Austin + Birdy // PAIKKA

In a time of consuming less, it’s common to have a desire for more. In our case, it’s the desire to create more. We’re finding our balance of planning for our next masterpieces, while appreciating what we have been so lucky to create already.

the vision

Rick and I live in an area of the city that I have always dreamt of living. We are close to some of our favorite restaurants and coffee shops, plus one of our favorite bridal boutiques, Flutter Boutique. They do a marvelous job at rotating their inventory in the window display to showcase a variety of timeless pieces, as well as those a little more out of the ordinary. Unknowingly, they planted the seed of inspiration for this entire shoot the moment they put out this beautiful black two-piece wedding gown. To say I was enamored would be an understatement. I was the true definition of obsessed. I couldn’t get my mind off of this black beauty. If I wasn’t going to be wearing it myself, (shoutout to Flutter as I actually got my own wedding dress there just a few months later), I had to create something with it as the primary focus. So began the planning of the Black, Blush and Nude styled shoot.

Choose a Theme and decide on a Location

When planning a styled shoot, there are a few key things to keep in mind. The first is your vibe and overall style. Create a mood board and let it be your guiding light. Depending on when you’re planning a styled shoot, it will also be your guiding light to help you understand what is too much versus what will help you accomplish your vision. We can always incorporate more details and more facets, but sometimes less is more.

Choosing a location was the easiest part for me. I knew with a nontraditional vision, a nontraditional venue was required. After shooting and DJ’ing at PAIKKA a handful of times, we knew the ins and outs of the space as well as how much we love working with the staff there. We pitched our idea and boom - location and date were set.

start dreaming with other vendors

Chances are if you’ve been in business for any length of time, you know your favorites in the local scene. I know I do. But I also know there are countless more I have yet to meet. Reach out to some of your contacts, or even to people you don’t know, and see if they are interested in working together. Odds are a few will be. For our shoot, we did all of the planning and styling ourselves, but we used Copper and Carbon for the stationery and Mani Mela for the florals and decor. Rick has known Stephanie from Copper and Carbon for awhile (aka he DJ’ed her wedding). She was one of my favorite people to have a part of the shoot. Her energy is freaking contagious. The moment I pitched the idea, she was all in and I loved it. The gals from Mani Mela were new in our circle, but their ability to hear my vision and create breathtaking florals was amazing. Plus, they were willing to pitch in wherever help was needed and just run with it. It was the best combination of working with our favorites, and meeting new favorites along the way.

5. Putting it all together

I grabbed a large coffee and headed to PAIKKA to prepare for the big shoot.

sidenote: Keep an eye on your calendar when selecting a date. I scheduled the shoot for the same day as the Minnesota Bride awards. I had just enough time to wrap up and get home to shower before having to run out the door. If possible, give yourself some space to breathe. Also, if you’re going to an awards show and party, give yourself some time to get ready and relax so you can put your best foot forward

Anywho, I arrived camera in hand ready to spend time with my favorite people - like Ashley Cook of Lavish Wayzata and Mindie from Makeup by Mindie. Seriously, if you want some spunk and laughter added to a set, bring these gals. While everybody was getting ready and doing their role, I spent the time to finalize the shot list and what I specifically wanted to create throughout the shoot. By the time cameras were rolling, we were able to freely create.

Celebrate

When it’s all said and done - celebrate! Pop that bottle of bubbles (or finish drinking the one used during the shoot), and take a moment to thank everyone that came together to make it all happen. Gratitude goes a long way. Once that’s wrapped up, start planning the next one!

VENDOR LOVE //

Photography and Videography: Flow Event Group // Stationary: Copper and Carbon // Makeup: Makeup by Mindie // Hair: Ashley Cook, Lavish Wayzata // Dress + Accessories: Flutter Boutique // Venue: PAIKKA // Florals, Ceremony Arch + More: Mani Mela //