Cara & Arthur’s gothic fantasy wedding at Chapel Valley Farm in Eustis, FL
Gothic Fantasy Halloween Outdoor Wedding at Chapel Valley Farm in Eustis, FL | Orlando Wedding Photographer & Videographer
Author Made team photographer Kelly, along with creative lead & founder Michael, captured this whimsical, gothic, fantasy-themed Halloween wedding in Central Florida.
As Orlando wedding photographers, we get to witness a wide range of wedding styles, but every once in a while a couple fully commits to a vision in a way that feels so unique and unforgettable. Cara and Arthur’s wedding at Chapel Valley Farm in Eustis, FL was exactly that: a gothic, Halloween-inspired fantasy wedding that felt like Lord of the Rings meets Harry Potter (to use their own words), brought to life with deep personal touches and an all-black, moody aesthetic.
Cara, originally from South Africa, met Arthur after moving to Orlando. Their relationship included long-distance before finally landing in the same place, and the way they interact now says everything. Arthur is endlessly caring and a bit of a jokester, while Cara brings high energy and joy into every moment. They’re self-proclaimed huge nerds, and their wedding day was a love letter to the stories and worlds that shaped them.
Committing to the bit
From the very beginning, this wedding leaned wholeheartedly into its theme. Guests were required to dress in black or deep, gothic tones, transforming the entire day into something immersive and transportive. Think Transylvanian romance, medieval fantasy and spooky elegance without ever feeling costumey. Seriously - some of the guests’ costumes quite literally took our breath away!
Cara wore a black, sparkly gown with a deep V neckline, delicate tulle sleeves, and subtle shimmer throughout the train. Arthur wore black as well, complete with a Lord of the Rings–inspired elven pin (the green leaf), and every groomsman carried a sword from Arthur’s personal collection. When they raised their swords in a guard of honor after the ceremony, it felt like a moment straight out of a fantasy novel.
Chapel Valley Farm: the backdrop to a magical, fantasy wedding
Chapel Valley Farm in Eustis is one of those venues that truly transforms depending on how it’s styled, and for Cara & Arthur’s dark, gothic fantasy wedding, it couldn’t have been a better fit. The barn architecture, wooded surroundings, and layered outdoor spaces naturally lend themselves to a magical, storybook atmosphere.
Cara and Arthur chose Chapel Valley Farm not only for its aesthetic, but also for the convenience of booking through the venue’s all-inclusive package. We’ve taken an extensive, unsponsored tour of the property in previous years, and cannot speak highly enough of the team behind this beautiful space! You can read our in-depth venue review here: Chapel Valley Farm Wedding Venue Review
The outdoor ceremony space was especially striking, with carpets leading down the aisle, dramatic red florals, and rich draping across the arch. As the sun dipped lower, the ceremony area, tucked into the woodlands, created soft, cinematic lighting that perfectly complemented the couple’s gothic vision.
A ceremony straight out of Lothlórien
The ceremony itself was unforgettable. Not only were all guests dressed on theme, but even the officiant leaned into the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings fantasy aesthetic - a detail that completely floored us. Cara and Arthur opted for a first look beforehand in the ceremony space, where Arthur became visibly emotional seeing Cara for the first time.
Family members walking into the ceremony space, in full on-theme attire, created a dramatic start to the wedding ceremony. The ceremony space at Chapel Valley Farm has tall, wooden barn doors at the foot of the aisle, allowing guests and brides to make a cinematic entrance!
Cara & Arthur’s ceremony was sweet and meaningful, with a hand-fasting ceremony and tearful, personal vows. When the ceremony concluded, the groomsmen raised their swords overhead, creating a movie-moment exit for the newlyweds that felt equally romantic and legendary.
A wedding photographer’s note: bridal portraits at Chapel Valley Farm
All portraits were taken throughout the Chapel Valley Farm property, and the venue delivered on fantasy, romance, and natural beauty. From the ceremony space to the pond, the chapel front, and the hill connecting the two areas, the property offers endless opportunities for moody, magical wedding photography.
The trees provided consistent shade, allowing us to shoot comfortably even before golden hour. Light filtered through the leaves in soft leaks, creating depth and atmosphere without harsh contrast.
Photographer’s Pro Tip: Chapel Valley Farm is larger than it looks. If time allows, committing to a 30-minute portrait session using a golf cart unlocks even more hidden locations across the property.
An intimate, spooky barn reception
The outdoor reception took place under the barn structure and was filled with gothic fantasy details: gold candlesticks, black books, lanterns, deep red napkins, witchy candy bowls, a skeleton sweetheart-table statue, and a glowing “til we’re ghosts” neon sign. As the sun set and temperatures dropped into the 70s - and then colder after dark - guests naturally gravitated toward the fire pit, creating a cozy, old-world energy as the night went on.
Arthur was clearly having the time of his life, the garter toss turned delightfully chaotic, and the dessert spread (entirely created by Arthur’s aunt) was genuinely impressive.
A wedding that fully embraced unique personality
Cara and Arthur’s wedding was dark, moody, emotional, energetic, yet surprisingly chill all at once. They didn’t just choose a theme: they lived it out to the max. From medieval goblets to swords, costumes, and carefully curated décor, every choice reflected who they are and what they love.
For couples planning a gothic, Halloween, fantasy, or all-black wedding in Central Florida, this day was proof that when you commit fully to your vision, the result is unforgettable.
If you’re looking for an Orlando wedding photographer or Orlando wedding videographer who loves documenting nontraditional weddings and immersive themes, we’d love to help bring your world to life.
Vendors:
Author Made Partner Photographer: Shelby Miller
Author Made Team Videographer: Michael Kuo
Venue: The Event on Sunny Brook
Florist: Paper Twigs
Hair: The Studio Collective
DJ: Brooks Music
Hi, we’re Author Made, a wedding photography & videography studio based in Orlando, FL & Columbus, OH. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer or wedding videographer who believes weddings of all sizes and budgets deserve stunning images to cherish forever, we’d love to have the honor of capturing your wedding day.
If you’re interested in capturing your wedding photography or videography with us, please contact us - we would love to help your special day be all it can be!
