Winter Elopement Styled Shoot — Boho Meets Vintage Hollywood Glam Wedding in Kamloops, BC
How I brought my vision to life and a step-by-step guide for photographers to plan their own styled shoot.
As a photographer, styled shoots are a great way to build up that portfolio; but my favourite part about them is:
having total creative freedom to bring my vision to life
creating content for other creators and business owners
building community with other vendors in the wedding industry
If you know me, I’m all about community over competition. Building a community for yourself in the wedding industry is so important — it allows to you see others’ experiences and have your people to talk to. Being a small business owner can be tough because there aren’t a lot of people who truly understand your daily struggles, so having people you can lean on and who can help navigate you, while also fully understanding the hardships of the industry is crucial to your growth and well-being.
We had a truly phenomenal group of women who call came together to create something absolutely beautiful. After the shoot was over, we had a vendor gathering where we finally got to relax, enjoy the amazing food, listen to good music, and just be in the company of other creatives. I wouldn’t change a thing!
… okay well, maybe I’d get rid of the crazy wind we had all day.
GET TO KNOW A FEW VENDORS IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY —
The VISION //
When I was initially brainstorming what this elopement session would look like, I was very drawn to deep greens and natural wood. It’s actually funny because when Emily and I started planning this together in November 2022, the vision was very much giving Christmas (because we were in holiday mode!) — so we had a lot of green and red together. But after the holidays passed and we started to really finalize what the day was going to look like, Emily pulled me away from the xmas vibes and brought me to a more cohesive vision. We were going for winter with a splash of spring for the décor. The models were to be boho meets vintage Hollywood glam — picture a thrifted midi dress with white ankle boots and hollywood waves, our groom in all black, and a boho touch with a few hats from West Von (with the burnt patterns and hats provided by Nicole from Hats by Nic). The florals from Fern and Frond really brought everything together!
This was the vision board I created before starting the planning process — I used this to send to potential vendors to show them what was in store for the day to help the decide if they wanted to join in the creative process.
Looking back on it now, I can’t believe how well it came together and how similar is was to the actual session!
The VENUE //
When we were in the planning stages, I was really drawn to this one photo I found on Pinterest that had a big stone fireplace; one like you’d find in a ski lodge in Whistler or a cozy cottage in Montana. I was OBSESSED with the large stone fireplace; I thought it would be perfect for getting those cozy, winter vibes. But finding something like that in our area proved to be difficult for us. We needed a space that was close enough to Kamloops for our vendors to get to the property on the day of the shoot, something that was large enough and had space for all our vendors, and something that had outdoor options for photos. Then came Rancho Burro —
Rancho Burro is a truly one-of-a-kind property located in Cherry Creek just outside of Kamloops, BC. A desert oasis nestled in fields of sagebrush with views that are absolutely to die for. When Emily and I first toured the property, I immediately fell in love. Although it was so far from what I originally had envisioned, I could see the potential. There are SO MANY areas on the property for photos. From the Spanish/Mexican style exterior, the endless fields of sagebrush, the mountains surrounding the property, and the views of Kamloops Lake — it was perfect. I WANTED IT. Sometimes you have to pivot your vision and that’s okay!
Karina and her family were so incredibly kind for letting us use their stunning property for the day.
The VENDORS //
We had such a wonderful group of bad-ass women come together to create my vision. Connecting with other small business owners really fills my cup!
Planning and Organization — Kaeli & Co. Photo + Behind the Veil Weddings
Venue — Rancho Burro
Models — Evan Hauk + Netanya Peters
Day-of coordination and table set up — Emily Talerico from Behind the Veil Weddings
Florals — Chelsea from Fern and Frond
Hair — Kimberly Bergman from Elevate Salon
Make-up — Lauren from Glam by Lauren Meakes (Cassidy Watt Artistry Collective)
Nails — Kyla from Made by Moonlight Manicures
Food, drink, cakes, and wares — Paige Badminton from Sage and Plate
Dress + suit — Thrifty by Ney
Hats — Hats by Nic
Earrings — Red Earth
Candles — Be Our Guest Décor Rental
How to plan a styled photoshoot: for photographers —
Styled photoshoots are a great way to build your portfolio, but my favourite part is having total creative freedom to bring my vision to life. I like giving the vendors creative freedom as well, by sending them a few inspiration photos but also letting them do their own thing. Working with vendors in (and out) of the industry helps build relationships and trust between one another. Having a support system is key!
I often get asked by fellow photographers how I plan my styled sessions. Here’s my step-by-step guide for my planning process:
Step 1: create your vision
Step 2: find your vendors
Step 3: find your models
Step 4: find a location
Step 5: enjoy the art that you’ve created (and take your time!)
For a more detailed break-down of my process, read the blog below from my last styled shoot —
PHOTOGRAPHERS — ARE YOU DYING TO SHOOT AT RANCHO BURRO TOO?
I’m planning a content day at Rancho Burro on August 28th, 2023 — follow me on IG for all the details to come!
