Watch-toting rabbits, mad tea parties and croquet played by flamingo—the absurdity of an Alice in Wonderland-themed engagement session was perfect for Darlene and Mason because, the bride said, “from the day I met Mason, it was like I fell down the rabbit hole.”

Their whirlwind romance lasted just eight months from first date to forever, Darlene said. “Our relationship was the opposite of what I would normally do,” she explained.

For their session with photographer Ashley Perez, Darlene “collected all of the decor from thrift shops,” she said. “Anything that looked like a Victorian tea party, I bought. Tea cups and tea pots were a must.”

Darlene channeled “hints of Alice, but without being obvious,” she said. “I basically just brought a bunch of things that I had collected and we assembled and played around on site. It turned out to be a lot of fun!”

Enjoy the session and below, read Darlene’s helpful hints on crafting your own themed engagement session.

Darlene shared this advice for other theme-loving brides-to-be: “I would first say, do it!” Darlene said.  “I can’t tell you how much easier it all was having a theme. So many of my decisions were made for me, and all I needed to do was pick what would work best with the theme. I would say make a list of everything that goes along with that theme—things like words, props, ideas, foods, colors, and then create a scene that would best go with that theme. Your outfits need to go with the theme, too. Really put yourself into that idea and run with it.”