My styled shoot was born out of boredom - literally. I was sitting in a meeting, daydreaming about the upcoming wedding season on a cold January day. My heart and hands were tingling to be behind my camera again - and not to photograph iced-over berries and snowflakes (winter is not my favorite). I wanted romance and beauty and green things. So, I made a list. I wrote styled shoot across the top of the page, and made categories within the list that I knew I could populate - hair, makeup, cake, invitation design, accessories. Within this list, I also had a few categories that I knew I needed to find - venue (v important), gowns, florals. My heart literally started beating hard and fast when I finished my list, I was that excited. But I was also nervous - what if I got my people on board, and couldn't pull together the rest?
What did I do next? I asked. I sent emails to places and vendors I was interested in working with. Everything fell into place. The venue was on board as soon as I emailed them. And they knew a florist, and a boutique furniture rental company. I asked some friends of mine to model, and they were so pumped. I asked a nearby bridal boutique, who were over the moon when I contacted them. And they knew a local jeweler. What started out as something that I only hoped would come to fruition quickly became a thing. This was a big deal. I was excited. And nervous.
And excited.
And nervous.
The day before this shoot, I had the scary tummy feelings. The little sick butterflies that appear both before you have to give a presentation before a big crowd, and before you walk down the aisle. You know, the excited butterflies can sometimes be the ones that make you want to puke. As aforementioned, this was a big deal. I was scared I would screw it up, but beyond thrilled that it had come to this point.
And guess what?
I didn't screw it up.
I had a good chat the week before the shoot with my business coach (shout out to Kate Crocco - woot woot), and told her how I was both excited, and afraid out of my mind. And, she looked at me and asked, "WHY?" She told me this was second nature to me. She told me I was talented, and that I had no reason to feel this way. She told me that I knew how to work with people, and that I was going to do awesome things. Deep down inside, did I know this? Yes. I just needed it put into the atmosphere by someone other than myself; funny how that type of affirmation sticks deep down in your soul, and hangs out there as a little beacon of encouragement. Initially, I was afraid - and then I did it anyway. It seems cliche, but it's a real thing. Overcoming your hangups is a big deal. This shoot was a breakthrough for me, not only artistically and networkily (? haha), but also in my heart of hearts. This shoot showed me that I can do this.
The shoot went fabulously. It was honestly a dream. From the moment that I stepped into the fabulous Basilica Hudson at 11 AM to the moment that I wrapped up my camera and hopped into my car at 4:30 PM, I felt enveloped by the good vibes around me. Everyone was excited that day. Everyone had put 110% into this shoot, and everyone knew amazing things would come from it. The women that were a part of this day were beyond fantastic. I wanted to scoop them all up, and bring them home with me as permanent friends.
That night, I laid in bed - sore legs from being on my feet for five straight hours (in heeled booties, don't judge), tangled hair, cheeks red from the cold, probably a little sweaty. I turned to my husband and said, "Today went so well."
And the next morning I woke up, feeling like the lovesick heart-eyed emoji, and said to myself, "Yesterday was such a good day."
Friends, feel the fear and do it anyway.
It's so worth it.
+++
Inspired, and want to take the next step in planning your own styled shoot? Read on!
Part 1: Feel the Fear
Part 2: So, You Want to Plan a Styled Shoot...
Part 3: As You Learn, We All Learn
+++
Curious about the fab-o women I've bragged on above? All of the amazing vendors who were a part of this day are listed below. You can also find most of them on my Friendors page.
Venue: Basilica Hudson
Hair: Divine Appointment Salon
Makeup: Annaliese & Co
Gowns: Chamonix Bride, featuring Alvina Valenta + Watters
Models: Katie Parent + Emma Woliver
Rings: Zimmer Brothers
Accessories: Chloe + Isabel
Florals: Trapped in the Attic
Rentals: Rustic Robin Boutique Rental and Design + Hudson Valley Ceremonies
Cake: Flour Love
Invitation Design: Down to the Bay Designs
