Designing style shoots (“content days”) is such a fun creative outlet for so many wedding professionals. Back in 2019 I took on designing my first style shoot out – we had the pleasure of having a small group of women photographers that believed in our vision.

A “Content Day Shootout” is an event where multiple content creators, often photographers, come together to create and capture content within a specific theme or setting. The goal is to collaborate, share ideas, and produce high-quality images or videos that can be used for portfolios, social media, and marketing.

This content day shoot out took place at the Inns at Taughannock. The Inns at Taughannock is a luxury hotel located 9 miles from Ithaca, New York, and overlooks Cayuga Lake. Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes Wine Trail, our 12-acre estate features four buildings and the Northeast’s largest outdoor event venue with lake views. With a total of 24 vintage and modern guest rooms, suites, and a private lake house, experience luxurious accommodations.

The inn offers various venue options for weddings, including indoor and outdoor spaces. Lakeside ceremonies and receptions with a view of the falls are popular choices.

Wedding inspiration can come from various sources, and it often depends on personal preferences, themes, and styles. I find myself on Pinterest scrolling to trigger inspiration. Pinterest is a treasure trove of wedding inspiration. Create boards for different aspects of your wedding, such as decor, dresses, hairstyles, and more. Browse through a wide range of pins to discover new ideas.

With this shoot out I wanted to incorporate several colors to the palette. I wanted to showcase an ombre approach. An ombre color palette typically involves a smooth transition of shades or tones from one color to another, creating a gradient effect. Ombre can be applied to various elements in a wedding, including attire, decor, flowers, and more. Besides the ombre array of colors, we had pops of gold that glistened throughout the shoot – vases, signage, the card box, candles, etc. I also incorporated local products such as Saranac sodas, handcrafted soft drinks.

Let’s not ignore the fact that I changed the dining experience into a picnic — a fun flare to a wedding day experience. A wedding picnic is a charming and relaxed alternative to a traditional indoor wedding reception. It’s an ideal choice for couples who love the outdoors, want a more casual celebration, or are planning a small and intimate gathering. While picnics are definitely not the norm, if you provide comfortable blankets and cushions for seating it can be a very unique experience. You can even consider a mix of patterns and colors for a bohemian vibe.

Take a look at a few of them – –

Embraceable Joy Photography

Nicole Weeks Photography

When it comes time to plan your own wedding, remember that your wedding should reflect your personality and style as a couple. Feel free to mix and match ideas to create a celebration that is uniquely yours.

If you opt for a wedding picnic customize the details to match your style and preferences.

Wedding Professionals —

Hair – Maie I Bridal
Makeup – Beauty by Sierra Renee
Vintage Rentals – Pretty Little Vintage Co
Planning, Styling, Florals – C & A Event Planning
Cake + desserts – Kelly Banks Cakes
Signage – Handmade Darling
Gowns – Dress Your Fancy
Napkins – Hank Parker Rental
Venue – Inn at Taughannock