Dark, Goth-Inspired Romance at Upstate New York Wedding | Marissa and Zack
Marissa and Zack’s vision for a dark, goth-inspired romance at their Upstate New York Wedding was dreamy and nothing short of magical.
They envisioned a juxtaposition of moody and ethereal, dark and colorful, fashion-forward and whimsical, and let me tell you, the result was something out of a fairytale. They chose Homestead Blessings Barn in Corning, NY as their wedding venue, and between the property’s green, rolling hills and the barn’s shabby chic charm, Marissa and Zack achieved a bold, yet whimsy elegance complete with vintage treasures, dark florals, and refined decor that reminded me of the victorian era.
Set in the gorgeous oasis that is Upstate New York in the summertime, Marissa and Zack landed the most beautiful June day.
And even though dark, goth-inspired romance was their leading vision, the natural background of Homestead Blessings created a tranquil, bohemian, wildflower vibe that complemented their fashion-forward aesthetic so organically. Their wedding became a tapestry of lush landscapes, vibrant greenery, whispering baby’s breath, and the endless contrast of a striking, deep blue sky. It was a total masterpiece.
It was clear that this gothic, victorian flare was not just their “wedding aesthetic,” but very much so part of their own personal style and decor.
I love how it was woven into personal elements like their wedding rings, Zack’s chain pin and suit coat, Marissa’s tiara, and low key even her thick, gorgeous, dark hair. (Snow White in the flesh, am I right?! 👀🙌) I was especially smitten with her wedding ring and its bold marquise cut, the delicate golden bands, and the mix of smaller, geometric gemstones. I couldn’t get over its vintage elegance!
This goth-inspired aesthetic fit so seamlessly into their wedding decor, but I also love how it felt balanced and complementary with nature, their wildflower color palette, and a very boho, “ceremony-in-the-woods” setup.
Leaning into Moroccan-style rug runners for their ceremony aisle, cream chiffon drapery on their handmade, walnut arbor, and earth-toned, multi-colored bridal party attire, Marissa and Zack channeled all the terracotta and copper colors for their ceremony, which created a cozy, earthy aesthetic that was equal parts harmonious and gorgeous.
I loved working with this team of Upstate New York wedding vendors that brought Marissa and Zack’s vision to life:
Venue: Homestead Blessings Barn
Florals: Moonrise Floral Design
Bridal boutique: Two Hearts Bridal
Hair: Buffalo Alternative Bridal
Video: Jonah Paulhamus
Aesthetics aside, Marissa and Zack’s Upstate New York wedding was beautiful for an entirely different set of reasons, too.
It was emotional, heartfelt, and sentimental, anchored in community and connection. When we were first getting to know each other, Marissa shared how she and Zack were both goofy and down-to-earth, but big-time romantics, and wanted their day to reflect their chemistry, but also their connection with their community. “Zack and I met on Tinder, and on our very first phone call, talked for an entire night straight… over 8 hours in one phone call. We were both coming out of messy break-ups, but what started as friendship very quickly bloomed into a forever romance.” With that in mind, they chose to be married on their fourth dating anniversary, tying in their own little personal bit of nostalgia.
Marissa and Zack stayed true to so many of the priorities they had for their wedding, aesthetic included, but one thing that was especially important to them were *cough cough* their photos!
🤩 They made two very intentional decisions around wedding photography that I absolutely loved, choosing to prioritize the following two photoshoots on their wedding day:
First touch: Marissa and Zack wanted to share a private moment together before the ceremony where they could get out pre-ceremony jitters and anxieties — while still preserving a true “first look” for the aisle. So they opted for a first touch where they could speak to one another, exchange personal, intimate vows, and share a drink before the wedding without actually seeing each other! We found a creative location (the barn entryway!) and I love that their first touch was a catalyst for privacy, intimacy, and a few grounding moments before walking down the aisle, while still saving a traditional first look for the ceremony.
Golden hour portraits: Golden hour portraits were a MUST for Marissa and Zack, and they were so much fun to create such dreamy, celestial photos with! Sneaking away on Homestead Blessings’ golf cart with only Jonah and myself, we caught the most delicious golden hour, and truly couldn’t catch our breath. The sun was lazily setting behind the hills, dancing over the fields’ tall, textured grasses, and Marissa and Zack just wandered amongst the wildflowers, playing and interacting in the most organic way. In hindsight, it was a core memory, seeing them so relaxed and in their element on their wedding day, and it reminded me that at the heart, golden hour portraits are just a great excuse to unplug from the hubbub of your wedding and simply bask in the beauty of your marriage.
The remainder of Marissa and Zack’s wedding day was a haze of happy tears and belly laughs, bear hugs and neck squeezes, grazing tables and cocktails, and I loved being able to witness and celebrate the joining of their lives as husband and wife.
They were such a joy to rally behind, and they truly shared the most infectious energy and contagious kindness I have ever felt. Telling the love stories of couples like Marissa and Zack is a gift beyond comparison, and I am so thankful to use my voice and artwork to champion their love story! Here’s to Marissa and Zack, and their big, bright future.
For more Homestead Blessings wedding inspiration, check out Katherine and Hunter’s Boho Chic Farmhouse Wedding — or for summer wedding vibes, see Nicolette and Sean’s Timeless Finger Lakes Wedding or Kat and Nitzan’s Magical Catskills Wedding.