What is a Styled Shoot (and Why Vendors Love Them)?
If you’ve ever seen dreamy wedding photos with perfect lighting, flawless flowers, and the most stunning details, there’s a good chance they came from a styled shoot. Styled shoots are a huge part of the wedding industry — and today, as I share some favorites from a recent styled shoot at Jardin del Sol, I wanted to explain a little about what they are, why vendors create them, and how they’re different from a real wedding day!
What is a Styled Shoot?
A styled shoot is a collaborative event where wedding vendors come together to create a “mock” wedding or event, showcasing their talents, creativity, and services. It’s a way for us to experiment, try new ideas, and build fresh content for our portfolios, all without the natural timeline pressures of a real wedding day.
Florists, planners, photographers, hair and makeup artists, bakeries, rental companies, and even dress boutiques often participate, each contributing something beautiful. Sometimes there’s a real couple modeling, sometimes professional models, either way, the goal is to inspire future couples and highlight the artistry each vendor brings to the table.
Why Do Vendors Do Styled Shoots?
• Creativity: Styled shoots give us the freedom to dream big. Maybe it’s a unique color palette, a bold theme, or an over-the-top floral installation — these are things that might be harder to pull off during a real wedding with set budgets and timelines.
• Portfolio Building: They’re a great way for vendors (especially newer ones) to build strong, curated portfolios that reflect the style of work they want to attract.
• Networking: Working together on a styled shoot builds real connections between vendors. Many of my favorite vendor relationships have started this way!
• Inspiration for Couples: Styled shoots offer couples a visual guide for what’s possible. They can spark ideas for decor, fashion, locations, and more.
• Publication Opportunities: Many styled shoots are submitted for publication in wedding blogs and magazines, helping vendors gain exposure.
How Styled Shoots Differ from Weddings
While styled shoots look like real weddings, they’re very different behind the scenes! Real weddings are emotional, beautifully imperfect, and full of genuine moments that unfold naturally. Styled shoots, on the other hand, are carefully planned and slower paced. Every element is set up just right for the camera, and often there’s time to tweak little details that wouldn’t be touched during an actual ceremony or reception.
They’re both beautiful in their own way, but it’s important to remember that styled shoots are a creative representation, not a full replacement for the real, heartfelt magic of a wedding day.
Jardin del Sol Styled Shoot
The shoot I’m sharing today was set against the romantic gardens of Jardin del Sol — one of the most charming outdoor venues tucked away in Snohomish, WA. Everything from the whimsical florals to the intimate ceremony setup was pure magic. I can’t wait to share more images and highlight the incredible vendor team that made this day possible!
Whether you’re planning your wedding, looking for inspiration, or just love beautiful design, styled shoots offer a glimpse into the endless possibilities.
