Elegance in black and red


When I approached Kylie from Side by Side Ceremonies about working together to help non-traditional couples have the wedding they dreamed of, it was Zoey and Brendan we were looking for. Deeply in love, but with other commitments that had prevented their wedding for some time, and wanting to do their wedding THEIR way, we clicked from the very first word!


Thanks to the pandemic, there has been drama with almost every wedding we have been a part of recently, and we HATE that. We HATE that couples have this extra stress, we HATE that they can't relax and celebrate and enjoy their day properly. Kylie and I have made the decision that if there is ANYTHING that Side by Side Elopements can do to take away some of this stress, then we will happily go over and above to help them out.


For Zoey and Brendan, that meant a 7am start for photography, don't care, because now she has amazing photos of her getting ready, and the details of her outfit and ceremony before her morning wedding. It meant that Kylie took a day off her 9-5 job, because they had to move their date, she did it without blinking.



Celtic cross pendant and ring on green leaves with red rose petals.
Close up of black lace fabric and leather jacket textures.
Red satin boots with romantic rose and calla lily bouquet arrangement.
Elegant wedding bouquet with red roses, white calla lilies and silver baby's breath.
Makeup artist applying false eyelashes during beauty preparation.
Alternative style female in casual dark attire with dramatic makeup.
Back view of black lace dress revealing intricate back tattoo design.
Wedding preparation scene with makeup being applied in a bright indoor setting.
Makeup artist applies finishing touches to gothic bride holding red and white bouquet.
Black coffin-shaped decorative sign with white skeletal design and date 5-7-21.

So loved up!


I already knew that Zoey and Brendan's wedding would be elegant and classy, but their outfits and accessories took my breath away. So much thought and care had gone into each part, and their personalities were reflected in every aspect. I think my absolute favourites were Zoey's red boots, and how she had chosen a dress with a cutout to show off her gorgeous tattoo.


Brendan was the epitome of sartorial elegance, his stunning red shirt highlighted the embroidery on his waistcoat, although neither could disguise that he was not only nervous but SO thrilled that their wedding day was finally here. I swear, Zoey's walk down the aisle was torture for him, you could see that he just wanted to race up and grab her and shout I DO!

Alternative wedding couple sharing a joyful moment with red rose bouquet.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with brick walls and white chairs under covered courtyard.
Wedding ceremony in progress at rustic brick venue with white folding chairs.
Wedding ceremony candid moment at brick-walled outdoor venue.
Alternative wedding couple exchanging flowers during ceremony.
Bride in black dress and groom in black vest share an intimate moment at a wedding ceremony.
Bride in black dress and groom in black vest in exchange documents during a wedding ceremony.
Bride in black dress and groom in black vest participate in an outdoor wedding ceremony with brick wall backdrop.
Bride in black dress and groom in black vest in Close-up of hands clasped together during a wedding ceremony.
Bride in black dress and groom in black vest in A tender wedding moment in front of a light curtain backdrop.

Their beautiful, heartfelt vows over, with family in New Zealand joining in via live stream (how wonderful is that technology!!), it was time to celebrate. A stunning cake and champagne from a gift that Kylie and I felt was perfect, matte black champagne glasses, and then some couples photos around their venue, including the gorgeous winter Wisteria vines, and Brendan's pride and joy car, and off they went for the start of their happily ever after.


If you are planning an alternative wedding, we are absolutely the team for you! Get in touch here and see how affordable and beautiful it can be!

Bride in black dress and groom in black vest in A romantic black and white portrait of a couple in leather jackets.
Bride in black dress and groom in black vest in A black and white portrait capturing a joyful moment
Bride in black dress and groom in black vest in A black and white landscape photo with botanical garden elements in the foreground.
Bride in black dress and groom in black vest A black and white photo of two people standing by stone ruins surrounded by ornamental grasses.
Bride in black dress and groom in black Dramatic black and white photo ln a wooded area with artistic silhouettes against natural backdrop.
Bride in black dress and groom in black vestBlack and white artistic photo series captured in a natural outdoor setting with dark contrasts.
Bride in black dress and groom in black vest in Romantic portrait series in black and white with dramatic lighting and floral elements.
Bride in black dress and groom in black vest in car photoshoot series showing different angles of a classic automobile in black and white.
Bride in black dress and groom in black Architectural photo showing doorway entrances and building details in classic black and white style.
Bride in black dress and groom in black vest in Silhouetted figures against brick wall in moody black and white photo sequence.