Alternative Bridal Style: A Circus Inspired Wedding Story

Set within the incredible architecture of Circomedia, this circus-inspired wedding shoot brought together movement, colour and alternative bridal energy. Created and captured by Melanie Chitty Photography, the concept explored what happens when performance meets romance - where bridal fashion is less about standing still and more about expression, individuality and joy.

This wasn’t about tradition. It was about storytelling through movement, bold styling and a celebration of creative weddings that break the rules.

The Concept - When Circus Meets Ceremony

With a ceremony led by Rebel Rites Celebrant, the shoot embraced a modern take on weddings - personal, expressive and just the right amount of rebellious. Moving away from tradition, it celebrated storytelling, individuality and the freedom to do things differently.

Set within the striking space of the Circomedia Church, the shoot captured the spirit of a true circus-inspired wedding - immersive, theatrical and full of movement rather than something that felt posed or staged.

Housed inside this 18th-century church, in the beating heart of Bristol, the venue itself is a hidden gem. Offering a dramatic backdrop for couples ready to step beyond convention and create something entirely their own.

Fashion & Movement - Alternative Bridal Styling

Performers and models Rowan, Nora and Suzy brought the styling to life through movement - lifting, spinning and flowing effortlessly through the space to show that alternative bridalwear can be playful, powerful and completely unrestricted.

From acrobatic lifts and aerial moments to softer, romantic poses framed by Circomedia’s dramatic architecture, each look was designed to move with the body rather than against it.

Shimmering fabrics caught the light as they twisted through hoops and silks, while sheer layers added fluidity and drama, transforming traditional bridal silhouettes into something bold, modern and performance-ready.

The result felt less like a posed shoot and more like a living, breathing performance - where fashion became part of the choreography itself.

Rowan wears the Black Idol Full Back Catsuit. Nora wears a custom heart bodysuit with a holographic heart train. Suzy wears a custom white holographic velvet catsuit altered specifically for Lyra.

Styling Details - The Creative Layers

Florals

Bold florals by Belle De Jour Florist brought a vibrant, sculptural energy to the shoot - from striking hand-tied bouquets to the playful, colour-packed centrepieces layered with texture and movement.

Rich yellows, electric blues and unexpected shapes softened the dramatic backdrop while echoing the circus-inspired styling, creating a balance between romance and performance that felt joyful, modern and full of personality.

Hair & Make-Up

Hair and make-up by Rebecca Rose MUA leaned into bold texture, luminous skin and a touch of sparkle, perfectly balancing softness with theatrical edge. Sculptural braids, statement lips and subtle shimmer brought a modern, editorial finish that felt effortlessly in tune with the circus-inspired styling.

Decore & Details

The décor brought a playful, theatrical energy to the space, blending vintage circus charm with bold colour and unexpected detail. Statement pieces by Jess Grimsdale - including the beautifully illustrated teapot and whimsical tablescape - sat alongside layered textures and vibrant accents from @stringy_knickers, creating a setting that felt imaginative, joyful and completely non-traditional.

Every element added to the storytelling, transforming the scene into something that felt part performance, part celebration.

Cake

The sculptural cake by Blue Berry Moon Cakes felt like an art piece in its own right - playful, colourful and perfectly aligned with the circus-inspired theme.

Capturing the Story

Captured through both stills and behind-the-scenes content by VH Wedding Content, the shoot felt alive - more like a performance unfolding than a traditional wedding editorial.

The Bigger Picture

This circus-inspired wedding wasn’t just about aesthetics - it was about celebrating individuality and showing that wedding fashion can be bold, playful and deeply personal. At Burnt Soul, we’re always inspired by creatives who push beyond tradition and bring movement back into bridal style.

If you have an idea brewing and want to speak to us, we’d love to hear it. Whether you’re planning something alternative, performance-led or completely outside the box, our studio is always open to exploring new ways to create something uniquely yours.

Creative Team 

• Photography & Concept: @melaniechittyphotography

• Celebrant: @rebelritescelebrant_

• Florist: @belle_de_jour_florist

• Make-Up & Hair: @rebeccarosemua

• Decor & Styling: @jessgrimsdale, @stringy_knickers

• Cake: @blueberrymooncakes

• Content Creation: @vhweddingcontent

• Models: @circusvirgo, @norasonaraa, @suzy.pegler

• Venue: @circomedia