One of the most exciting aspects of wedding planning is figuring out your unique style. Take inspiration from Sheena and Steven, self-proclaimed metalheads with a deep love for historical and gothic styles. They ditched tradition for a wedding theme that was 100% them:  a mystical gothic forest. They teamed up with talented vendors to bring this vision to life, adding lush greenery and a moody feel. From the bold black dress with a veil and crown to coordinating colors, flowers, and a photographer who nails moody vibes, each element effortlessly fell into place for an Ebell Long Beach wedding that reflected their unique style and love story.

Selecting a venue steeped in a century-long legacy, the couple chose a historic gem that highlighted the elegance of Spanish-Revival design from the 1920s. It provided the ideal backdrop for their special day. For their courtyard ceremony, they elevated the ornate setting with black bistro chairs and an arch adorned with lush greenery. The reception, hosted in the Grand Hall, radiated timeless elegance, with tables adorned by low arrangements of greenery complemented by chic black settings and candles, crafting a captivating ambiance for their celebration.

If you and your partner find yourself drawn to the allure of a gothic wedding but feel a bit hesitant about fully embracing it, consider this your sign to go all out. Keep scrolling because Junebug member Ashley Vandevelde skillfully captured every meticulously planned detail.

The Couple:

Sheena and Steven

The Wedding:

Ebell Long Beach, California, United States

Why a Gothic Forest Ebell Long Beach Wedding

My husband and I are metalheads and love historical and gothic styles. Our overall theme was a Gothic forest. Once we had our theme, we found vendors that could bring our vision to life, incorporating the greenery and moody aesthetic we loved. I knew I wanted to wear a black dress with a veil and crown. Once I had the dress, color themes, floral ideas, and a photographer with expertise in moody vibes, everything else fell into place. Music was also important for our wedding. We were happy we found a DJ that was easy to work with and played all the music we loved.

Blending Edgy Vibes with Greenery and Historical Flair

I chose a black wedding dress with lace details and a crown for historical royal vibes. Our wedding was not just one style. We wanted a goth alternative that included lots of greenery and historical touches.

Beyond the Black Dress: A Unique Ceremony Soundtrack and Personal Vows

As if wearing a black dress was not enough. We wanted our style to be expressed during our ceremony, so I walked down the aisle to “Carrion Flowers” by Chelsea Wolf, which was so fitting. In addition, we wrote our vows to include some memories from the beginning of our relationship that we hold close to our hearts.

Embracing the Ebell for Its Historical Beauty

We wanted a unique and local venue for us to make it easy for family to travel to. We looked up historical venues in our area, and the Ebell Long Beach came up in our research. It is such a beautiful location and so close to home. It was perfect for what we were looking for.

The Benefits of Starting Wedding Planning a Year in Advance

Start at least a year in advance to plan and book vendors one step at a time without feeling too overwhelmed. The time will also help you find the vendors you like and get on their calendars before they are booked with other events.

Congratulations to Sheena and Steven on their Ebell Long Beach wedding that’s a Gothic forest come to life. And a special thank you to photographer  Ashley Vandevelde for beautifully capturing every detail. 

Sometimes, taking the plunge into the unconventional can lead to a celebration that is as unforgettable as it is authentically you.  Adding a touch of boldness by choosing black as the central theme can infuse your special day with a distinctive edge. If planning a wedding with a dark and edgy vibe appeals to you, explore our guide for insights into crafting a moody wedding, covering everything from attire choices to decor details.