I’m thrilled to share Lauren and Niki’s one-of-a-kind goth wedding celebration with you! This unforgettable day was filled to the brim with their unique personalities. The journey began on Halloween in Transylvania, where they got engaged outside the majestic Black Church – what a hauntingly romantic setting! As they planned their special day, they opted for an unconventional approach: no rigid table plan, no matching bridesmaid dresses, and no dress code whatsoever. Instead, they curated a laid-back celebration at The Unthank Arms pub in Norwich. To minimize waste, they incorporated simple decor paired with lush natural flowers. Both Lauren and Niki looked absolutely stunning in their black attire – a true testament to their effortless chic. And, of course, who could forget the adorable feline cameos throughout the day? A huge thank you to Anna Pumer Photography for sharing these breathtaking images with us.
Goth Wedding
The Proposal
Not being a conventional couple, my partner Niki and I were determined to shake things up when it came time to propose. Our shared love of all things spooky led us to create an unforgettable experience. As fate would have it, Niki popped the question on All Hallows’ Eve in Transylvania, outside the historic Black Church in Brasov. Initially, he had planned to ask me at Bran Castle – Dracula’s lair – but the presence of rowdy school children made it impractical. Undeterred, he procured an emergency ring the day prior to our trip, as his originally chosen one hadn’t arrived on time. To celebrate, we raised a glass (or two) in a local rock club, savoring the excitement of our unconventional engagement.
The Vision
As we embarked on planning our special day, we began by identifying what we didn’t want – a lack of clarity, really – and worked backwards to craft the celebration that truly reflected us. Without a clear seating plan, matching bridesmaids, or dress code expectations, we sought to create a relaxed, fun atmosphere where our loved ones could let loose and have a great time. Looking back, it’s amazing how much our guests needed a break from the ordinary – and how much they appreciated having one!
Budget
Despite our initial efforts to document the process, the challenges posed by COVID-19 ultimately led us to abandon our record. We had faced not one, but two cancellations and a venue change before throwing in the towel. The financial constraints of our wedding planning meant that we were already operating on a relatively tight budget, which only added to our frustration.
The Venue
Initially, we had a seaside venue in Kent, but the pandemic threw our wedding plans off track, resulting in postponements, cancellations, and finally, a rearrangement. As fate would have it, we relocated to Norwich, where we stumbled upon The Unthank Arms, a local pub that surprisingly hosts weddings. They were accommodating from the start, without adding any extra fees or raising an eyebrow when Niki tested the speakers with some Rob Zombie tunes. Our event coordinator Libby was an absolute delight, going above and beyond to ensure our special day ran smoothly – she even donned black attire in solidarity. The pub’s culinary offerings impressed us, while the staff were warm and helpful throughout. What’s more, their beer garden welcomed canine companions, and inside, we found a cozy traditional pub setting with a variety of local beers on tap.
Your Outfits
I opted for a versatile black dress, as I’m not one for waste. My go-to girl discovered the perfect piece online. To add some flair, we incorporated Irregular Choice shoes, a Vide Noir corset belt, and Bibian Blue lace bolero. A thoughtful touch came from my godmother, who gifted me a vintage-inspired Victorian mourning bracelet. Meanwhile, my ‘Til Death’ necklace from Rune & Raven added an air of mystery.
Hair and makeup duties fell to Demi Lock, who put me at ease with her alternative aesthetic and refusal to conform to traditional beauty standards.
For Niki, comfort was key – he opted for black jean flares, EMP high-top sneakers, a second-hand bolero tie featuring a silver buffalo skull clasp, and a tailored velvet jacket courtesy of Hockerty. A pop of colour came from his bright yellow socks adorned with cacti, a nod to an inside joke between him and his band.
The Ceremony & Music
As our special day approached, Niki and I decided to start the celebrations a little early with an intimate hand-fasting ceremony on the beach. Our friend Row kindly officiated, and we followed it up with pre-wedding drinks at the local pub. The next day, we formalized our union at the registry office within Norwich Castle. To add some extra flair to the proceedings, everyone boarded a Norfolk-themed bus tour after the ceremony and headed off to the pub for further merriment.
The entrance music was particularly memorable – I made my grand appearance to Danny Elfman’s iconic ‘Ice Dance’ from Edward Scissorhands. As we walked back down the aisle together, Clutch’s ‘In Walks Barbarella’ provided the perfect soundtrack, although it was somewhat drowned out by the enthusiastic cheers and applause from our loved ones.
Your Photographer & Filmmaker
As fate would have it, our first encounter with Anna Pumer took place during our time in Kent. We sought out someone who could grasp the essence of our wedding vision and, as an added bonus, shared a love for felines. Despite the series of lockdown-related cancellations, Anna’s professionalism shone through. Her dedication even extended to traveling from her base in Kent to Norwich when we relocated. The end result was nothing short of breathtaking – a testament to investing in the expertise of a seasoned photographer like Anna.
The Styling & Decor
The atmosphere at the wedding was effortlessly laid-back, with a natural vibe that permeated every aspect of the celebration. The brides mother brought her own unique touch by decorating the pub with greenery from Christmas decorations, electric candles and fairylights, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. In the garden, black and white paper decorations added a whimsical touch, with no single-use signs or decorations in sight. We opted for programs that doubled as quizzes about us, rather than traditional welcome signs, and repurposed our original wedding date’s beer-mat invitations as charming table decorations.Floral arrangements were a thoughtful gift from friend Philippa at P.S. Floristry, who crafted the bride’s bouquet into a stunning flat coffin-style spray and created beautiful buttonholes. The table vases were kindly donated to the pub after the event, reducing waste and adding to the eco-friendly vibe. Our wedding cake was another heartfelt gift from Carly at Agents of Cake, featuring black icing, lace trim, and different flavors in each of its four tiers. To top it off, a talented sculptor friend Nickie created adorable miniatures of our two beloved cats, which sat proudly atop the cake.
The Honeymoon
As excitement builds around our upcoming adventure, Mexico is firmly on our radar. The prospect of immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture of Mexico City during the Day of the Dead celebrations is tantalizing, with its promise of a unique blend of spirituality and revelry. We’re also eager to explore the country’s rich history by visiting ancient temples, seeking out haunted houses that will send shivers down our spines, and venturing into eerie bat caves. Of course, no trip would be complete without a chance to unwind on a sun-kissed beach, sipping on a refreshing cocktail as we watch the sunset.
Memorable Moments
As we prepared to send family to the wrong pub – not once, but twice! – friends of ours who were complete strangers at the time came to their rescue. Over the phone, we had to rely on vague descriptions like ‘there should be a lady with bright red hair there, she’ll get you to the right place!’ The rest of our adventure was filled with fun, including photos in the picturesque Plantation Gardens and unexpected furry friends that joined us throughout the day. Even the heartfelt speeches made by loved ones left the groom – and everyone else – emotional, with some bringing him to tears, including his own words of wisdom. One of our most cherished moments came after the ceremony when we slipped away from the excitement for a quiet beer just the two of us, savoring the intimacy before rejoining our friends and family at the reception.