STYLE SHOOT DESIGN CONTEST WINNER

For WeddingDay’s fourth annual Style Shoot Design Contest, our participants had the chance to utilize the 2022 Pantone Color of the Year, Very Peri, in their choice of three different themes: Old Hollywood, Inspired by Stories and 'Til Death Do Us Part.

We'd like to give a huge shout out to all of this year's participants. As usual, picking a winner proved to be a very difficult decision for our team to make! Read on to check out this year’s winner, and to see two other amazing shoots who also blew us away and captured these themes beautifully.

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Our team of winners created a moody and edgy Alice in Wonderland-inspired shoot from our theme Inspired by Stories. Planner Cyndi Basker of Celebrated Events explains, “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is so full of characters, charm and imagery that I loved the idea of re-interpreting those elements from the book into a wedding with a fairytale-loving, edgy couple as my inspiration.”

We love how this team incorporated the Pantone Color of the Year, Very Peri, into their design. From Chantel Miller Storytelling’s beautiful photos, you can see the pops of this bright color in the flowers, butterflies, chinaware, cake and even the bride’s ring. The way Very Peri is highlighted so it stands out against the dark and warmer colors in the palette makes it all the better!

The team could not have had a more perfect venue to host their ethereal shoot! “The location was chosen due to the oversized and exotic plants, flowers and trees that were throughout the space. It gave a kind of otherworldly feel that I felt was a perfect backdrop for the shoot,” Cyndi shares. “There were also winding paths that felt very much in keeping with the dreamlike 'down the rabbit hole' theme of the shoot.”

Knowing Alice in Wonderland is a very whimsical story, the tablescape and décor had to match the playful theme. AAYS Event Rentals provided the team with some perfect rentals, alongside some items from the team's personal collections. Mismatched chinaware and tea cups adorned the table along with black accent plates and silverware. One of the biggest nods to the theme was the checkerboard floor, which is referenced heavily in Lewis Carroll’s books. And did you see this showstopping cake? We think it's the perfect mix of beauty and darkness!

Last but not least, take a look at that gorgeous gown! Cyndi raves, “A big trend in bridal gowns for 2023 is a combination of cottagecore, ethereal and English country/Bridgertoninfluenced style. I felt this style was perfect for the mood of our shoot—partly fairytale, partly dreamy and ethereal.” The dress couldn’t suit the bride and the shoot any better! BÜK Weddings made sure to incorporate elements of the story in the model's hair and makeup look. The large, whimsical updo borders on high fashion while a mix between dark makeup and details like rhinestones to catch the light made up the bride’s beautiful look.

Theme: Inspired by Stories

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHANTEL MILLER STORYTELLING (CHANTELMILLERSTORYTELLING. COM)* COORDINATION & PLANNING: CELEBRATED EVENTS VENUE: POTAWATOMI CONSERVATORIES FLORALS: MARCO ALEXZONDRA FLORAL & EVENT SERVICES DRESS: STELLA YORK FROM SIMPLY YOURS BRIDAL HAIR & MAKEUP: BÜK WEDDINGS (BUKWEDDINGS.COM)* MENSWEAR: LOUIE'S TUX SHOP SHOES: CL BY LAUNDRY EARRINGS: BETSEY JOHNSON CALLIGRAPHY: J.N. LETTERING CAKE: SWEET EM'S CAKE SHOPPE RENTALS: AAYS EVENT RENTALS (AAYSRENTAL. COM)* CHESS PIECES: DOWNTOWN SOUTH BEND RABBIT: JEN NOFZINGER OVERSIZED ROSES: BRYAN ZUBLER MODELS: CLAIRE SHIPPY & KYLE SHANNON *WeddingDay preferred vendor

Inspired by our moodier theme, 'Til Death Do Us Part, Unveiled Weddings and Events and their runner-up Style Shoot Design Contest team wanted to create a shoot that incorporated the darker vibes of that promise as well as a bit of dazzle and disco to set themselves apart!

This shoot truly hones in on the small details, including skulls and skeletal markings on the dinnerware, coffins in the seating chart and tiny disco balls to decorate the tables. We also love how the team incorporated numerous vinyl records into the décor for an unexpected twist!

We have to talk about that tablescape! Decorative skulls were a common motif across the shoot as a whole, especially in the reception. The silverware pops amidst the rest of the table décor that mostly consists of darker dinnerware.

Very Peri, the 2022 Pantone Color of the Year, was utilized mainly in the hydrangeas in the floral arrangements. The bride also had a Very Peri ribbon attached to her bouquet. One of the most unique uses of Very Peri was utilizing various shades of this color in the table décor and stationery, designed by Your Little Details. However, our favorite periwinkle detail is even more unique than that. “Of course the ‘til death’ neon sign was the perfect peri shade,” Michelle of Unveiled Weddings gushes.

The statement piece of this shoot is definitely that cake! The black frosting and skull motifs really bring the dark and moody vibes of the shoot to life, but the baker made sure to not overwhelm it with the edgy details. She added golden shimmers and silver jewel details to the tiers for a little bit of sparkle. And we love how the icing gives the impression that the cake is melting, as if its time is near!

Wanting the bride to really stick out, the team chose a dress that contrasted with the moodiness of the shoot. They wanted a dress that combined both soft and alluring beauty. We think this lacy, sheath-styled dress perfectly nails the look they wanted, especially with the full-lace back! The makeup artist used the same moody blue color on her eyes to make them as striking as the flowers, while the hairstylist decided a classic updo with simple side braids was a look that would complement this scene beautifully!

Theme: 'Til Death Do Us Part

PHOTOGRAPHY: SWEETLY STITCHED IMAGES VENUE: BARRELHOUSE AT ZORN PLANNING & FLORALS: UNVEILED WEDDINGS & EVENTS (YOURUNVEILEDEVENT.COM)* DRESS: HERE COMES THE DRESS HAIR: TOP-KNOT BRIDAL MAKEUP: MAKEUP BY MORGAN MENSWEAR: SUITSHOP STATIONERY: YOUR LITTLE DETAILS (YOURLITTLEDETAILS.COM)* CAKE: KUPKATES CUSTOM CAKES RENTALS: SPARE ROOM STUDIOS & PAINTED WILLOW DESIGNS MODELS: KELCEY BETUSTAK & ENRIQUE COOK *WeddingDay preferred vendor

Inspired by the beloved regency-era story of Bridgerton, this Style Shoot Design Contest finalist team embarked on a mission to create a gilded age garden scene at a historical, venue in small-town Ohio. After finding this lightcolored, late 19th-century building to use as their backdrop, they were ready to transform the grounds around the shoot into a scene from an earlier time with modernity blended into it.

Not wanting to overwhelm the scene with only pastel and delicate colors, the team used Very Peri, the Pantone Color of the Year, to ground the scene while still keeping it feminine. They included Very Peri in the flowers with periwinkle flat scabiosa and roses that leap out of the photos among the blush and coral flowers around them!

FINALIST

The team felt like they got lucky finding a venue that aligned perfectly with their vision. The light-colored stone and plush greenery around the outside of the building made the outdoors the best place for their shoot. However, the rain threatened to destroy their elegant and delicate details more than once during their shoot. But, all in all, the team was happy to have found a venue that met their regency era needs!

We all know that décor is what brings the theme to life. Being sure to include all kinds of antique furniture and dinnerware, the creative team nailed this shoot! We also love the ornate centerpieces to hold the flowers. To pull off the gilded age look, the team included wax seals, ribbons, lace and a furniture lounge setup. Our favorite aspect of this shoot was the desserts! Macarons are such a delicate and elegant dessert and the tarts also supported the theme. The cake is truly the statement piece, though, with the gold-painted floral adornments on the sides! And we just have to talk about that dress! The 19th-century style included empire waistlines while square necklines and sheer bodices are everything in the modern yet regal look. All three of the dresses in this shoot share at least one of the pieces of that oh-so-familiar look we see in Bridgerton, especially the lace gloves! As for the model's hair and makeup, the team decided to go with a simple, natural look. With classic curls and a faux bob, the bride’s face was beautifully framed. She was also styled with lighter makeup to ensure her natural beauty was highlighted in every photo!

PHOTOGRAPHY: TAYLOR FORD PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE: THE 1898 VIDEOGRAPHY: SAGE ROSE VIDEOGRAPHY FLORALS: LISSETTE FLORAL DRESSES & MENSWEAR: J. COLLECTION BRIDAL DRESS DESIGNER: CHRISTINA WU HAIR & MAKEUP: SWEETLY PINNED JEWELRY: LAUDICK'S JEWELRY STATIONERY: WHIMSICALLY WARM LLC CAKE & DESSERTS: SPENCER'S SUGAR SHOP FURNITURE & RENTALS: ASPEN JEAN PLANNING & JOYOUS OCCASIONS LLC CHAMPAGNE: WINE FROM ONE HOPE, PAINTED BY WHIMSICALLY WARM LLC

the best guide for the midwest bridewedding planning checklist

PLANNING TOOL

the only wedding planning checklist you need YOU WILL EVER NEED

9 to 12 Months Before

Discuss and determine a budget with your partner

Document budget in WeddingDay’s budget checklist

Gather “ideal” guest list from partner’s family and your family

Narrow down the guest list as needed to determine venue size and cost estimate

Choose a date and reserve a venue

Select a ceremony site and an officiant Choose the members of your wedding party

Hire a wedding planner or wedding coordinator if desired

Create an email folder for wedding-related correspondence, a Pinterest board for inspiration, and an actual folder for receipts and vendor contracts

Book your main vendors (florist, photographer and DJ/band, etc.) Have an engagement party to celebrate with friends and family

6 to 9 Months Before

Go wedding dress shopping for your dream dress and order immediately

Hire a catering company if the venue does not cater in-house

Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses with the bridal party

Design your wedding website with pertinent information

Decide on a honeymoon destination and renew passport

Book your wedding day transportation (limo, bus, carriage, etc) Create gift registry

4 to 6 Months Before

Finalize guest list using WeddingDay’s guest list checklist

Gather postal addresses of invited guests

Design, print and send save-the-date announcements

Shop for and rent necessary rental items such as decor, chairs, tables, etc. Purchase wedding invitations or hire designer to create invites

Start planning your ceremony with music selection and readings

Meet with your officiant regarding ceremony and required premarital counseling 2 to 4 Months Before

Book your makeup artist and hair salon for bridal party and yourself

Choose a hairstyle and book a consultation and trial run appointment

Pick a bakery, attend a cake tasting or two, and order your cake

Buy wedding favors for guests and gifts for wedding party

Organize your information to obtain marriage license

Purchase your wedding bands

Order tuxes for groom, groomsmen and/or ushers Mail invitations!

6-8 Weeks Before

Send invites for rehearsal dinner to family, wedding party and select guests

Attend food tasting with caterer or venue and finalize menu Meet with florist to finalize flowers Begin beauty treatments (teeth whitening, facials, etc.) Send DJ and photographer list of songs and list of musthave photos

2-6 Weeks Before

Color and trim your hair

Have a trial run of your formal hair and makeup

Schedule meeting with all vendors to plan and finalize details Create seating chart and wedding-weekend itinerary

Print guest name cards, programs, menus and extra stationery

Have your final dress fitting Write down your vows and reception speech

Send finalized guest counts with menu choices to caterer

1 Week Before

Re-confirm all plans and times with vendors and wedding party Create an envelope tipping system for vendors

Inform wedding party of any required duties Pack for the honeymoon