Inspiration 3/3

Unveiling a New Venue & New Venture

Ariana Strings
Apr 26, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Feb 19, 2024

There's something about a styled photoshoot that can capture the imagination and transport us to another world. One that is full of magic and beauty, with a dash of the unconventional thrown in. That's precisely what Sue Takes Photos accomplished with her latest photoshoot: a couple's romantic wedding at the brand new venue, Station 97 on Main (The old witch hazel factory in Essex, CT.)

The mood of the shoot was moody, dramatic, and editorial, with the bold color pairings of burgundy and navy. The results are stunning, with each photo telling a story and evoking emotions. The bride, with her dark hair, smoky eyes, and dramatic veil, looks like a modern-day Morticia Addams. The groom, with his rugged appearance, is the perfect counterpart to the bride's ethereal beauty. The venue itself, with its brick walls and industrial feel, adds a touch of grit to the elegance of the shoot.

It's hard not to feel a sense of pride and admiration when looking at the photos. The photographer, Sue, and I go way back! We met in high school, playing violin in youth orchestra. She's always been an inspiration to me, both musically and creatively. It was Sue who encouraged me to offer larger ensembles and take Ariana Strings to the next level. Now, to see her photography career flourish, it's truly a thing of beauty.

What I find particularly touching about this shoot is that it celebrates the unconventional. I love an all white wedding, but there’s something so enlivening about variety. Gothic couples often don't get the same recognition or attention as their more mainstream counterparts, but they harness a unique aesthetic that we don’t get to see everyday. Often, these darker palettes are presented as a part of a kitschy theme (like Halloween) and are less palatable and not to be taken seriously.

By showcasing this type of style, Sue is not only showing off her incredible photography skills, but also sending a message of inclusivity and challenging the norm. This shoot shows that beauty that can come from the most unexpected places.

Vendor Team:

Photography, Rentals, & Styling @sue_takes_photos

Venue @station97onmain

Florals @thorn.and.thistle.flowers

Big Bouquet @danarenaedesigns

2nd Photographer @filipr_photography

Tuxedo @modernformals

Musician @ariana_strings

Models @missrubypavlova @chris_dunaj

Model’s Hair and Makeup @resurgeco

A Modern Twist on The White Wedding

Ariana Strings
Feb 12, 2021
2 min read

When Lisa from Nightingale Events invited me to model in her stylized photo shoot, I leapt at the chance. I knew she'd have something special and unique up her sleeve. She decided to go back to the classic white wedding and add in a modern twist, with varying textures, soft greens, and just a hint of earthy textures to provide some contrast.

On a rainy February day, we gathered at the Keeler Tavern Museum to bring Lisa's vision to life. The moment I stepped in the building, I knew it would be a shoot I would never forget. For one thing, I got to wear incredible diamond and pearl jewelry *and* I wore a bridal gown! (I live in concert black, so when Lisa asked me to to step in to a white lace bridal gown, I did a double take!) Plus size models are so rarely represented in the wedding industry, so I'm honored that I was able to take part.

The hair and makeup team from Upstyle Co. made me feel so welcome and we became fast friends. Our photographer, Joanna Fisher, made me feel like a supermodel! That's one experience you definitely want on your wedding day: To feel like your vendor team are your new friends who have your back.

Check out the incredible images by Joanna Fisher Photography and from this wonderful vendor team below.

Vendor Team:

Event planning: Lisa of Nightingale Events

Photographer: Joanna Fisher

Jewelry: Becker's Diamonds

Bridal Boutique: The Persnickety Brie

Cake: Lovely Cakes CT

Flowers: Flowers by Justine

Venue: Keeler Tavern Museum

Bar: Lifted Spirits

Musician/Model: Ariana Strings

Rentals: Ryan Designs RI

Stationary: Cat Wilcox

Hair & Makeup: Mia and Brittany of Upstyle

Tabletop: Borrowed Blu

Dress designer: Justin Alexander

Rentals: CT Rental Center

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Our Feature in The Connecticut Bride

Ariana Strings
Jan 6, 2021
2 min read

Updated: May 17

We are SO thrilled to announce that we have been published in most recent issue of The Connecticut Bride Magazine! It's coming to news stands in January 2021 and we are counting down the days.

When Carisa of Pink Olive Events invited me to be a part of a medieval fantasy wedding shoot, I leapt at the chance. Carisa was one of the very first people I met when I formally began my wedding business and she's been so kind to me over the years. I'm so grateful to her and I'm over the moon with how this photoshoot turned out.

Featuring dark colors and jewel tones, whimsical and romantic florals, velvet and lace textures, the creativity for this shoot is unparalleled.

This stylized shoot features my violin and guitar duet. Many thanks to The Connecticut Bride, Carisa of Pink Olive Events, and Cait Fletcher Photography. Vendor Team is below - Check them out. They're all amazing!