Dark Academia Styled Shoot at the Mütter Museum

Merida

Mar 12, 2025

1 min read

A couple sitting on beautiful staircase decorated for an alternative Philadelphia wedding. The red haired bride is wearing a black dress and a long red cape.

All photos courtesy of Alex Medvick Photography

Sometimes, lemons really do make lemonade.

COVID has dominated almost every aspect of life for two years- delays, reschedules, even cancellations. Even those of us in the wedding industry aren't immune.

Alyssa- part time coordinator, full-time partner-in-crime- was supposed to have her wedding to Ben in 2020. Instead of dancing the night away at the High Point in Malvern, she ended up having a small ceremony, with a dinner afterward with their closest family and friends at a restaurant nearby.

Candles on stacked books illuminate a dark room with a vintage trunk and ornate lantern, creating a cozy, mysterious atmosphere. This is a dark academia wedding inspiration for an alternative Philadelphia wedding.

When Alyssa texted us about the cancellation, Alex and I immediately got into touch and decided we'd be doing a styled shoot. We switched locations to the College of Physicians- home to the Mütter Museum. Catering By Design was a gracious host, letting us run around with a crazy 20 ft long cape made by Nikki of Mayfaire Moon Costumes and Corsets.

A woman in a long red cape stands on a grand staircase, surrounded by candles and flowers, creating a regal and dramatic scene.

We even had a special guest join us! My friend Ivonne (aka a Mütter Museum superfan) was visiting for a few days, and hopped on board for hair and makeup. I teamed up with one of EBM's favorite coordinators, Laura, to build the decor for both ceremony sites.

Enough talking- here are the photos!

Woman in a black dress sits on marble stairs, surrounded by books and flowers. Ornate lamps adorn the elegant setting.

Elegant marble staircase with a statue at the top. Books, flowers, and lamps line the steps, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Books stacked on marble steps with flowers, a lantern, and a candle. Warm lighting creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Vintage books with ornate pen, roses, pomegranate seeds, and candles on a dark tablecloth in a cozy library setting. Moody and elegant atmosphere.

Pomegranate and berries on a table with a protea flower, books, and a glass cloche. Background shows wooden shelves, creating a cozy mood.

A dimly lit room with stacked books and lit candles on a wooden floor. An open book sits on a chest, creating a cozy, warm ambiance.

Elegant table setting with two ornate plates, patterned napkins, and gold cutlery on dark fabric. Books, candles, and red berries add charm.

Elegant fireplace with floral garland, glowing candles, lanterns, and stacked books. Warm wood paneling creates a cozy, vintage ambiance.

A couple kisses in a sunlit room with high windows and elegant curtains. The woman wears a flowing white dress, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Black cake with silver branch design on stand, surrounded by red pomegranate seeds and candle on dark cloth, set in a library.

4 Comments

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Fedir Popov

Sep 06

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