Dark romance; a spellbinding Beauty and the Beast wedding tale

Gothic couple stand in front of their wedding table in a great stone hall

Once upon a time, in a world cloaked in shadow, a timeless tale of love was reimagined through a darker lens. And when you actually look at the tale, there’s nothing Disney about it.

The Beauty and the Beast story, originally steeped in romantic fairy-tale has undergone a mesmerising metamorphosis in the realm of gothic weddings. Embracing the beauty of unconventional romance, this reimagined narrative weaves a spellbinding tapestry of mystery and timeless love.

The imposing and foreboding setting of Chethams Library in Manchester as the Beast’s enchanted castle, shrouded in supernatural elements and time worm architecture, creates an atmospheric ambiance befitting of gothic literature. The Library itself dates back to the 14th century; so much history within those walls and all those dark academia fantasies are a dream come true.

Every detail, from the moody colour palette, opulent decor and sensational lighting weaves a tale of darkness and beauty intertwined. All black cake, forged metal roses and luxurious banquet are nothing short of mesmerising.

Candelabras flicker in the dimly lit hall, casting an enchanting glow upon the banqueting table adorned with sumptuous velvet and overflowing florals, The cursed Beast, and haunted rose and underlying themes of forbidden love and transformative redemption imbue the story with a darkness that celebrates unconditional love.

This Gothic twist on Beauty and the Beast beckons forth a world where love is not bound by conventional expectations but is, instead, free to flourish in its most unadulterated form. Beauty and the Beast has resonated with audiences for centuries, but at it’s core, the story delves into themes of inner beauty, transformation, compassion, and the redemptive power of love; the blossoming romance between Belle and the Beast transcends superficiality, societal norms, and outward appearances. It shows love has the power to heal and unite individuals from different workds and backgrounds and resonates as a powerful reminder of love’s unyielding capacity to covercome adversity and foster hope

It’s a tale as old as time for a reason. Love and life are not soft and sweet. Life is hard and love is not always easy. It hides where we’re not looking and makes us work to nurture our fairytale. But when we find it, well, it’s sure as hell worth it!

Be the beauty, or find the beauty in the beast, and never let the opinions of others stop you from doing so!