our amazing florist, Angela from Flourish Flowers, created some beautiful flower installations filled with deep colours, textures and layers, inserting anthuriums, bleeding roses, orchids, draping amaranthus, these flowers were truly out of a gothic fairytale.
choose the details you care about - stationery can really transport you into the vibe and will tell your guests exactly the type of wedding that they've been invited to - I knew I wanted some stationery pieces that looked from a different time, and that could represent a little piece of art by itself. The one and only Lorraine from Caboodle Weddings created a real work of art with this stationery, including an ancient engraving of Ruthin Castle (our venue) in the invitation suite envelope, a medieval banquet painting on the menu, medieval style illustrations and burgundy ribbons on the vow books to give an elevated, artsy experience.
A beautiful romantic gothic cake was made by Mel's amazing cakes, featuring painted antique roses and sugar flowers. Of course the cake cut had to be done with a sword!

choose a special celebrant : when I put these ideas together, I knew that the perfect choice of celebrant would be Lottie Moon Celebrant, who embraced the medieval concept wholeheartedly and delivered an incredible handfasting ceremony with elements inspired by the knighting rituals, complete with a dagger which was used to balance and exchange the wedding rings.

it's time to choose your outfit.
April wore an enchanted black gown from Legend Bridal : romantic lace, beads, tulle cape, and lots of movement. The look was completed by a pair of gorgeous black lace boots by House of Elliot. A mysterious and regal headpiece fit for a queen, and beautiful pendant earrings were designed by Janie of The Lucky Sixpence.
Tom wore a custom made outfit by the awesome Tess from Beyond the Veil boutique, which included a burgundy shirt with layered sleeves and draped cuffs, a waistcoat with a vintage rose pattern, and double breasted britches worn with long dark socks - fantasy details for a very regal but unconventional vibe.
A dark, glam makeup was curated by the Glam Group UK for April, and a rock'n'roll/goth eyeliner look for Tom.
Both April and Tom had viking style braids half updos, executed expertly by LSP hair , to give a real Daenerys & Drogo feel.
Talented jewel artistan Jemma Bowers provided us with a selection of engagement and wedding rings which made us all feel like royalty.

I hope these pictures inspired you to live your main character life and choose exactly what you want for your wedding. Don't be afraid of expressing your authentic self on the most important day of your life. You deserve it, friend!

This photoshoot has been featured on Unconventional Wedding with a beautiful blog by them.

My gorgeous castlecore team:

Photographer & Coordinator: Arielinblue

Second Photographer: Ritchie Jones

Content Creator: Love Story Lens

Venue: Ruthin Castle

Stylist: She’s Electric Events

Florist: Flourish Flowers

Cake: Mel’s Amazing Cakes

Stationery: Caboodle Wedding

Celebrant: Lottie Moon Celebrant

Models: April & Tom