Whimsical Chicago Wonderland Styled Shoot
It’s our worst-kept secret that we absolutely love backdrops here at Ruffled, and today’s shoot is certainly in possession of one. Some of Chicago’s most talented vendors, including Ed & Aileen Photography, Dotted Events, and Blümgarten, came together to create this Alice in Wonderland inspired wedding shoot, blending blues and pinks together with whimsical vintage details for a look that’s straight out of Lewis Carroll’s imagination — all tied perfectly together by a tissue paper backdrop made by Lil Epic Event Design!
From Ed & Aileen Photography and Dotted Events: Lacuna Artist Loft Studios, with its uniqueness and eclectic nature, was the perfect platform for a shoot that was not only a little outside the box, but also something that could be out of a dream. The venue creates the perfect atmosphere for an Alice in Wonderland-inspired wedding shoot. And, as this year marks the 150th anniversary of the story written by Lewis Carroll, which has remained one of the most famous fairy tales of all time, it seemed fitting to pay tribute to this magical and unconventional work of art by reinterpreting it for the nuptials of a modern couple.
We started the shoot on the rooftop. With the city in the backdrop, but not quite within reach, the story unfolds. The bride and groom leave reality and the tumble down the rabbit hole begins. It takes them first down into a romantic dream world where they are backed by draping and meet again under a chandelier. Here, they try get their bearings straight, but things are getting “curiouser and curiouser!” Another tumble further down the rabbit hole takes them into a romantic tea-party inspired ceremony and reception. Captivated by a bright palette of purples, pinks, and greens, we used a mix of bright and neutral colors to bring out a whimsical feel. Enchanting florals, from oversized peony blossoms to layers of moss, were complimented by other natural pieces, such as handcrafted wooden furniture and a naked cake. Elements of the tale appear throughout, from mismatched hand-painted invitations, antique place settings, pocket watches, and golden chess pieces to bronze keys, vintage books, and miniature “drink me” and “eat me” favors. Each and every detail was added to bring in some of the most important pieces of the story through symbolism and presence.
Their journey ends in a white room that seems to be getting smaller and smaller. This perspective art exhibit at Lacuna Artist Lofts was absolutely perfect. And only a short elevator ride up to bring them back to reality. While Alice in Wonderland has a dark side, the focus of the shoot was on the lighter, romantic elements of the story, as we were inspired by Carroll’s writing to celebrate love and companionship. However, we did separate from the story at the very end; unlike for Alice, for our bride and groom, the experience is not intended to be a distant memory, but instead it will be a day that they will never forget — filled with romance, whimsy, and adventure. “‘I could tell you my adventures — beginning from this morning,’ said Alice a little timidly: ‘but it’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then.'”
