Moody, lustful and provocative, this styled shoot is for folks unafraid to push the envelope.
It’s one status quo shakers will want to study. Think vintage-inspired fashion, sculptural unexpected blooms, and bright all-red-everything decor (with just a few pops of white here and there). It’s ‘shouting love from the rooftop’ kinda stuff – attention-grabbing and undeniably unforgettable.
Creative director, planner and stylist Inner North Studio shared with us that the concept was actually inspired by the film In The Mood For Love, following a collaborative convo with another of our favourites on the Melbourne wedding scene, Celebrant Jam. “I was in the early stages of planning an editorial featuring projections when Jam (Celebrant Jam) mentioned that she had recently seen the film In the Mood for Love (one of my favourite films of all time!!) projected onto the walls of a restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD; I immediately knew that I’d found the inspiration and theme for our editorial,” explains Kath Hunter, founder of Inner North Studio.
Set in 1960s Hong Kong, the film explores love, loss and forbidden desire. It’s recognisable for its use of lighting, particularly glowy warm amber moments and contrasting dark shadows – elements that feature heavily here.
Besotted? We sure are. So naturally, for you anti-brides (and grooms) in the planning tranches, we had to connect with the creatives involved, pros like Soya floral studio, Alexander Groom photography, Annie Rose Artistry, Celebrant Jam, and others, who each generously offered insight into the considered choices that brought this vision together.
EMBRACING AVANT-GARDE WEDDING AESTHETIC: INNER NORTH STUDIO
Based in Melbourne, planning and styling specialists Inner North Studio are known for bold, avant-garde, and inclusive weddings. Weddings like Kath and Dave’s rich red celebration, which you might remember from Issue 41. “Weddings that feel personal, unique and don’t look like everyone else’s,” as founder, Kath Hunter, explains. Totally non-traditional, Kath says that this shoot encompasses everything Inner North Studio stands for. “. . . The shoot reflected the moody, shadowy, red-hued, mid-century Hong Kong aesthetic of the film, but was infused with modern elements, including an understatedLola Varma gown and a neon table scape, set within a minimalist studio in Collingwood (Smith Street Studio).”
THE INSPIRATION – CELEBRANT JAM
Within these pics, wearing their celebrant cap (or should we say signature wide-brim), eagle-eyed readers might recognise one of our fave Melbourne legends—Jamima Wu (aka Celebrant Jam). As we shared above, Jamima helped spark the inspo behind this fiery concept, and tracked down the talent too. “I roped in friends (and real-life couple) Bonita and Lucinda to star in the shoot as the models and brides,” Jamima shares. “The shoot was a roaring success thanks to the dream team of creatives coming together, all bringing their skills and good vibes to make the vision come to life.”
CINEMATIC STORYTELLING: ALEXANDER GROOM PHOTOGRAPHY & DUSC WEDDINGS VIDEOGRAPHY
“Ultimately, this shoot breaks free from the industry’s obsession with white weddings,” shares Tom Groom (aka Alexander Groom) the photography pro behind this masterpiece. “We believe romance is passionate and bold, and our work supports a move toward radical creativity and unique narratives in weddings.”
European-raised, now residing in Melbourne, ‘Groomy’ (as they’re affectionately known) shoots on digital and film in an unwaveringly honest, timeless and intimate way. Here, rather than capturing the couple through a conventional wedding photography lens, Groomy has focused on storytelling through snapping those candid, organic moments we love so much. “The palette, grounded in deep reds, pays homage to the film’s emotional tension and slow-burn romance,” Groomy says, exploring how In the Mood for Love informed the shoot’s signature shade.
“Watching and studying the film In the Mood for Love really made me want to step up my visual storytelling game,” adds Anthony Zielke of Dusc Weddings. The VIC-based creative was on hand capturing special moments in motion – videography that’s candid, emotive and journalistic with an editorial touch. “It really is the peak of cinematography in my opinion”.
CAPTURING BEHIND-THE-SCENES WEDDING MOMENTS
Rounding out the content team was Scene Behind. As content creators, these pros capture the magic that happens in between the big moments in a way that’s authentic yet elevated. Behind the scenes details, busy hands, and thoughtful touches. “I love capturing the usually unseen,” shares Elly Papaioannou of Scene Behind. “The movement, camaraderie, passion and energy that brings a creative vision to life.”
MOODY, ROMANTIC WEDDING FLORALS BY SOYA
Kevin Twan, founder of Melbourne floral studio Soya, is responsible for these sensationally striking blooms. Arrangements that come out of the Soya studio are sculptural and a little unexpected in nature. In short, works of art. Referencing In The Mood For Love’s iconic colouring, Kevin leant into nostalgia and moody romance, reaching for shades of red as well as pink orchids and chrysanthemums – “a subtle nod to flowers popular during the 1960s in Hong Kong,” Kevin explains. “These were juxtaposed with Australian natives like Banksias, and sculptural, modern florals including anthuriums.”
MODERN, ANTI-BRIDAL BEAUTY BY ANNIE-ROSE ARTISTRY
Creative soul Annie-Rose boasts 15 years in the beauty world, and a background in fashion to boot. Whether working with brides, prestigious brands or household names, Annie-Rose operates with this admirable ethos: makeup isn’t just about looking good, “it’s about feeling confident, seen, and completely yourself.” Commenting on this project Annie-Rose shares, “The direction we chose for the hair and makeup was to merge Old Hong Kong glamour with contemporary elegance. These looks captured a dialogue between softness and quiet strength.”
MOODY & BOLD WEDDING STYLING: TIPS, INSPO & INSIGHTS
Wondering how to pull off visually striking, tradition-bucking wedding vibes?
• This shoot makes one thing clear: movies are SUCH an untapped source of wedding styling inspiration. If you’re looking for ways to truly personalise your day, consider weaving in little nods to meaningful movies (or books, or art, or music etc).
• Using decor to drench a space in colour, particularly a minimalist blank canvas venue such as this one, is a sure fire-way to create impact. Hit up a great stylist (like Inner North Studio) to help make it happen.
• ‘Vintage’ wedding aesthetic doesn’t HAVE to evoke delicate feminine florals, lace touches and the like. For an understated approach to vintage inspiration that, overall, still feels modern, pepper-in retro elements subtly – much like how Annie-Rose has drawn from old-school glamour here, or Soya’s use of flowers fashionable in the ‘60s.
• Finally (say it with us) there’s no rules when it comes to wedding days! Consider this your invitation to venture far from the norm, if that’s what makes your heart happy. Seek inspo from non-wedding events, your own love story’s Easter eggs, and fellow proudly unconventional couples (like these peeps).
For more old-meets-new wedding styling dripping in romantic red details, click here. You can also find a fresh drop of non-bridal bridal style here. Getting married in Melbourne? Head to the directory to discover local vendor legends, including Soya, Celebrant Jam, and Annie-Rose Artistry.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Art Direction & Photography Alexander Groom Creative Direction, Planning & Styling Inner North Studio Venue Smith Street Studio Videography Dusc Weddings Content Creation Scene Behind Floristry Soya Celebrant & Model Celebrant Jam Hair & Makeup Annie-Rose Artistry
