For this wedding in Perth, Australia, the bride got ready in her parents’ home, which photographer Samm Blake says is filled with beautiful art and design, including a large black velvet curtain draped across the entranceway and some tasteful artwork hanging on the walls.

According to Blake, the family had a well-known fashion photographer friend come over during the bridal preparations in the morning to capture a portrait of the bride. “The couple had asked me in advance if this is something I would be okay with,” says the Brooklyn-based photographer, “and I said yes as I was eager to watch this photographer work his magic.”

But because the bride was hidden behind the black curtain, Blake realized that she wouldn’t be able to see the magic unfold. “As I went around to watch, I was quickly told off and asked to go back inside. Since the portrait was taking longer than expected, a bridesmaid popped her head through the curtain to see what was happening on the other side. I was too afraid to do so myself in fear of being told off again, so I captured this moment instead. It turned out to be one of my all-time favorite photographs! I love the mystery of the photograph and how it has such a surreal feeling to it. It leaves you wanting to know more.”

(Captured using a Canon 5D Mark II with a 35mm f/1.4L lens.)

Photo © Samm Blake

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