There are some films that simply etch themselves into our hearts and imaginations, and The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of them. Darkly whimsical, beautifully romantic, and steeped in Tim Burton’s unmistakable gothic charm, it has become an enduring favourite for alternative couples who feel, like Jack and Sally, that they are “simply meant to be.”

So when the brilliant wedding stylist and planner Foxglove & Black set out to create a shoot inspired by this cult classic, the result was every bit as enchanting as you’d hope. From gothic florals to quirky details, and set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Arnos Vale Cemetery, this styled shoot is pure wedding magic with a Burtonesque twist.

Some wedding themes just capture the imagination so completely that they never go out of style. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of those — a film that blends the spooky with the whimsical, Halloween with Christmas, and darkness with love.

This styled shoot, created by wedding stylist and planner Foxglove & Black, is a love letter to Burton’s magical world.

“I’ve always loved Tim Burton and, after visiting his exhibition in London earlier this year, it felt like the perfect time to organise a shoot celebrating his iconic style! I love all of his films, but being a big fan of Halloween and also the festive season, I wanted to recreate the magic of The Nightmare before Christmas that myself and so many other fans love it for. From the catchy musical numbers, to the romance between Jack & Sally and the Gothic, whimsical aesthetic — this is one wedding theme I’ve wanted to style for a while. It’s just perfect for any alternative couple who feels they are *‘simply meant to be’.”

Bringing Burton’s World to Life

Foxglove & Black drew inspiration directly from Burton’s distinctive visuals.

The legendary spiral hill where Jack & Sally meet became the ceremony backdrop — later moved behind the cake table and echoed again in the top table florals.
Black and white pumpkins paid homage to the Pumpkin King himself.
Gothic black trees with hanging bats, stripy napkins and candles all added to that unmistakable Burton aesthetic.

“Themed weddings can sometimes get a reputation for looking tacky or clichéd, so I made sure to keep the styling elegant with black and purple velvet, silver candlesticks, and wild untamed florals. Black roses, blue and purple blooms, and twisted branches gave the flowers a dark, romantic vibe.”

A Graveyard Setting

When it came to location, there was only one option: a graveyard. The shoot took place at Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol, a Victorian site complete with a Gothic chapel that offered drama, atmosphere, and the perfect Burtonesque backdrop. Fittingly, the couple who modelled as Jack and Sally, Karina and Jeff, were due to marry there themselves just weeks later!

A Team of Alternative Creatives

Every supplier chosen was a lover of Burton’s world.

Alex and Claire of AJT Images were the obvious choice to capture the aesthetic & drama of Burton’s world. Being non-traditional wedding photographers, they work a great deal with couples who love a themed wedding and it’s obvious why they are so popular! They also create wedding artwork in which they recreate the poses and scenes from different films - a truly unique service for any couple having a themed wedding day!
Blueberry Moon Cakes created the most epic design in striking purple & black, adorned with the swirl; flowers, and twisted twig like features. It had such cool detailing with skeleton hands and skulls to even fingers and eyes!
Maddison Rocks Floral I knew I wanted something quirky for ‘Sally’s’ headpiece and so Jane from Maddison Rocks Floral created a stunning mini top hat with B&W ribbon & flowers. She also created a unique tie for ‘Jack’ incorporating flowers; crosses & again the iconic ‘Nightmare before Christmas’ swirl. The headpiece looked amazing worn next to the beautiful dress.
The Couture Co. supplied the striking gown: layers of white tulle and black lace, with a matching veil embroidered with NBC motifs.
Paper Ink Alchemy hand-painted floral details onto black lace-up wedding boots (the perfect Sally shoes).
Nicola Honey Artistry gave Karina her bold Sally transformation,
while Jack’s bespoke suit was crafted by Karlus G Tailor, lined with purple velvet to echo the colour scheme.
Moonlight Macarons completed the details with Jack Skellington macarons as delicious wedding favours.
The ceremony itself, conducted by Miranda the Celebrant, included handfasting and broom-jumping — traditions that added depth, fun, and authenticity to this spellbinding day.

Why Choose a Themed Wedding?

Foxglove & Black leaves no doubt about her advice for couples:

“If you are considering a themed or alternative wedding, my advice? DO IT!! Your wedding should be about you and what unites you as a couple. Don’t feel you have to stick to traditions or change who you are. Whether you adore a film, love all things quirky, or are drawn to a dark & moody Gothic vibe — your wedding can be whatever you want it to be. A themed wedding doesn’t have to look tacky. It can be every bit as beautiful as a traditional ‘white wedding’… just with a bit more imagination.”

And with this Nightmare Before Christmas shoot, imagination is exactly what shines through.

Our Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered whether a themed wedding could still be elegant, stylish, and heartfelt, this shoot proves that the answer is a resounding yes. The attention to detail, the creative artistry of the suppliers, and the gothic romance woven throughout make this a celebration that’s as breathtaking as it is unique.

Your wedding day should always reflect you—whether that means bold and theatrical, subtly quirky, or darkly romantic. Take Foxglove & Black’s words to heart: themed weddings don’t have to be tacky, they can be every bit as magical as a traditional white wedding—perhaps even more so. After all, love is the greatest story ever told, and it deserves a setting that feels like it was written just for you.