How to Plan a Styled Shoot in 6 Steps, According to This San Diego Event Pro

photo: Michael Morse Photography

A really good styled wedding shoot provides endless inspiration and will have you questioning if it's actually a real wedding that happens to be that perfect. Perfection aside, styled shoots are a great way for creatives – event designers, photographer, florists and more – to flex their event production muscles and create a stunning, collaborative shoot to use for months (or years) to come. From building a portfolio to having fun to trying new things with new people, styled shoots are as rewarding as they can be challenging.

We recently caught up with event designer, Nicole Burbank about the recent styled shoot she brought to life at Villa Francesca in La Jolla, California. Inspired by her recent travels to Spain, Nicole is sharing all about designing and producing an original styled shoot, challenges included.

Credits:

Wedding Planner: Nicole Burbank Events | Beauty: Rosanna Nykanen Hair & Makeup Art | Bride & Bridesmaids Fashion: Saldana Vintage | Catering: The Churreria Cafe & Sage Bleu Catering | Florals: Wyld Blooms | Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Zeglio Custom Clothiers | Photography: Michael Morse Photography | Rentals & Decor: Hostess Haven, Knotty by Nature & Farm & Field Events | Stationery: The Lettered J | Venue: Villa Francesca Events | Models: Natosha & Zach Wikler

Photo:Michael Morse Photography

1 / 6

Why Is it Important to Produce Styled Shoots?

"Styled shoots allow creative freedom for vendors to showcase their work exactly as they want potential clients to see it. This is especially beneficial when a vendor has a unique vision to share or is looking to build their portfolio with more content to appeal to their ideal clientele and support their brand." - Nicole Burbank

Photo:Michael Morse Photography

2 / 6

How Did You Bring Together Your Creative Team?

"I was looking for vendors whose brand styles and personalities would blend well together to execute the design seamlessly. I also wanted to gather vendors who are local small business entrepreneurs to support them in building their businesses." - Nicole Burbank

Photo:Michael Morse Photography

3 / 6

Why Did You Choose This Venue? What Is Your Advice on Selecting a Venue for a Styled Shoot?

"This new venue provided the backdrop as well as the inspiration for the shoot with its historic Spanish villa elegance to set the mood. Use a venue that works well with the theme and color scheme you are choosing. Incorporate the character and natural elements of the venue as much as possible to give you more to work with and bring extra interest to the shoot." - Nicole Burbank

How Did You Decide a Theme and Bring it to Life?

"First I knew I wanted to do a styled shoot at this venue due to its historic character, sunny beachside location and lush gardens. Then after traveling to Spain and Portugal in the fall, I was inspired by the beautiful colors, hand painted tiles, and delicious food and wine. I created a vision board and reached out to carefully selected vendors who I knew could turn the dream into reality with their talents and services." - Nicole Burbank

Photo:Michael Morse Photography

5 / 6

What Is the Biggest Challenge of Styled Shoots?

"Probably the greatest challenge in planning a styled shoot is gathering a dream team including models that are in line with a specific vision and are all available on one day. It’s a lot to ask for vendors to give of themselves to a big project because their time and resources are very valuable and you want to make sure everyone’s contribution is worthwhile for them and for the overall goals of the shoot." - Nicole Burbank

Photo:Michael Morse Photography

6 / 6

What Is Your Top Piece of Advice for Creating a Successful (and Beautiful) Shoot?

"Have a solid vision (and day-of timeline) and communicate it clearly to a team of vendors in line with your design, while being open to their creative input and working together to bring it to life." - Nicole Burbank