After 5 years of marriage Karl & Loryl decided to renew their vows in a steampunk inspired ceremony. To celebrate the announcement, the couple asked photographer Laura Zastrow to take some themed portraits to use at the party, which will be taking place later this summer in Milwaukee.

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"We are both crafty, artistic and creative," the pink haired bride told me. "We wanted a mix of romantic gothic, neo-Victorian, vintage and steampunk for our wedding. We really wanted to make it our own and original with still trying to keep a little tradition for our families. We decided we just wanted hints of each. That's why we decided to DIY as much as we could."

After an 11 year relationship, Jasmine & George were married in The Greenhouse at The Foundry, NY by groom's cousin, John Russo. "We got our wedding rings from Gemvara," Jasmine continued. "My ring has black and white diamonds and his had black diamonds added to it. The inscription says 'True Love Waits' after a Radiohead song because we waited 11 years before we got married."

The reception was held in the main hall at The Foundry. "Our centerpieces were made by us," the bride explained. "We collected wine bottle corks and dried out lots of red roses upside down on a laundry line at home at least 3 weeks before putting them all together. The tops of the apothecary jars had a black ribbon tied around with a different steampunk and vintage-themed trinkets attached."

"The cake toppers were from blimpcat on etsy. They were wooden cameos of us that we used on our Save the Dates. All the paper goods were handmade by my maid of Honor including the programs, menus, table cards, our table banner and the wedding entrance sign. She also made the signs that the entire wedding party and parents held up for the photos. We got our wedding invitations made by Royal Steamline."

The couple also made a huge effort with their outfits, DIYing and accessorising with vintage and steampunk details. "George and his groomsmen had time piece lapels were made by us using mini metal gears, chains, a mini key & a watch face. We had the florist attach the black calla lillies to the pieces we made."

"The hats that my bridesmaids wore were made by us as well. We bought simple tear shaped hats and added black & red striped feathers, dark red birdcage tulle, time pieces and mini vintage keys. I made my veil/mask with white birdcage tulle and Swarovski crystals. The feather was from Claire's Accessories that I just clipped on the side. For the reception, I changed my headpiece to a headband which I also made myself. I bought the sequin trimming and a brooch from etsy which I simply put together."

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A Neo-Victorian, Steampunk Wedding: Jasmine & George

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"We are both crafty, artistic and creative," the pink haired bride told me. "We wanted a mix of romantic gothic, neo-Victorian, vintage and steampunk for our wedding. We really wanted to make it our own and original with still trying to keep a little tradition for our families. We decided we just wanted hints of each. That's why we decided to DIY as much as we could." After an 11 year relationship, Jasmine & George were married in The Greenhouse at The Foundry, NY by groom's cousin, John Russo. "We got our wedding rings from Gemvara," Jasmine continued. "My ring has black and white diamonds and his had black diamonds added to it. The inscription says 'True Love Waits' after a Radiohead song because we waited 11 years before we got married."

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January 24, 2012

Describing your wedding to me as 'vintage tech' automatically gets my attention. But when I actually laid eyes on the Star Wars figurines and helmets, the 80's VHS', the tennis rackets, the splashes of neon paint and the 80's cassette players…all nestled nicely into the bohemian chic setting…well I might have let out a little squeal of joy. The two juxtaposing ideas shouldn't work, but they do – perfectly.

I a squillion percent believe this to be wedding with the coolest centrepieces ever. EVER. Who needs to spend hundreds on expensive flowers and stuff…just throw things you already own on the tables and voila! Instant awesome!

(You can see the rest of their tables in the gallery below – each table was different).

"We wanted the day to feel personal to us," the bride wrote. "I guess everyone does, but we really tried to think about a few key details & set the tone for the day with the service. We used a craftrobo stencil cutting machine to make stencils and spray painted the place names & table plan shutters. My brother found the shutters in a skip. We also used milk bottles I'd collected as a kid and jam jars kept by my Mum for the table flowers."

"We went for a humanist celebration which was conducted by Leigh Chambers. It had a sense of occasion, was very personal but also a lot of fun. It told our story and embraced both our cultures – the English traditions of vows and exchanging rings and Ismaili traditions including breaking the sapatiya. Because we're both hoarders and we love our stuff we used objects we owned that represented the two of us to give each table it's own individual theme."

…And theme it they certainly did…Oh I've literally died and gone to heaven…vintage tech heaven to be exact.

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This incredible fashion editorial was shot on the Creole Queen Paddlewheel for the winter issue of NOLA Wedding Guide. The shoot was inspired by Jules Verne, the 19th century and steampunk.

"Jules Verne's novels were rich with extravagant voyages and adventures set in the romantic Victorian Era," the team explained. "This was the era of the newly invented steam engine and through-railways and steamships, which opened up the opportunity for leisure travel and adventure for the first time."

"What could be a better metaphor for wedding planning and a marriage than an extraordinary voyage? Isn't that what you, the bride, is embarking upon? Your upcoming marriage is the beginning of a journey filled with delightful adventures, and of course romance!"

Check out the behind the scenes video too…

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So where do I begin trying to explain the awesomeness of Renee & Ian's undead steampunk wedding? I think maybe the title gives away just how amazing this wedding is going to be doesn't it?

The couple were married at Catalyst, a private live/work artist community in Chicago. "We actually had to 'audition' for the space," Renee told me. "The members have a delicate relationship with the community and can't risk any trouble. We had to prove to them over several months that we talented and responsible enough to be able to use their space. We had to foster a personal relationship with them before they would even consider us. It was tedious, but worth it in the end."

"We gained some more wonderful friends for our already stellar collection, and the space allowed us freedom that traditional venues could not (like staying until 6am and coming back later in the week to help clean up)."

The bride made her dress herself from a 1880's corset pattern. She tea stained dupioni silk and lace and designed the skirt and blouse herself. Her headpiece was a pair of vintage goggles that she bought from a flea market which Ian 'steampunked' by using random pieces including a magnifying glass that belonged to his Grandmother.

"We love Halloween and costumes!" the bride continued. "It's truly the only time of year that we have any pictures together. We plan all year for it! We're not really big on the institution of marriage. We partly decided to 'make it official' (though our love and commitment was official enough for us) because Ian's dad was diagnosed with cancer, and the outlook was grim. We knew he would love to see us married. On a lighter note, Greg is doing very well these days in remission."

"Our choice of theme started a bit of an uproar in our families. We were made fun of, called sacrilegious, and many of our family from WI didn't show up (some for financial reasons, but I assume many of our very catholic family members just didn't approve). We were asked to have a separate 'family wedding' in WI, but refused. Our wedding was going to be a celebration of our love, our way and a way for us to show our families that we are proud of who we are. We didn't WANT to dis-include or hurt them, but we didn't want to compromise ourselves on our day! In the end, the family that did show up really seemed to enjoy themselves."

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"The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is not your usual destination wedding location…  Then again, we're not your typical bride and groom," wrote Erin & John. "First of all, we wanted to base our wedding and honeymoon around Carnival that happens every year in Trinidad.  It's one of the world's largest Carnival celebrations – and we wanted to be dressed in sequins, feathers, and not much else for our honeymoon celebration.  We invited our friends to come to Tobago the week before Carnival for our wedding.  We rented out all the villas at The Palms Villa Resort – and partied for a solid week leading up to our big day.  The following week, our friends followed us on our honeymoon…and danced with us in the streets of Trinidad!  How nice of Trinidad to throw us such a lovely wedding reception!"

The wedding day started with portraits on the beach, "Our photographer Angela Hubbard spent the morning following us around the small island of Tobago taking our photos on the beach, next to the colorful and whimsical architecture of Tobago, with goats, carrying chickens – you name it!  She captured such whimsical, beautiful, and silly moments… The photos are priceless."

Erin wore an amazing Vera Wang gown and John designed his outfit himself.  "He wanted something just as unique and special," continued Erin. "He succeeded, with custom made boots, hat, suit, and a vintage Louis Vuitton silk shirt.  John's best friend and best man, his chocolate lab, Loki, couldn't be there – but his life-sized cut-out was!  As for the rest of the bridal party, we gave loose guidelines – but really, it was all about us. With a few accessories like parasols for the bridesmaids and matching hats for the groomsmen – everything came together beautifully."

"To end our special day, we lit Chinese wishing lanterns and sent them off into the night sky.  It was so beautiful (despite our worry that our wedding might forever be known as "the night we burned down Tobago") and magical – that thinking back on it now, it hardly seems real…"

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This steampunk themed bridal shoot was set up by Australian photographer Angelica Peady and Lea from Willow Tree Creative Services) in order to to showcase these fabulous gowns from Gallery Serpentine. The shoot was styled to complement the amazing venue they chose, the Lithgow State Mine Park – an old mining site in New South Wales.

"It is the story of a strong bride who is trying to navigate her own way to her wedding," Angelica told me. "Her compass brakes and she is left to explore and find her way on her own. She has her british prototype WWII night vision goggles and her mason's on acid amulet for protection, finally she finds her way to a steam train and made it to her wedding fashionably late."

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Photography Credit: Steve Gerrard Photography

On the look out for something different in your wedding dress? Well if you're lucky enough to live near Birmingham, UK I may just have the answer for you! The Couture Company, situated in Birmingham's uber trendy Custard Factory, was relaunched last September as a shop that specialises in both unique wedding dresses, corsets (Rawhide Corsets) and lingerie.

Photography Credit: Rebecca Parker Photography

Store owner Joanne tells us, "Clients can book a appointment (which is free and absolutely no obligation to order), and with that booking they get our undivided attention for a one to one appointment, we go through their ideas and plans for the wedding , and then get to work playing dress up , trying on gowns to get ideas about lines, shapes silhouettes and fabrics. We are not precious about our gowns that we are not willing to embrace each brides individuality, we are happy to input the clients ideas and discuss how we can make them work and bring them to life.  Its very inspiring meeting our clients and we draw on lots of ideas into the melting pot. Whether it is interpreting a clients idea of her gob-smacking gown or if its just to add a flash of colour or embellished jiggery pokery to an existing gown in our collection we embrace it all. We have designed many different styles of gowns in many different colours that is hard to pinpoint a particular style or type of gown….although we do particularly favour a nipped waist and a curved hip."

Photography Credit: Steve Gerrard Photography

Designer Joanne and her team will give clients their utmost attention, from your initial consultation to your final fitting, she works with each bride on a one to one basis, and will give you a vast choice of fabrics, colours, styles and detailing that you need for your dream gown. They work with the most beautiful fabrics from around the world, the smoothest Thai silks to the most Regal of Duchess Silk Satins and the most delicate of French laces, and also offer a number of fabric options to suit varying budgets. Joanne works with contemporary embroidery designers who can create the most  unique and exquisite embroidery designs to suit  each customer. Every gown and corset is handmade and created in house by Joanne and her team.

Photography Credit: Steve Gerrard Photography

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Alena & Geoff were married at The Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara. Their fancy dress, circus themed day was certainly a show-stopper, especially as the majority of their guests really got into the swing of it and made a real effort with their outfits. "We invited our guests to dress up, and that made them fully participate in all aspects of the circus/carnival wedding," they told me. "We had 2 guests as 'door clowns' who checked people in, gave them clown noses and flags. We had a popcorn man in the lobby of the ceremony giving out popcorn bags. We borrowed huge circus banners from other friends and used them to decorate for the reception."

The couple made a number of DIY items to go with their theme, but were keen to pass on to the readers of Rock n Roll Bride that there is no need to stress about the 'little' things on the run up to your big day. "We made flags for our guests, our own centerpieces, and other decorative touches. Don't waste time on gifts or things you and others won't care about though." they explained. "We filled large vintage popcorn boxes with bottles of water, snacks, local things to do in town and directions to the event and had them given to our guests when they checked in at their hotels."

Alena wore a custom made dress from Skingraft, Fluvog boots and a hair piece that she made herself from feathers, copper wire, a piece of gold veil and a costume jewellery blue brooch from her great grandmother.

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Chris & Courtenay had a "Book Nerd/Steampunk /Pirate/Sci-Fi" themed wedding which was held on The Hawaiian Chieftain, a historical replica of a 1880's trading ship. "We really wanted the wedding to reflect who we were, and a celebration of what we loved about each other," the couple told me. "We wanted to be able to have a killer party with our closest friends and family and not compromise our tastes and values. Our venue came complete with cannons (which they fired off for us in celebration!) The double edge of this was a headcount of under 40, which was great to us, but some people just assumed they would be invited who were acquaintances and we had to explain this wasn't an everyone in the world kind-of affair."

Courtenay wore a custom dress from Dark Garden Corsetry and shoes from Fluevog. "The Dress is a combination of Victorian and Indian influences, made out of silk dupioni in lavender/gold and a wedding sari from an Indian bridal store in Berkeley," the bride continued. "I knew that a dress from a traditional bridal store was never going to feel right. Mostly because of all the beautiful dresses available at those places they were never going to fit my curvy 5'2" short waist-ed frame. Autumn at Dark Garden was able to perfectly capture and create my personality and vision into an awe inspiring corset and bustle skirted wedding dress."

In keeping with their theme, the whole wedding party and a lot of the guests dressed the part too. The groom wore a suit inspired by the movies Firefly and Stardust made by Laurie Tavan at Daze of Laur. He even added a firearm and sword! The bridesmaid's outfits were also from Dark Garden and the groomsmen wore outfits hired from Costumes on Haight, San Francisco. "Almost everyone who attended got dressed up to the nines and looked fantastic,"  Courtenay explained. "My father went out of his way to get a 1890s cowboy style outfit with beaver felt hat and classic oil cloth duster, he was so handsome. My sister got a beautiful Dark Garden corset, and my niece and nephews got into the act with pirate/Victorian style costumes. For the first hour and a half people kept coming up to me just in awe of how beautiful it was that day, mid 70s and sunny, it was truly magical."

"I think the most Rock n Roll thing was us, how we approached the whole day with humor and a little literary wit," the bride concluded. "If the wedding had to be a musical genre I would call it folk-punk, or Steam-folk. We set out to have an amazing day and it turned out better that you could ever imagine. We wanted to live the quote "Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own." Because it was about us, not a huge affair with doves and dollar dances and stuff being thrown about, we were determined to avoid bad DJs, crazy relatives we'd never met before, flower girls, ring bearers, punch fountains, ballrooms, chicken or steak entrees, towering confections or bored guests who couldn't wait to leave. There were casualties of this of course, hurt feelings, traditionalists, and others, but at the end of the day it was about Chris and Courtenay celebrating their lives together, be happy for them or not that's all there is."

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Annette & Chris had a fancy dress/steampunk themed wedding in Liverpool. The bride wore a corset purchased from Corsets UK and a skirt from MTCoffinzUnderground on Etsy. "My dress wasn't technically a 'dress' as it was a Corset and a separate skirt," the bride told me. "I bought the white and black steel boned corset for around £60 and the skirt, which was described as a 'Victorian Lace Gothic Ball Gown', cost around £100." She also wore Victorian-style black ankle boots which she hired from a fancy dress shop! Chris hired his unique outfit from a fancy dress shop too.

"The groom came up with the whole idea of a Victorian Circus themed wedding," explained Annette. "We're not 'average' kind of people and didn't want to settle on an 'average' wedding, so it had to be fancy dress! Although we took our vows to each other seriously, we don't believe a wedding should be a completely serious affair. It's a great excuse to get dressed up and have a massive party with all of your friends and family, which is what we did! I think that's what makes us so Rock n Roll. Everyone said it was the best wedding they've ever been to, including their own!"

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Tessa & Keith are a little bit fabulous no? In fact any bride that wears a blue dress is all right in my book! "My inspiration came from our artistic backgrounds and aesthetic preferences", the bride told me. "I am a crafter and burlesque performer. Keith is a visual artist. Together, we both had very strong opinions about how the wedding should look and feel. We settled on a neo-Victorian theme because of its elegance and refinement. I chose to wear blue instead of white because I wanted to be able to reuse my outfit, and I wanted a corset and a skirt instead of a dress because it was more versatile. The shade of blue we chose also suited the matron of honour and best woman well!"

"Our wedding party was intentionally kept very small so that we would not feel stressed about coordinating a lot of people on the big day. The preparation was extremely low key and relaxing. I would not have done it differently."

The gorgeous blue dress is question was custom made by Morúa Designs in London (corset) and Recollections (bustle). With this Tessa wore shoes by Bordello to which she added Swaorvski crystals herself.

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Adrianna & Tim's wedding was inspired by the Victorian era. The wedding took place at Woman's Club of Evanston in Evanston, IL and the bride and groom wore custom outfits to fit the theme of their day.

The couple made their own centrepieces and created the artwork for the tables. "This was a very Do-It-Yourself type of wedding so a lot of things we either made or found ourselves," explained the groom. "We got lucky with a few of the men's suits by finding a formal wear store that was going out of business that had some older grey cutaway tuxedos that they were trying to get rid of."

"Our family helped us in making the flags, we designed and painted the centerpieces which were actually science gear from American Science and surplus, created the flower arrangements and decorated the hall ourselves. Luckily the Women's club was a nearly perfect setting without any decorating so we didn't have to do much to get it perfect."

A short and sweet post to start today off, but I think you'll agree this wedding was worth a feature for the images alone. Aren't they fabulous? I just love how the style of photography matches the Victorian theme of the day!

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