How to Plan a Styled Bridal Shoot

It was magical and exactly how I envisioned it. But, It wouldn't have been the same without the help of so many amazing vendors.

I had been wanting to plan a styled shoot for a very long time... What is exactly a styled shoot? it's a vision and a learning experience. It's a shoot you put together to either add content to your portfolio and to show your future clients what you can create for their special day; It's an amazing way to network with other vendors and open doors to new opportunities. A styled shoot it's also an opportunity to try new ideas and new gear, or simply to have fun without the stress and pressure you usually have at a wedding. If you want to test your new gear or try different techniques, this is a good way to do it, You do not want to try something new at a real wedding. What I love about styled shoots is that you can make it as simple or extravagant as you want.

My vision for this shoot was to collaborate with a few vendors I had been following on social media for a while. I was very familiar with their work and reached out to collaborate. I wanted this shoot to be romantic with a hint of vintage. An awesome part of this shoot was able to work with other photographers in the area as we all came together for this shoot..

So how do you plan a Bridal Styled Shoot?

Purpose-Planning-Create....

Purpose; The first step is envisioning what you want to create and why. Is it for your blog, for your portfolio, for fun or to test your new gear... Deciding the why will help your vision and deciding how big or simple you want the styled shoot to be. The purpose of this styled shoot was to add to my portfolio but also bring vendors together and learn how to network.. I was a happy girl when all vendors said yes... Finding models should be easy. I recommend you have backup models just in case someone can't make it.

Planning; The fun part is planning the shoot. Meet with your vendors and venue, and show them your ideas. Motivate them by reminding them that they will be using these images for their business so they can create their best work for your shoot. If you have a specific theme and color make sure all the vendors know this. You do not want your bouquet with fall colors when your theme is spring... Talk to your venue and have a plan B in case it rains. The day of the shoot arrive early to scout the location and where you will be setting up.

Create; The day of the shoot have fun and remember the purpose of the shoot. Make sure to get the images for all vendors first and then you can focus on something else. you want to make sure you have a variety of images for your vendors. Take vertical and horizontal images and dont forget about those small details..

I was blessed with two amazing couples that were dressed by Blush Bridal http://www.loveblushbridal.com/

Debbie from Debbie Bender Designs https://www.debbiebenderdesign.com/ Went beyond what I asked her for this shoot. Her table design was insanely beautiful with amazing details. She was very detailed and nailed her vision for this shoot... You guys! She even made a bouquet last minute with some extra flowers she brought.

Brittany from http://sunshineartistry.com/ was the makeup artist for this shoot. I've worked with Brittany before and her makeup always looks flawless. She's the sweetest person you will ever meet.

Gathered https://www.gatheredmarketplace.com/ created this amazing copper frame with beautiful flowers... It was stunning.. It photographed so well. We kept it as simple as possible, because I wanted the flowers to be the focal point and not overpower the bride and groom. Plus it added that vintage look I was going for.

Lets talk sweets.. I am a sucker for amazing cakes that taste as good as they look. I have ordered 2 cakes from Novita http://cakesdecor.com/Cakesbynovita and she never disappoints me, so when it came to looking for a baker, I immediately thought of her. She created such masterpiece.

Skyler from https://www.facebook.com/CookieCutterCookies/ created the most beautiful sugar cookies... The models enjoyed eating them for a few shots.

Ann from http://www.annsflowershop.net/ provided a beautiful bouquet with the perfect colors for the theme...

Kaleh from http://www.kalehsampsondesigns.com/ made so many beautiful stationaries... This is important to have on a styled shoot. Bring styling props and boards to create awesome flat lays. Practicing on how to style invitations/stationary will save you time at a real wedding.

The Venue was Cape Fear Botanical Garden... https://www.capefearbg.org/ It was the perfect location for this shoot. The 3 places we set up 3 of the vendors were perfect and unique. The garden had this amazing tree that we kept obsessing about. Definitely a venue to consider for any special occasion or event. This garden is full of opportunities from every corner of the property.

I used my Nikon D750... My favorite lens 50mm and my 70-200. A huge thanks to all the amazing vendors and venue that collaborated... Enjoy these images that i am so proud of.