Tailored wool. Vintage lace. A vintage gypsy wagon tucked in the hills of Topanga Canyon.
Some sessions feel like time travel, and this one brought us straight into the smoky, seductive world of Peaky Blinders, with just enough softness to make it unmistakably a love story.
For this editorial engagement shoot, we took inspiration from 1920s styling and added a layer of romance, nature, and drama. The result was a session that balanced mystery and emotion that was perfectly suited for this couple, Josh and Bailey, who craved something beyond the typical engagement session.
The Concept: Old-World Grit Meets Modern Romance
The idea for this Peaky Blinders–inspired engagement shoot started with the groom’s love for the show and it took shape from there. I found the ideal setting: a vintage-style Airbnb tucked into the mountains of Topanga Canyon, complete with ornate caravans, chandeliers in trees, and winding steps through the woods.
I styled the bride’s looks to match the aesthetic of the series while still celebrating the romance between the couple. The goal was to create images that felt stoic but charged with connection—equal parts gritty and gorgeous. We shot in the morning light to enhance the rich colors of the gowns and surrounding landscape, letting the wardrobe and backdrop do much of the storytelling.
The Styling: Claire Pettibone Gowns & Vintage Details
We crafted two distinct looks for this session—each with its own mood, palette, and personality.
Look One: The Raven Gown
The groom wore a tailored three-piece suit with a black coat, vintage pocket watch, and classic black hat. The bride stunned in the Raven gown by Claire Pettibone that is a black gown adorned with colored floral lace in crimson, blush, and sage tones. The combination created a moody, commanding energy that nodded to the show’s iconic style.
Look Two: The Shangri-La Gown
For a softer, romantic shift, the groom changed into a warm tan coat and wide-brim hat. The bride wore Claire Pettibone’s Shangri-La gown—a sheer golden lace dress embroidered with vibrant florals in magenta, aqua, and green. Together, the palette felt like a slow exhale after the drama: tender, glowing, cinematic.
All accessories were vintage-sourced, and the styling was entirely custom to the shoot.
The Mood: Stoic Intimacy With a Playful Edge
Though the tone drew from Peaky Blinders: serious stares, slow movements, whiskey glasses, this shoot was full of fun behind the scenes. The couple are friends of mine, so there was a natural comfort that made the entire day feel joyful. Between the drama of the wardrobe and the cozy moments inside the caravan, we found the perfect tension between editorial structure and real emotional connection.
Inside the caravan, they toasted with crystal glasses and Jameson. Outside, they wandered stone paths and stood beneath chandeliers suspended in trees. The property itself is a hidden gem in the Malibu hills and offered visual inspiration in every direction that we looked.
My Process: Guided Emotion & Vintage Touches
This was primarily a digital shoot, though I did sneak in a few frames using my 1930s film camera for that raw, timeless feel. I shot on a 24–70mm lens to allow flexibility on such a large property and guided the couple with soft direction to create natural but cinematic compositions. I wanted them to feel like characters in a story, but more importantly, like themselves.
Why Shoots Like This Matter
As a Los Angeles engagement photographer, I love when couples come to me with ideas that reflect their personalities, not just Pinterest trends. Shoots like this allow space for creativity, storytelling, and authenticity. And when couples blend shared interests, whether it’s period drama, whiskey, or woodland escapes, it all adds a layer of meaning to the experience.
So if you’re dreaming of a bold, editorial engagement session that feels uniquely yours—this is your sign to do it.
💌 Inquire here to start planning your story, or explore more in my Portfolio.
Because your love story deserves more than trends. It deserves a little drama, a little romance—and a lot of you.
