Styled Bridal Shoot, Behind the Scenes

As some of you have seen I have done a four week series of brides and their wedding day stories. My heart behind this project was to help future brides hear seasoned brides that have experienced all the emotions of planning and of the big day. For me, hearing other brides experiences is one of the  ways I learn; wisdom from others is so important and something I find over looked in this generation! Here is how the whole thought process happened and how the day went!

I kept checking the weather and hoping that the temperature would say warmer than -22 but the morning of the shoot it was to be expected, minus too cold… I got all my gear ready to go and gave my kiddos and hubby a kiss good bye. As I was driving out to the location, I was honestly a little scared. I wanted the day to be enjoyable for everyone. I didn’t want it to get boring or awkward and I hoped I had put everything in place to make that happen. I was going to be meeting a lot of ladies that I have never met before and I am sure you understand how that can make you nervous. I stopped at the flower hut to grab the bouquets that they created for the shoot. The staff were so helpful in making my ideas come to life for the shoot. Both the bouquets were more than I imagined! One was silk flowers and I honestly thought I was a real bouquet until later in the day and someone pointed it out haha… I am so thankful for vendors like the flower hut in this town who are so willing to partner with other vendors and help each other succeed. I got back into my car and despite my nerves, the snow was falling, and it honestly was a beautiful drive out to Charlie Lake where the shoot was being hosted.

My amazing friend and lovely local vendor Deborah agreed to host the event and also show case her catering from, the brown sugar shack, for the ladies who attended. Deborah made my life so much easier because she is so gifted with hosting and hospitality. She truly set the tone and the mood perfectly. While I was setting up, she was busy working her magic in the kitchen and getting everything ready for the ladies to enjoy. I am a firm believer that décor and atmosphere play a huge role in how someone experiences an event so having a professional host it/cater it is important! This was the menu she sent me a week prior to the event,

Keeping in mind

bridal beauty, white, classy

Mini quiche

Cucumber Boursin rolls

Asian Chicken salad bites

Assorted cheeses and spreads

White sangria and sparkling water

Vanilla naked cake

Cream puffs with chocolate drizzle

How could you not get excited over that!! Deborah thank you for all your efforts you truly are so talented, and I am so lucky to have been able to work alongside you!!

After taking a few pictures of Deborah’s amazing arrangements, the lovely hair stylist arrived! We took a couple minutes figuring out where would be best and for them to set up and then they settled right in. Shaylene had responded to my ISO I put out on Facebook a couple months prior and then she recommended that I get another hairstylist to come help. That is when Jessica came to her mind and Jessica was happy to help! I was so grateful that Shaylene recommended someone else to help because it would have taken way longer than expected! The professionals truly know best in these types of situations and I am happy I listened! Shaylene and Jessica have worked together doing hair in the past and they are honestly such a good pairing, both have amazing talent and personalities! They took time in deciding what hair style would suit each girl and her dress and honestly, they did such a good job! I think the majority of the ladies said they wished they had their hair done the way Jessica and Shaylene had styled their hair! I loved how they had everything they needed and just came and made whatever space work for them! A huge benefit of hiring a hair stylist that came come to you is you don’t have to worry about travel time or anyone seeing you, you can stay in you getting ready space and they will make it work! I highly recommend these ladies for your wedding day!

Once the ladies had their hair done, they went over to Angela to get their make up done. Angela was my saviour because the other make up artist I had booked had something come up and Angela messaged me saying she would make it work, THANK YOU ANGELA! She was so much fun to work with. Her personality is so welcoming, and she is so easy to talk to and get to know. She has such a giving heart and is truly gifted at what she does. The make up she chose for all the ladies really made them all look amazing! Once a bride would sit down she would look at them and figure out what would suit them best, I loved that! I love how she really looks at someone instead of just jumping in. She did such a good job with all the ladies, you can tell she knows what she is doing! I highly recommend her for all your make up needs! I know I will be using her in the future!

Once they ladies were all dolled up, they followed me one by one outside. I tried to be quick with the time spent outside because of the temperature, -22! I have been taking some courses on posing and lighting so I found a spot right out side that worked perfect. I ran through a similar sequence of poses with all the ladies, but I had a second shooter Trinity take some behind the scenes shots of me so you all can see what I don’t! I love Trinity and all that she has done to grow and work on becoming a better photographer! I have been working with her to help her develop her own style and figure out basic composition techniques. I am looking forward to where her photography journey takes her!

After all the photos were taken, we all ran out side and got a group shot! I am so happy we did this because is shows what goes into a session like this! I am so thankful for all these ladies and am truly

Flowers: The Flower Hut

Hairstylist: Jessica, Shaylene

Cater: The Brown Sugar Shack

Make up Artistry: Angela Moody