When I said I loved kicking off each wedding season with a styled shoot, 2018 really tried to prove my point! Last week I shared my sultry black and gold styled wedding, sometime in the next couple weeks I’ll share my 70’s inspired sunset styled elopement, and tonight I’m sharing this gorgeous lakeside boho chic styled shoot (I really covered all the bases, styles-wise!)

Last spring, Kat and I met up in a coffee shop to chat about a proposal giveaway we were collaborating on and as we wrapped up our meeting she happened to mention that they were putting together a mini wedding for a video promotion for her husband’s business. Of course, I asked if she also wanted a stills photographer and the idea fountain (as Emmaleigh of Just Bloom Together calls it) began flowing!

One of the reasons I love participating in styled shoots is getting to see the amazing creativity that comes out of vendors directly working together to create a concept. For instance, not only did Emmaleigh help me to style the provided attire for detail shots, but she even brought in her own crystals and antiques to add character and depth to the photos!

Models: Eric & Lauren

Bridal gown and accessories: Wildflower Bridal

Coordination: Katarina from Benjamin T Warner DJ & Musician

Floral: Stargazers Designs

Hair: Corina Valdez

Macramé Designs: Kindred Company Goods

Makeup: Tracie Potillo

Musician & DJ: Benjamin T Warner DJ & Musician

Rentals: East West Venue & Vintage Rentals

Rings: Stephanie Ellis Jewelry

Stylist: Just Bloom Together

Venue: Ridgeview Venue

Videography: Evergreen Era Films

These two may be familiar faces. In fact, not only did I photograph their engagement, engagement party and wedding, but they also modeled for me for a styled shoot in 2017. And I photographed Lauren as a UNCA tennis player. It’s safe to say that we’re very comfortable working together. This came particularly in handy for our shoot because although we had a tight timeline, we were able to immediately jump into portraits without first having to warm up to each other.

For me, it’s imperative to work with actual couples for styled shoots, otherwise the interaction seems too forced. It take a macro lens to see just how much chemistry these two have, and just how adoringly they look at each other.

We had two different ceremony locations to highlight at Ridgeview venue - the intimate ceremony spot right there on the lake house deck and the larger, secluded field just on the other side of the cottage. After a brief serenaded ceremony in each spot - showing off Ben’s mad skills on a variety of instruments, we finished up with a mini dance party by the fire.

I had so much fun working with this team, and looking back at our gallery is getting me psyched for this 2019 wedding season!