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I don’t normally share styled shoots on my blog, because they aren’t “real weddings”. However, after much thought I’ve decided that’s silly! They’re still amazing photos! They’re REAL work with REAL humans. Sometimes in conditions no different than an actual wedding day. In this case, harsh light. Those are REAL occurrences you have to battle with at an actual wedding. It’s the practice and fine tuning of my craft that enable me to handle all types of scenarios when I’m being paid to.

Recently among creatives in the wedding industry styled shoots have become quite controversial, for all kinds of reasons. Part of me understands the frustration that some of my peers might feel. I can see how someone who is just trying to work with real clients would be annoyed that their feed lacks the special care, and attention that comes from hosting or attending a styled shoot. On the other hand I say bollocks! If you want something, go and get it.

One main concern I’ve seen brought up is that photographers are posting these styled images, and passing them off as real weddings. Really? This is a concern for real? Every single meeting I’ve been on with a potential client has resulted in me either showing them an entire wedding album on my own, or them specifically asking to see one. Newly engaged couples are spending A LOT of time researching how they should go about planning their weddings. To assume they would hire someone solely based on their Instagram feed is just not realistic.

Now more than ever a social media presence is needed. Not every wedding is going to fit your ideal Instagram grid. AND RIGHT THERE is why many in the wedding industry flock toward styled shoots. In any business it is vital to market. To say that someone’s way of marketing their own brand is wrong, is ridiculous. The vitriol in the industry needs to take a hard seat. I can’t imagine bringing that much negativity to a wedding day! Let’s congratulate accomplishments ????

With that being said, this Bride or Die styled shoot hosted by Bloom and Blueprint literally made my life! One thing I think my brand represents is a strong affection for color, and the lovely lady boss team at B+B delivered!! Not every wedding is going to have strong pops of color, a cake with mirrors or a fringe dress but if more do maybe these ladies inspired it. Isn’t that the point of all this anyway?!

Variety is the spice of life! Hope you all enjoy these photos as much as I do! I think my favs are the “bachelorette photos”!! Oh who am I kidding, I LOVE THEM ALL!

Scroll to the bottom for all the super rad vendors that participated!

Vendor Credits

Planning/Design/Floral: Bloom + Blueprint

Venue: Mountain Shadows

Tabletop Rentals: Borrowed by Bloom + Blueprint

Laser cut backdrop: Borrowed by Bloom + Blueprint

Furniture Rental: Dang! Fine Rentals

Linen: La Tavola Fine Linen

Hair: Dazed and Diffused

Makeup: SN Makeup Artist

Cake + Treats: Sift Bakehouse

Paper Goods + Details: Lola Lee Invitations

Bride Bathing Suit: Bridezona

Wedding Dress: Lovely Bride Phoenix