By: Emilie Kershaw, WPICC
Before the pandemic, I worked in a bustling city with a wealth of vendors at my disposal. But
when COVID hit, I transitioned to a semi-private golf course in a small town—a significant shift
from the expansive convention centers I was used to. With limited local vendor connections and
a ballroom that had been unused for nearly four years, I knew it was time to reignite my passion
for weddings.
To breathe new life into the space and showcase its potential, I decided to organize a styled
wedding shoot. My goal was clear: create stunning visuals to demonstrate what our ballroom
could offer. The challenge? Finding and coordinating local vendors who could bring this vision to
life.
I began by reaching out on Facebook groups and the WPIC community for advice on starting a
styled shoot. The response was incredible, with fellow WPIC members offering invaluable
guidance on planning and execution. Armed with a solid plan and a clear end goal, I embarked
on a mission to assemble a team of talented vendors.
My first step was partnering with a decorator who helped me conceptualize two distinct themes
for the shoot: a classic black-and-white theme and a pastel-and-petals theme. With these
themes in mind, we set out to build our team.
We secured two models for the day and collaborated with a local bridal shop to feature three
stunning dresses, along with complementary hairpieces and jewelry. Next, we enlisted a local
sign and invitation maker and a hair and makeup stylist to bring the latest trends to our model
bride. A talented local cake vendor joined us to showcase their unique baking style, and
although our new chairs were on backorder, a vendor with beautiful rental chairs stepped in to
complete the look. A local officiant also participated, adding a personal touch to the shoot.
Our photographer worked tirelessly to capture every detail, ensuring each vendor’s contribution
was highlighted. We even invited our local DJ partner to set up for some additional shots.
Despite the long hours and meticulous planning, the result was a collection of breathtaking
photos that truly showcased the ballroom’s potential.
The response to the photos and the vendor relationships built during the shoot was
overwhelmingly positive. Fueled by this success, we’re already in the process of planning
another styled shoot to include additional vendors and further strengthen these invaluable
connections.
For anyone navigating a new area, venue, or starting a new business, I highly recommend
organizing or joining a styled shoot if possible. The day was a testament to the power of
collaboration, allowing us to build meaningful relationships with fellow vendors and gain a
deeper appreciation for each other’s roles. In the hustle of real weddings, it’s easy to become
focused solely on one’s own tasks. Styled shoots offer a unique opportunity to see the bigger
picture and understand how each piece contributes to the overall success of an event.
Through this experience, I’ve learned the importance of community and collaboration in the
wedding industry. It’s a reminder that even in a new environment, there are always opportunities
to connect, create, and inspire.
Wedding Pros:
Decorator & Florist: Darcy Sousa Events
Photographer: Nadine Watson Photography
Dress & Jewerly: Six Pence and Sage Waterford
Venue: The Greens at Renton
Hair and Make up: Amy & Anita Wedding Hair and Make Up
Signs and Invites: Signed Sealed Delivered
Officiant: Nathan Grieve’s Weddings
DJ: Black Creek Music
Chairs and Linens: Valley Event Rentals
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