By taking advantage of an opportunity, a new door you never knew existed will open. And this is how I ended up at The Wedding Styling Workshop hosted by Emily & Vanessa. I was roommates with Emily during the Lindenclover Workshop Sunchaser Edition in 2018. And I got to get to know her on a personal level very quickly. I really loved her heart behind why she loves photography and her approach to imagery.

I found out she had hosted her own workshop on styling wedding details and I was intrigued. Once I saw her next one was going to be at the stunning Higuera Ranch, located about five minutes from my house, I jumped at the opportunity to learn from her on a deeper level. Having only attended one workshop prior to this, I was excited to see how it differed and what I could learn.

So here are my highlights of what I took away from this amazing photographer’s retreat!

• Couples are making choices consciously and unconsciously & those items they pick for their wedding day now hold an elevated place. Those shoes will be her wedding shoes!
• These items represent them which creates value!
• Make styling a priority by educating your clients. Asking for specific items and about their theme, and communicating with their planner for the design.
• Ask for the florist ahead of time for extra personal florals to use for styling. And then know when & where flowers will be delivered.

So what details should we ask our clients for?

• Rings, shoes, flowers, veil, jewelry, hankie, dress, garter, socks, bowtie, cufflinks, vow books, notes to each other, dress hanger, invitation suite, menu, something “old, new, borrowed, blue,” etc.

What is micro-styling?

• It is making small adjustments to spaces to elevate the overall feel and look of the space! You don’t have to shoot it the exact way it is laid out or displayed. You can move things around in the ceremony, bridal suite, reception, the bar, tablescapes, etc. For example, on the table, bring the elements in for a tighter shot. So bring in the centerpiece, table number & candles. And, be sure to eliminate the salt & pepper, sugar packets, water jugs, butter or anything that isn’t necessary for the photo. Also, make sure the chairs & silverware are straight, place cards are upright, personal items are tucked away, candles are lit, and pick the best table for close-ups.

So take a breath, look at the shot, then click the shutter!

And what does Emily have in her styling kit?

• Ribbon, ring boxes for both men and women, vintage stamps, hollywood wardrobe tape, baby wipes, safety pins, bobby pins, scissors, command hooks, stain remover wipes, floral pins, styling boards and mats, white foam board to act as a reflector

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Want to see the first workshop I attended? Go check out, Sunchaser Edition!

Workshop hosts: Emily with Anna Delores + Vanessa Noel Events // Venue: Higuera Ranch // Design: Vanessa Noel Events // Rentals: All About Events + Avenue Twelve Rentals // Videography: I Heart my Groom Films // Catering: Field to Table Events // Friday dinner florals: Noonans Designs // Hair + Makeup: Blushing Beauty // Wedding dress: Miss Hayley Paige // Rings + Earrings: Everett Fine Jewelry // Ribbon + Chiffon Cloth: Party Crush Studios // Editorial florals: Coco Rose Design // Calligraphy: Fete & Quill // Linens: La Tavola Linen // Cake: Paper Cake Events // Invitations: Prim and Pixie // Desserts: The Wild Posy // Model: @totalblissca // Speakers: Wild Heart Events + 100 Layer Cake + Jen Rodriguez