*UPDATE* This shoot has now been published on Magpie Wedding, click here to view and read their blog.
Hey everyone, this is my first blog post, so bear with me on this one!
A few weeks ago I organised my first styled shoot, as you all know I am a new business in Essex, offering venue styling and floral design for weddings. Its tough being new on the scene, mostly because your starting out in a industry where you don't know anyone, and you are having to build up relationships with other suppliers, and most importantly build trust too. But also because you don't necessarily have the portfolio to show people.
I am confident in my own work and ability, but without photos, other people aren't!
I had seen and been involved in styled shoots with other suppliers, but I knew that if I wanted to start my business off the right way, I had to do my own styled shoot, and I had to produce some brilliant images to showcase!!
Its daunting, the whole thing takes a lot of planning and organising. Designing the concept is the easy part, you pick what appeals to you, and create a moodboard to present to other suppliers to tease them in. I knew that I wanted to create a look that was edgy and unique from a traditional wedding, however had fun vibes too. I already had a stunning bridal model in mind - Carla North and I knew I wanted a rocky male model to play her groom.
I somehow managed to blag the amazing Maryann from The Menagerie Lifestyle photography to come on board, she found Nile - the male model, and wow was he just perfect for the look I was going for. Nile actually has his own rock band, his link is on his IG, so check him out if thats what your into!
Again being new, finding suppliers to collaborate with can be hard. I would suggest that you identify suppliers with similar styles to your own, and who you are genuinely interested in working with and then you approach them. Thats exactly what I done, and I was so extremely lucky at who I got on board. HOWEVER, having such established brands on board meant the pressure was really on me to deliver.. mainly because I didn't want to look like a div! It was a stressful few weeks pulling everything together.
The concept for the shoot was bringing together two walks of life, a little bit like a modern Romeo and Juliet. *Sorry I know thats cheesy* So you had Carla the elegant, beautiful bride, and Nile the rock, dark sheep groom.
The shoot took place a quaint, but stunning venue called The Old House in Rochford, Essex. Its an absolute hidden gem, with such character and charm. They had an array of old books, and low and behold there was a book which was titled 'A Tale of Two Cities', literally as if I had planned for it to be there.
The brides dress, jewellery, hair, make up and flowers all represented the delicate and prettyness to fit with the bride's look, however the cake, afternoon tea, stationery and groomswear all portrayed a darker edgy feel.
The shoot came together so perfectly, I couldn't have asked for a better team! I hope you like the images, for my first shoot... I couldn't be happier with the results.
Credits:
Planner/Stylist and floral design - @rosedecorstyling
Venue - @theoldhouserochford
Hair – @bridalhairbyjennie
Make up – @elainemarie.makeup
Models – @carla_north08 & @nile.shephard
Cake – @thehoneybeeweddingcakeco
Afternoon tea setup – @sugarlumplane
Bridal dress – @bridalreloved
Grooms jacket – Fields menswear
Stationery– @leigh_calligraphy
Jewellery - @pswithlov3
Personalised PJs & rose gold champagneflutes- @personallittletouch