A wedding photographer had a 'Bridgerton'-inspired photo shoot complete with themed invitations and daring outfits

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A wedding photographer had a 'Bridgerton'-inspired photo shoot complete with themed invitations and daring outfits
  • Wedding photographer Cristeal Felien created a "Bridgerton"-inspired photo shoot.
  • Felien and a team of vendors combined the romance of the Regency era with modern wedding decor.
  • They hope the shoot will act as a blueprint for couples who want a "Bridgerton" wedding.
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Netflix's "Bridgerton" was so popular when it was released in 2020 that it's becoming a source of inspiration for people as they plan their weddings.

Netflix's "Bridgerton" was so popular when it was released in 2020 that it's becoming a source of inspiration for people as they plan their weddings.
Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset on "Bridgerton." LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX

Photographer Cristeal Felien and wedding planner Michelle of Nixi Weddings decided to create a "Bridgerton"-inspired wedding shoot after Felien saw posts about the show on Instagram.

Photographer Cristeal Felien and wedding planner Michelle of Nixi Weddings decided to create a "Bridgerton"-inspired wedding shoot after Felien saw posts about the show on Instagram.
Cristeal Filean created a "Bridgerton" wedding photo shoot. Cristeal Felien Photography
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Felien told Insider she was inspired by the classic beauty of Regency-era romance, and she thought the aesthetic of the series would translate well for a wedding.

Felien told Insider she was inspired by the classic beauty of Regency-era romance, and she thought the aesthetic of the series would translate well for a wedding.
The shoot was themed around the show. Cristeal Felien Photography

Felien and Michelle worked with a team of all women-owned small businesses in California to make their vision a reality.

Felien and Michelle worked with a team of all women-owned small businesses in California to make their vision a reality.
A team of vendors created the shoot. Cristeal Felien Photography
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The faux wedding brought Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton together, but the models Felien enlisted, Courtney and Ethan, are a real couple.

The faux wedding brought Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton together, but the models Felien enlisted, Courtney and Ethan, are a real couple.
The models were a real couple. Cristeal Felien Photography

"There is something so special when somebody is genuinely in love with the other person that you can't really replicate," Felien said of photographing a real couple.

"There is something so special when somebody is genuinely in love with the other person that you can't really replicate," Felien said of photographing a real couple.
Their love shined through. Cristeal Felien Photography
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The shoot included a themed invitation suite, addressed to Eloise Bridgerton.

The shoot included a themed invitation suite, addressed to Eloise Bridgerton.
The invitations nodded to the characters on the show. Cristeal Felien Photography

There was even a Lady Whistledown announcement of the nuptials.

There was even a Lady Whistledown announcement of the nuptials.
The team created a Lady Whistledown bulletin. Cristeal Felien Photography
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Felien chose a romantic gown with a full skirt for Courtney to model during the shoot, even though it wasn't the same silhouette as dresses from the "Bridgerton" era.

Felien chose a romantic gown with a full skirt for Courtney to model during the shoot, even though it wasn't the same silhouette as dresses from the "Bridgerton" era.
The bride in her wedding dress. Cristeal Felien Photography

"It has that sexiness to it because it's sheer in certain areas, but it also has this incredible elegance that I was just dumbfounded by," Felien said of why she chose the dress.

"It has that sexiness to it because it's sheer in certain areas, but it also has this incredible elegance that I was just dumbfounded by," Felien said of why she chose the dress.
The dress was sexy and elegant. Cristeal Felien Photography
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The accessories Felien paired with the dress tied the theme together.

The accessories Felien paired with the dress tied the theme together.
They dressed Courtney in period accessories. Cristeal Felien Photography

A crown, a fan, and the iconic "Bridgerton" gloves made Courtney's look feel authentic to the era without being cheesy.

A crown, a fan, and the iconic "Bridgerton" gloves made Courtney's look feel authentic to the era without being cheesy.
The accessories nodded to the series. Cristeal Felien Photography
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Ethan's tuxedo also offered a modernized version of the "Bridgerton" style.

Ethan's tuxedo also offered a modernized version of the "Bridgerton" style.
Ethan wore a cream tuxedo. Cristeal Filean Photography

The cream suit had a subtle floral pattern, nodding to the Duke of Hastings' ornate vests on "Bridgerton."

The cream suit had a subtle floral pattern, nodding to the Duke of Hastings' ornate vests on "Bridgerton."
The suit was patterned. Cristeal Filean Photography
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The Nixi Weddings team used flowers, candles, and gold accessories to make a tablescape fit for the "Bridgerton" cast.

The Nixi Weddings team used flowers, candles, and gold accessories to make a tablescape fit for the "Bridgerton" cast.
The table had a romantic vibe. Cristeal Felien Photography

An elaborate cheese board nodded to the heavy hors d'oeuvres the "Bridgerton" cast snacked on at balls throughout the series.

An elaborate cheese board nodded to the heavy hors d'oeuvres the "Bridgerton" cast snacked on at balls throughout the series.
The charcuterie board was ornate. Cristeal Felien Photography
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Mirrors engraved with the names of "Bridgerton" cast members served as place cards.

Mirrors engraved with the names of "Bridgerton" cast members served as place cards.
The mirrors featured the characters' names. Cristeal Felien Photography

Ethan and Courtney posed in front of an aged chapel, evoking the same vibe as Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings' wedding.

Ethan and Courtney posed in front of an aged chapel, evoking the same vibe as Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings' wedding.
The couple posed as if they were saying wedding vows. Cristeal Felien Photography
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Felien told Insider it was important to balance the theme and modernity so the shoot didn't come across as gauche.

Felien told Insider it was important to balance the theme and modernity so the shoot didn't come across as gauche.
The shoot was both modern and themed. Cristeal Felien Photography

"I was really nervous about it going in, because I didn't want it to look cheesy," Felien said. "I wanted it to be something that would inspire my brides."

"I was really nervous about it going in, because I didn't want it to look cheesy," Felien said. "I wanted it to be something that would inspire my brides."
She didn't want it to be cheesy. Cristeal Felien Photography
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Felien went on to say that some of the things that made the shoot feel authentic were happy accidents.

Felien went on to say that some of the things that made the shoot feel authentic were happy accidents.
The shoot has a spontaneous spirit. Cristeal Felien Photography

For instance, Ethan's pants ended up being shorter than the team anticipated, but they looked authentic to the Regency era.

For instance, Ethan's pants ended up being shorter than the team anticipated, but they looked authentic to the Regency era.
The pants were too short. Cristeal Felien Photography
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Likewise, the owner of the venue stumbled upon a group of baby bunnies the day of the shoot that added to the old-world feel of the day.

Likewise, the owner of the venue stumbled upon a group of baby bunnies the day of the shoot that added to the old-world feel of the day.
They found baby rabbits amid the shoot. Cristeal Felien Photography

Felien said the bunnies made the day feel like a real-life Disney princess movie.

Felien said the bunnies made the day feel like a real-life Disney princess movie.
The bunnies were a surprise. Cristeal Felien Photography
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Felien advises couples who want to have a real "Bridgerton"-inspired wedding to combine modern decor with nods to the show.

Felien advises couples who want to have a real "Bridgerton"-inspired wedding to combine modern decor with nods to the show.
The key to pulling off a themed-wedding is subtly, according to Felien. Cristeal Felien Photography

"Modern elements are a huge part of what made the shoot so successful," she said.

"Modern elements are a huge part of what made the shoot so successful," she said.
The shoot wasn't entirely Regency-era focused. Cristeal Felien Photography
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"If I had just done a full-fledged costume for each of them, it wouldn't have looked the way that it looked," she added.

"If I had just done a full-fledged costume for each of them, it wouldn't have looked the way that it looked," she added.
Felien designed the shoot. Cristeal Felien Photography

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