The Alt Wedding Chronicles
CHAPTER ONE - SAM & BETH
As an alternative wedding photographer, I’m always excited to collaborate with couples who pour their personalities into every detail of their big day. I’ve decided to share the planning processes of my amazing couples to help you with ideas in case you’re planning your own celebration! Chapter One is a glimpse into all the wonderful elements that made Sam & Beth’s wedding so uniquely them.
There’s nothing quite like capturing a wedding that defies convention, and Sam and Beth’s heavy metal cosmic-themed wedding was a day-long gig that had us all starstruck! From the moment they first shared their dark vision with me, I was obsessed. This was no ordinary celebration - it was a cosmic odyssey infused with their love of music, sparkling details, and a bold desire to do things their way.
Q: How did you two meet?
A: We met in Sam’s first year of college through mutual friends. After other relationships failed, we’d each been there for each other as best friends—it then became more.
Q: How would you describe your wedding theme?
A: Gothic/metal/subtly celestial.
Q: What was the inspiration for your wedding?
A: We wanted to show our friends and family our favourite things about spending time together and be the most extra versions of ourselves that we could.
Q: Is there anything that you did that you think makes your wedding particularly unique, alternative or different?
A: Having a gothic aesthetic in the oldest (and most haunted) building to legally get married in our hometown. Also, the reception venue was where Beth’s great grandparents had their wedding in the 30s. The whole day was a wonderful mix of traditional and alternative and hopefully really showed our closest just how much we mean to each other.
Q: What is the one thing you wish you’d known about planning a wedding before you began?
A: How much time things take to make. I’d have started thinking about the smaller details that take time sooner to have had the chance to make them to a better standard. Also, the costs add up, and something is ALWAYS going to go wrong. Don’t sweat the small stuff - the most important thing is having a wonderful day and making memories with the one you love.
Q: Describe your wedding ceremony
A: The ceremony was an incredibly special and emotional time for us both. I walked down the aisle to “Isara,” a beautiful acoustic track by Eluveitie, my (Beth’s) favourite band. Seeing Sam waiting for me at the other end of the aisle was perfect. He cried (so I won our bet), and the raw emotion and love in the room were tangible.
Q: What was your favourite part of the wedding day itself?
A: Finally being able to call him husband! And seeing his face when I arrived at the end of the aisle.
Q: Do you have any advice for engaged couples?
A: Enjoy the journey. Planning a wedding takes a lot and can be very stressful, but it provides some amazing opportunities to build a bond with your partner before your day.
Photography : Vicky Dubois Photography
Ceremony Venue: Ordsall Hall, Salford
Reception Venue: The Rock House, Manchester
Bride's Dress & Groom's Suit: Legend Bridal
Bride's Shoes: Lamoda
Groom's Shoes: New Rock
Rings: Swank Metalsmithing
Bridesmaids' Dresses: SHEIN
Entertainment: The Ninja Report
What I loved most about Sam and Beth’s wedding was how unapologetically them it was. They didn’t shy away from expressing their individuality and shared passions, which made for such a memorable day. I had SO much fun.. the dancefloor was mental and Beth even carried on moshing after she took a tumble and hurt her knee! She even ended up in A&E after the last guests went home, literal rockstar.
Congratulations, Sam and Beth, on your stellar wedding! It was an honour to immortalise your cosmic journey, and I can’t wait to see where the stars take you next.
Vicky xxx
