Just when you think the world has seen every possible wedding idea and theme, someone comes along and creates a damn Teletubbies-inspired bridal shoot! Because why not ditch the classic white colour palette and throw in a nod to your favourite childhood fever dream?

Da’Reen, one half of Poppy + Pot, a Black, queer, husband-and-wife-owned flower and ceramics shop in Sacramento, had an ‘ah-ha’ moment while driving through the rolling green hills outside the Bay Area. “I looked around and thought, ‘This reminds me of the Teletubbies,’” she recalled. “The idea just snowballed from there.” Known for her bold use of colour, Da’Reen ran with the concept, planning a styled shoot that would bring her vision to life.

Teaming up with her friend, Erica Cervantez, an AAPI and queer photographer, Da’Reen found the perfect grassy-hilled backdrop at Taber Ranch in Capay, CA. Late 90s/ Y2K inspired fashion just made sense as the style as it’s bright, fun, and a bit nostalgic. Each ‘bridesmaid’ was a different Teletubbie with the bride in all white but a colourful trimmed veil and nails encompassing all the colours. All of the looks were supplied by Freestyle Clothing Exchange.

The florals were, of course, super bright and fun, the cake was perfectly nostalgic and creative. And finally there was a nod to the iconic ‘Tubby Custard’ – recreated as a cheeky, pastel-pink cocktail to tie the theme together.

For Da’Reen, this shoot was more than just a creative exercise. It was a chance to highlight the work of inclusive, often overlooked vendors. “Most of the people involved in this shoot are queer-owned businesses,” she said. “As a queer Black woman, I love seeing vendors being loud and proud about who they are. It’s so important to support each other and push for representation in the industry.”

Reflecting on the project, Da’Reen has one piece of advice for future couples: “Your wedding day doesn’t have to be an uptight event. It can be just as colourful and quirky as you are! This is your day, and you get to do whatever you want. Have fun with it.”