1930s Wedding Re-Creation (an attempt)

As a vintage photography enthusiast, I had the unique privilege of recreating a 1935 wedding using authentic period dresses and styling. This project was part of the Carondelet Historical Society’s efforts to honor the past while bringing it to life in an engaging and artistic way. To capture the essence of the 1930s, I collaborated with a professional makeup and hair artist, borrowed a vintage 1930s car, and carefully selected historically accurate clothes, creating a stunningly immersive experience. It became less of a photoshoot and more of a journey into a bygone era.

The 1930s were a fascinating decade of transformation. Wedding ceremonies then often reflected the economic challenges of the Great Depression as well as the glamour associated with the golden age of Hollywood. Weddings were typically modest, but brides often sought to add touches of elegance by emulating the styles worn by celebrities of the time. Bias-cut satin gowns, delicate lace details, and beaded embellishments epitomized bridal fashion. Accessories such as long veils, elegant gloves, and sparkling hairpieces completed the look, while makeup emphasized soft, romantic elegance with bold lips and subtle eyeliner.

Keeping these details in mind, my team meticulously worked to recreate the aesthetics of the time. ZiZi, one of our talented models, portrayed a glamorous 1930s bride. Nikki assumed the role of the sassy younger sister, while June Ann embodied the “Mother of the Bride,” gracefully wearing a dress that was actually labeled as such from 1935. Clay stepped in as the groom, dressed in a classic suit fit for the time. Interestingly, none of the models had met before the session, creating a dynamic that felt both genuine and playful—an almost unscripted tension that added to the authenticity of the shoot.

The backdrop for the session was outdoors, highlighting the simplicity of weddings during this era, when large banquet halls were often too expensive for average families. Instead, community spaces, churches, or even family gardens served as practical venues. We shot several key moments that reflected traditional photo poses from the 1930s, including bride and groom portraits, family groups, and candid images of the “guests.” These were interspersed with details such as close-ups of the bride’s accessories and the vintage car borrowed for the day.

Looking back, shooting this project outdoors was both a challenge and a blessing. The natural light beautifully captured the warm tones of the vintage fashion, but as one of my first forays into group portraiture and outdoor photography, it required adaptability and patience. At times, I felt deeply critical of my work—was it historically accurate enough? Did the compositions convey the period’s essence? But as I reviewed and re-edited the final photos, I realized that while not perfect, the shoot had successfully brought the 1930s to life. Each photo told its own piece of the story.

The planning and execution of this project offered me a greater appreciation not only for vintage fashion and photography but also for the cultural and historical intricacies of the 1930s. It was a time when resilience and resourcefulness shaped every aspect of life, even something as joyful as a wedding. Brides drew inspiration from magazines, often sewing their own gowns or using fabric from curtains or other repurposed materials. Families worked together to make the occasion special, even with limited resources. The car we used—a true relic of the decade—added an authentic touch, symbolizing the upward aspiration many families held onto, even during tough times.

Below, you’ll find a selection of the best photos from the shoot. They showcase not just the results of my effort but also the beauty of a time long past, frozen for a moment in the present. I hope they offer a window into what it might have been like to attend a 1930s wedding—the love, the style, and the unmistakable charm of the era.

What started as a simple project to recreate a 1935 wedding turned into a deeper exploration of this remarkable decade. The experience was not without its challenges, but to me, it was one of the most rewarding shoots I’ve ever done. Celebrating the history of fashion, makeup, and styling while imagining the lives of those who lived—and wed—back then has left me with a deeper connection to the past.

If you’re interested in vintage styles, the 1930s is an inspiring era in which creativity triumphed over limitations. Whether for weddings, photography, or fashion, it continues to serve as an enduring testament to timeless elegance.