This morning I woke up to the crisp, golden air of an Alaskan fall, and my mind immediately drifted back to one of the most magical editorial shoots I have ever been part of — a fall-styled editorial in Jackson Hole that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

There is often a lot of conversation in our industry about styled shoots — whether or not they should be done, if they belong in a portfolio, how they should be marketed, and the right or wrong way to present them. In my opinion, honesty should be one of the foundational values of every creative business. If a wedding professional is sharing images from a styled shoot, it should be presented exactly as that. Passing off a styled shoot as a real wedding does a disservice to clients and to our industry as a whole.

For me, this particular styled shoot was a turning point. I was standing at the edge of the next chapter in my business, ready to take it to a higher level. This project became the bridge that carried me there. I had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most talented vendors in the industry, and together we created something extraordinary. Without the parameters of a real wedding day, we were free to dream boldly and refine every detail until it felt just right.

One of the most valuable aspects of styled shoots is the opportunity they provide for genuine connection. Networking is essential in this business, but more importantly, networking with the right people — those who share your values, vision, and work ethic — can transform your career. Styled shoots create the perfect environment for building those relationships, because you are dreaming and creating side by side.

They also allow for a kind of creative freedom that weddings, with all their beautiful pressure and significance, simply cannot. You can adjust timelines, wait for the perfect lighting, make changes in the moment, and test ideas that might be too risky for a couple’s most important day. You can experiment with design elements, fine-tune workflows for setup and takedown, and refine mood boards in real time. For me, this process revealed things I wanted to implement in my business that I had never tried before — changes I would not have felt comfortable testing for the first time on a client’s wedding.

That fall day in Jackson Hole was more than just beautiful images for my portfolio. It was a catalyst for growth, a masterclass in collaboration, and a reminder of the joy that comes when you create without limits.

So my advice is simple: if you want to elevate your work and deepen your connections in the industry, plan and execute a styled shoot. Dream big. Collaborate with people who inspire you. And most importantly, do it with honesty and integrity.

Featured in Rocky Mountain Bride
This editorial was such a labor of love, and I am deeply honored that it was featured in Rocky Mountain Bride.

The Dream Team
Planner: @lathamstevensevents
Photographer: @marykatesteele
Floral: @plushfloral
Venue: @antelopetrails
Rentals: @atwood.design
Creative Direction: @thebridaltheory
Paper: @plumecalligraphy
HMUA: @madeupandcuttinup
Video: @skylarball_
Gown: @lizmartinezbridal
Reception Dress: @lucianaemiliaatelier
Veil: @tessa_kim
Earrings: @jenniferbehr via @silkthreadsocial
Models: @benandashton
Placesetting: @XOwyoandco
Linens: @bbjlatavola

The Luxury Styled Shoot That Changed My Business