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Liana & Dan’s Vibrant Gothic Wedding at Carnivale Chicago + Our Planning Tips
At Bespoke Bride, we’re obsessed with colorful gothic weddings, so when we came across Liana and Dan’s stunning celebration at Carnivale Chicago, we knew we had to feature it! We reached out to the incredibly talented Chelsea Jerdon from Westley Leon Studios, the mastermind behind the breathtaking photos, to uncover the love story behind the lens.
Stick around until the end for our top tips on planning your own gothic wedding with a vibrant twist!
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
“Liana and Dan’s gothic wedding at Carnivale Chicago was anything but ordinary—it was a bold fusion of Victorian elegance, gothic horror, whimsy, and vibrant Latin flair, all perfectly housed within one of Chicago’s most eclectic venues. From start to finish, their day was unapologetically them—weaving in 15 years of love, laughter, and just the right amount of spooky.
The Couple
Liana and Dan have been together for over a decade, and their wedding was a true reflection of their shared journey and aesthetic—unique, emotional, and filled with inside jokes and curated chaos. While Liana was excited to publicly celebrate Dan in front of their closest people, Dan was eager to see the day unfold after months of planning.
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
The Venue
Carnivale was a perfect match for their vision. The couple chose it for its electric atmosphere and amazing food, especially the gluten-free options, which were key for Liana. Its riot of colors and built-in theatrical vibe made it the ideal canvas for their offbeat yet heartfelt celebration.
Style & Vibe
Inspired by a bouquet Liana fell in love with early on, their aesthetic blossomed into a moody, mildly Victorian meets goth-meets-Halloween dream. From Ren Faire champagne glasses they’d dreamed of using for over a decade to last-minute Halloween décor from Michaels, every element had intention behind it. They even walked down the aisle to music from The Witcher 3, setting a cinematic tone for the rest of the day.
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Standout Moments
- Liana accidentally dancing with the performers from Raks Geek (who were a major highlight of the night).
- An emotional ceremony that had nearly everyone crying, including the couple.
- Hilarious speeches (including an “ancient belt” surprise).
- A spontaneous, high-energy dance party that turned into one giant moment of joy and connection.
Unexpected Magic
Despite a few pre-ceremony nerves—Liana nervously laughing and Dan feeling the emotional weight of the moment—the day flowed beautifully. One unforgettable memory was watching their diverse group of friends let loose together on the dance floor near the end of the night. That unity, joy, and weird magic? That’s what stuck.
Westley Leon Studios
Westley Leon Studios
Vendors
- Venue: Carnivale Chicago
- Bouquet: Jaque / LilacDaysDesigns
- DJ: Kate Porter / Toast & Jam
- Dressmaker: Agnes / Agadesal
- Officiant: Mikayla Tirrell
- Performers: Raks Geek (Dawn Xiana Moon)
- Photography & Videography: Westley Leon Studios
Pro Tips from the Couple
“Don’t overthink it. Seriously—do what you want and ignore what doesn’t feel right for you.”
Westley Leon Studios
Tips and Ideas for Planning a Gothic Wedding
Gothic weddings are a stunning mix of dark romance, dramatic aesthetics, and timeless elegance. If black lace, candlelit ceremonies, and a touch of the macabre make your heart race, then a gothic wedding might be perfect for you. After attending some incredible gothic weddings, here are some must-know tips and ideas to bring your darkly enchanting vision to life.
1. Set the Mood with Your Venue
The right venue sets the stage for your gothic wedding. Think grand old mansions, historic castles, candlelit cathedrals, or even moody forests. A wedding we attended took place in a Victorian-era library with towering bookshelves and dimly lit chandeliers—it was pure magic. For gothic venue inspiration, check out Brides.
2. Dramatic Fashion Choices
Black wedding dresses are a gothic staple, but deep reds, rich purples, and dark emeralds also make a statement. Grooms can lean into velvet jackets, brocade vests, or classic black suits with Victorian accents. One bride we saw walked down the aisle in a black lace gown with a cathedral-length veil, and the effect was breathtaking. See gothic wedding dress inspiration at The Knot.
3. Dark and Moody Decor
Candles—lots of them. Paired with antique candelabras, dark florals like black dahlias and blood-red roses, and ornate goblets, your gothic theme will come to life. A wedding we attended used a long banquet table dripping with moss, skulls, and deep-hued florals, creating an immersive gothic fantasy. More gothic wedding decor ideas at Martha Stewart Weddings.
4. Hauntingly Beautiful Invitations
Your invitations should hint at the drama to come. Think black and gold foil, wax seals, calligraphy, and even gothic-inspired fonts. A couple we met at a wedding used tarot card invitations, with each guest receiving a different fortune. It was a small but memorable touch that fit the theme perfectly.
5. Unforgettable Entertainment
Consider hiring a string quartet to play eerie renditions of modern songs or a fire performer for an after-dark spectacle. A wedding we attended featured a dramatic reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” before the vows—goosebumps all around!
6. Gothic-Inspired Wedding Cake
Black fondant, intricate lace patterns, and sugar skulls are great starting points for a gothic wedding cake. One couple we met had a towering black cake with dark red sugar roses cascading down—it was both elegant and hauntingly beautiful.
7. Ceremony and Rituals
A gothic wedding can include symbolic rituals like handfasting, candle lighting, or even a “blood” (wine) unity ceremony. One couple exchanged vows under a full moon with only lanterns illuminating the space—talk about an unforgettable moment.
8. Embrace the Unexpected
A gothic wedding is the perfect opportunity to break from tradition. Want to walk down the aisle to a metal ballad? Do it. Thinking of replacing a flower girl with a raven-inspired ring bearer? Go for it. The beauty of a gothic wedding is that it’s all about embracing individuality and romance on your terms.
9. Guest Dress Code
Encourage guests to embrace dark elegance by suggesting an all-black dress code or vintage gothic attire. At a wedding we attended, guests arrived in Victorian corsets, lace gloves, and steampunk-inspired ensembles, adding to the immersive experience.
10. Capture the Mood with Photography
Choose a photographer who understands gothic aesthetics—moody lighting, dramatic angles, and storytelling shots are key. We’ve seen some jaw-dropping photos with couples standing in fog-drenched forests or silhouetted against candlelit backdrops, capturing the essence of gothic romance.
A gothic wedding is more than just an aesthetic—it’s an experience, a love story wrapped in shadows and candlelight. Whether you go full Victorian vampire or add just a touch of dark romance, the most important thing is to create a celebration that feels uniquely you.
