Intimate, Artisan Wedding Photoshoot Inspiration
In 2014, when I totally transformed my tired wedding rentals business into the floral design and wedding planning studio that got me named Top Wedding Planner in the South by Southern Living Magazine, I had no images that would attract the kind of clients I wanted to be working with.
I’d done a lot of what I call “roundy-moundy” arrangements with five white Hydrangea and three sprigs of Salal. Not exactly the floral art I wanted to create.
That’s why, when it came time to rebrand and create a new website and floral portfolio, I knew I needed some updated images to reflect my new direction.
You’ve gotta share the work you want to create, right?
Well, that meant only one thing.
Photoshoot time!
I know many of you are itching to get some flowers in your hands again and come out of this season attracting more of the work you really want to do.
It’s about finding that perfect mix between predicting future wedding trends and expressing your unique, personal expertise, right?
Well, if I was planning a photoshoot today, here’s what I’d do!
One of my favorite elements to design for a photoshoot is a long, sprawling banquet table.
I’m predicting that in the next year, we’ll see intimate, smaller scale weddings become the norm. I’d love to design a table with a cozy, hygge, handmade aesthetic.
Dried Palms
First, I’d get smart and source some dried floral elements that I can use again and again. I figure, if I’m showing future brides the kind of florals I want to be creating, what’s better than literally reusing some of those floral elements for their bouquets?
I don’t see these sun palms going anywhere anytime soon. They’re the perfect mix of dramatic and understated. I love the complexity of fresh blooms with these dried palms!
Raw Edge Tablecloth
This raw edge tablecloth would be the perfect backdrop for a family meal-style dinner. The milky white color and texture of the linen is both refined and bespoke, and I know I could reuse it for shoots and events in the future.
Handcrafted Candlesticks
Then, I’d add some instant intimacy with these cozy candlesticks.
They’re handcrafted, and even after the photoshoot, they’d be perfect to display on your mantle at home.
You can never have too many candlesticks!
White Plates with Interest
By now, we’ve all seen enough Food Network to know that food just looks better on a white plate. Ten years ago, this meant modern, square, pure white plates.
Today, I think the best version of a white plate is this set of artisan crafted dinnerware. I love the nuances and imperfections, and I can just imagine an intimate wedding reception with these plates as the backdrop to some wonderful dishes shared by family.
Universally flattering cake stand
Take my word for it— you’ll never regret buying a beautiful, white cake plate. You’ll use it for every styled shoot you ever do, and each cake with look totally unique and special on its blank canvas. Then, when your photoshoot days are done, use it in your kitchen for a stunning architectural piece.
Rustic Flatware
Finally, let’s finish out this table setting with some timeless flatware.
Fussy, traditional flatware is out and functional, homey utensils are in.
I love that today’s brides are swapping their mother’s sterling silver sets for more laid-back handmade-looking options like this set from CB2.
They’re stunning while not being stuffy. This looks like a set that only gets better with time!
What do you think of this cozy, rustic, intimate photoshoot inspiration? I’d love to sit around a table like this one!
Want to learn all my secrets for planning photoshoots that not only get featured but actually make me money?
Check out my class, The Editorial Tutorial.
Shop the Post
First Image: Heather Payne Photography