Stylized shoots are one of those things that only people deep in the wedding world seem to understand. So in the interest of transparency, I wanted to talk about those today.
A stylized shoot (also a styled shoot or an inspiration shoot) is basically a faux-wedding. A group of wedding professionals come together to create a mock-wedding shoot. The details and props of the shoot are all styled around a particular theme and color palette.
These wedding shoots usually include a bride and groom, a gorgeous gown, florals, stationary items, a cake or other dessert item, and a reception tablescape. Sometimes there is a ceremony setup. Sometimes a bridesmaid or groomsman is involved. The more details the better!
In most cases, wedding professionals involved in a stylized shoot are not paid for their contribution. They were not hired by the bride. Because, in reality, there is no bride. One or more of the wedding professionals (often the photographer or wedding planner) is the lead instigator of the shoot. This individual has the vision, puts together the team, and oversees the details of the event. All the team members contribute their time and their area of expertise (flowers, cake, stationary, etc) to bring the shoot idea to life.
Sometimes the bride and groom are a real life couple. Sometimes they're professional models. Often they're either friends or past clients of someone on the vendor team.
There are a dozen different reasons wedding professionals might want to do a stylized shoot, but the main goal is to inspire brides. This is an opportunity to push the envelope. To do something that hasn't been seen before in weddings. Maybe it's a unique color scheme. Maybe the theme is inspired by a movie or a book. Whatever the case, a stylized shoot should give brides new & fresh ideas for their weddings.
Some of the other reasons for doing a stylized wedding shoot:
-Network with other vendors
-Be published on a wedding blog or magazine
-Update website gallery or portfolio with new work
-Be creative and do something different for the fun of it
-Show brides something new that they can offer
A stylized shoot could also be a wedding related event, such as a bridal shower, elopement, rehearsal dinner, or day after brunch.
Stylized shoots are a huge time investment for everyone involved (and often a monetary investment), but they are also really rewarding! I'm very excited to have not one, but two styled shoots this fall and I'm very excited to be showing those off soon!
Images from our recent Burberry Stylized Shoot that was featured on Tidewater and Tulle.
Concept & Coordination: Buzy Bee Photography
Venue: New Kent Winery
Cake: Bella Cakes
Florals: Catherine's Distinctive Floral Designs
Event Styling: Inspirations Event Planning
Stationery: Labyrinth Productions
Hair Stylist: Hair by Kimberly
Makeup Artist: Makeup By MUA
Custom Clothing: RicLamar Clothing