Renn and Mars didn’t get married that day, but they easily could have. Dressed head-to-toe in black and surrounded by low lighting, liquor bottles and flowers, they moved through Fort Greene Bar like they owned it.

Photographer Mikaela Antonelli had the idea after throwing around visual references with stylist Aja Jewel. “It started with Addams Family as a vibe,” Mikaela said, “and then we added in more 90s Buffy meets Addams Family. Our working title was just ‘Goth Vibes’.” The team leaned into the supernatural without making it a costume. It’s romantic, but in a way that makes room for moodiness. The result is gritty, intimate, and far from anything you’d find on Pinterest’s homepage.

They kept the shoot intentionally small. Just two models and a $1,500 budget, a lot of which was dedicated to the flowers. “This was more elopement vibes because it was just our two models”, Mikaela continued. “Something at a dive bar that is a little sexy and fun and all black – not a white piece in sight.” The flowers, designed by Blumenhaus, echoed the dark, rich palette and added contrast without softening it. “Men with flowers will always be my favourite”, Mikaela noted.

For the cake, Love Emily Bakery delivered something sculptural. It was black, modern, and beautifully weird with safety pins and studs echoing the theme.

“We really wanted to have a wedding that wasn’t following the wedding formula, which I feel Rock n Roll Bride is all about,” said Mikaela. “It can show your readers that they can wear whatever they want on their wedding day and do whatever they want! Elope in your fave bar if you want!”

Working in the wedding industry, especially as a queer vendor, Mikaela sees the pressure that couples face to conform to a specific aesthetic. One that’s often heteronormative, whitewashed, and overly curated. “I feel like the wedding industry wants to fit couples into a box of what weddings should look like and that is not what every couple wants,” she said. “I think the wedding industry as a whole should expand their view on what a wedding looks like because it absolutely does not have to be cookie cutter.”

Her advice to couples planning their own celebration is simple and clear. “Fuck what is trending. Do what feels authentic to you and what makes you feel like you are going to have the most comfortable best day ever.”