What exactly is a 'styled shoot'?

You will hear us talking lots about styled shoots and sharing lots of photos and videos of the shoots we are apart of, but, what even is a styled shoot?

A styled shoot is a collective, group effort between a variety of vendors collaborating together to produce a BEAUTIFUL bridal setting that inspires couples to include similar aesthetics in their own wedding. These shoots are also a way for vendors to showcase their skills and services in a creative way, often thinking outside the square.

CAm from we The collective I photo with love photography

Similar to a fashion editorial, it should tell a story through photography. However the significant difference here is that a "styled shoot," as the wedding industry has dubbed it, involves a lot more than just fashion. All the little details are included and are vital to telling the story.

i DO CREW AND sACHA MEGAN mua I PHOTO WITH LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo Fern McAuley Photography

Sometimes a shoot will have a goal of being published in a magazine or on a blog and will require certain aspects/looks depending on which magazine it is to be submitted too.

We LOVE styled shoots, bringing amazing teams together and creating epic stories and inspiration, plus… its always a bonus when you get to eat the some pretty amazing treats. If you ever want to be apart of one of our shoots please contact sophie@southlandweddingcollective.co.nz

Love Me Do turns 2!

We had so much fun today celebrating Love Me Do's second year in business with an amazing high tea runway event at The Thomas Green in Gore.  Amie + Sacha pulled out all the stops to produce a birthday party to top all others complete with gorgeous real models who paraded the gowns through the crowd giving everyone a close up glimpse of the beautiful fabrics, cuts and detailing.  Sacha + Amies motto, "Love the skin you're in" was the perfect reflection for the day as the models in all their beautiful sizes showed off dresses especially chosen to accentuate their most amazing features, be it curves or signature tattoos.

We are so excited to have been invited to be a part of the celebrations, and joining with a host of other collective vendors, we were honoured to be showcased alongside Southland Celebrant Sharyn Payne, wedding photographer Fern McAulay, Framing Good photo booth's Rod + Sammi and the Love Me Do girls themselves.  We were able to share a little bit about who we are and our hopes and dreams for the collective, and whilst public speaking is definitely not a talent of mine, it was a great opportunity to connect with a lovely group of brides to be.  Sharyn entertained with a rundown of ceremony formalities and Fern gave some great tips on choosing a photographer who you really click with, as she pointed out, you spend more of your wedding day with your photographer than you do with anyone else so it really helps to like them! Amie + Sacha had some amazing giveaways and a bunch of lucky ladies went home with some epic prizes, including an engagement shoot from Fern and full bridal styling package from I Do Crew amongst many others!

Rod and Sammi captured snaps of the brides and guests with their fabulous Selfie Mirror photobooth, which added a great interactive element to the afternoon and would be a hit at any event. Fern and I got in on the action too and tested it out!

Wowed by the makeup and hair stylist talent we found today we have some exciting new additions to the Collective we will share soon!  The Thomas Green set the scene beautifully for what was an amazing afternoon and we loved every minute.

Beautiful women in gorgeous dresses with a lovely crowd to top it all off, Happy Birthday Love Me Do! Well done Sacha + Amie and your crew of amazing helpers! Looking forward to next year!

Fern McAulay's top five tips for nailing your engagement photos

#1 Be relaxed, it’s just you two as a couple and a chance to be a little more intimate - it’s helps with getting comfortable with your photographer.

#2 Bring ideas with you but remember that your photographer has their own style and can’t always copy/execute another photographer’s style.

#3 Engagement shoots can be at any location but are always nice if in a special location (first date, where he/she proposed etc)

#4 It’s about you as a couple so make sure you tell your photographer what you want and if you aren’t comfortable.

#5 Engagement sessions are fab because you get the chance to get to know your photographer and they get to know you!

Nostalgic Photography | Vendor Spotlight

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE YOUR BUSINESS?

I have always wanted a creative job! After studying photography and learning the technical rules I loved there was room to break these rules and create a different style that some people were looking for. Feedback from my friends, family and Facebook following is what gave me the confidence to start. a business

TAKE US THROUGH A DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOUR BUSINESS

Coffee!!! First comes coffee then comes a list. I enjoy being away from my computer for at least 30 mins in the morning to really make a goal of what I would like to have achieved by Friday and how I will get there. I have little jobs like answering emails, invoicing, updating my website & planning for upcoming shoots. There is always photos editing to be done but a very large portion of my day involves planning. I am always trying to think of new ideas to reach people that may not know about me or to up skill in areas I feel my photography needs to improve. I also sell plywood prints which can take up a lot of my time.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE BRIDAL TREND AT THE MOMENT?

I’m not much of a trend follower. I love brides to choose what thy want without any influence of what is right. I am into natural and minimal set ups, lots of natural leaves and dark lips!

ADVICE FOR BRIDES TO BE PLANNING THEIR BIG DAY?

This is your day!!! Do not forget this. What is right for someone els may not be for you and that’s totally cool! That’s what makes us great. Choose from your heart and plan from your heart. To me there are no rules. I have so many brides with all sorts of plans that are very different and I love that!

ANY TIPS OR TRICKS YOU CAN OFFER BRIDES TO BE ?

Consider all options. For photos, you may want to do them before your ceremony which means your make up is fresh and your day is spent with guests! This does mean seeing your future husband before the ceremony so it may not work for you but it can be a great idea for people wanting to make the most of their guests.

 FAV PLACE IN SOUTHLAND TO VISIT?

Catlins!!! 

To find out more about the super talented Jordan from Nostalgic, check out her page in our directory where you can contact her directoy.