An Alternative Shoot at Upthorpe Wood Wedding Venue
I am so excited to share this shoot at Upthorpe Wood Wedding venue. I always jump at the chance to do an alternative shoot—something outside my usual bridal comfort zone and far more editorial. Why, you ask? Well, it’s not only incredibly fun, but it also allows me to push my creative boundaries and hone my skills as a well-rounded make-up artist.
When I was invited to participate in a “Wednesday” themed shoot inspired by the hit TV series, I was immediately on board. I’d previously collaborated with Jodie from @ellabellaweddingsandevents, an extraordinary alternative wedding planner, on another project. So, it was an honour to be asked to join this shoot. Jodie had quite the task ahead of her, managing two shoots simultaneously—one bursting with unicorn colours, and the other, which I worked on, focused on dark, Gothic elegance.
For this shoot, I drew inspiration from the makeup used in the Wednesday series but gave it my own twist, especially for the eyes. My go-to product for this look was the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette, using deep, rich shades like Cyprus Umber, Mulberry, and Noir to create a bold, smoky effect. This palette is a favourite of mine because it allows such versatility—from soft gold tones to intense, dramatic smokey eyes. To intensify the blackness on the lids, I relied on my trusted MAC Blacktrack Gel Liner, which stays in place flawlessly.
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The finishing touch for the eyes was a set of Tatti Lashes in the style “Bitch is Back”—perfectly appropriate for the shoot’s vibe! As for the face, I used Christian Dior Face and Body Foundation, paired with Huda Beauty’s Tantour in both Light and Medium for contouring. For a soft flush, Illamasqua’s Gel Blusher in “Infatuate” was the perfect choice. On the lips, I created a deep plum look with MAC’s “Current” lip liner, blended with their “Rebel” and “Cyber” lipsticks. To top it all off, I fixed the brows with Anastasia Brow Freeze and NYX liners.
Working with Cathy (@ceemeandtea) as the model was a treat, as always. She’s a professional I’ve collaborated with on multiple occasions, and her posing is always on point. I had to laugh when Cathy mentioned she’d never been referred to as a Goth before, let alone so many times in one day!
The entire shoot came together beautifully, thanks to a fantastic team of new suppliers I had the pleasure of meeting. Their creativity and passion were evident, and the Gothic cake was nothing short of stunning. Kezia, the photographer, captured everything to perfection, bringing out Cathy’s best in the enchanting surroundings of Upthorpe Wood—a wedding venue that couldn’t have been more fitting for this dark, romantic theme.
Upthorpe Wood Wedding venue is an ideal setting for couples looking for an alternative, woodland wedding with a twist. Its natural beauty, combined with a Gothic flair, set the perfect scene for this shoot. The atmosphere of the location complemented our dark, editorial vision, making every shot feel like a work of art.
Thank you to everyone who made this shoot possible! I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed being part of this incredible creative journey. For anyone seeking a unique, non-traditional wedding venue, Upthorpe Wood should be at the top of your list!
Meet the Vendors:
Venue: Upthorpe Wood
Photographer: Kezia Tan Photography
Stylist/Props/Florist: Belle and Beaus Wedding Styling
Stylist/Florist: The Copper Cacti
Planner/Stylist: Ella Bella Weddings and Events
Wedding outfits: Lucy Can’t Dance
Real Model Couple – Rainbow
Model – Goth: @ceemeandtea
Celebrant: Phoebe Smith Ceremonies
Cake – Rainbow: Stacey
Cake: Mooreish Cakes
Stationery: Lauren – @thirtythreepx_invites
Table Accessories: Hatchfully Yours
Hair & Makeup: Le Keux
Make up – Goth: Victoria Bradfield MUA
Jewellery: Crafty Cats Club
Jewellery – Goth: Crzy Best
Hair Accessories – Goth: Victoria Charles Headpieces
Biodegradable Confetti: Your confetti