About Styled SHOOTS by Southern Bride
Not only providing photographers and videographers with luxury content, we set our sights on providing learning opportunity from industry experts, a chance to showcase talent through our publication competition, and a space for professional networking.
We research stunning locations in beautiful, top-destination wedding cities in the United States, Caribbean, Europe, and around the world. At each event, we match up the best of the area’s Wedding Design talent to curate high-end themed areas. With multiple stages, photographers challenge their own artistic instincts while building their portfolios with the highest quality, luxury-level content to attract their ideal clients clientele.
SEE WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT
Average Group Size
Workshops
Design Set-ups per Event
Cities Annually
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT OUR EVENTS
GET PUBLISHED!
Compete to be the BEST Photographer and win a feature on SouthernBride.com, in Southern Bride Magazine, and on our Southern Bride social media properties, including Instagram and Facebook. Each event will have the option for photographers to add “The BEST Photography Competition” to their experience, a $1,200 Value.
What We Look For
Competition photos go through a minimum of 3-4 rounds of judging before final calls are made between our editorial and digital feature staff. We are looking at quality, creativity and overall style, with a few more technicalities to best showcase design work for print:
- Proper Light Balance. As photos will be printed, its imperative the images are not too dark.
- Natural Color Temperatures. To respect the designers original color choices and insure the best printing quality, natural color temperatures are preferred over muted/sepia tone edited images.
- Frame Variance. Utilizing horizontal and vertical framing with varying shot perspectives (wide, medium, full, closeups of details, etc.)
- As many different detail shots of the design space as possible, especially medium/full shots of the following elements: cake, florals, flat lay, stationery, and tablescape. Showcasing these items with and without models is preferred
- Unique poses of models in ceremony, reception, and the bonus spaces will be considered highly in final selections.
ONE Photography Winner will be selected per design team. The BEST Photographer Winners will be announced 2-4 weeks after each event and announced via social media. Winners will also receive an email notification of their win that will also include an official Styled SHOOTS by Southern Bride BEST Photographer Badge as an accolade. All design spaces paired with the Best Photographer will be published on SouthernBride.com and social media.
Disclaimer: Photographers must release images to Southern Bride and all participating vendors. Southern Bride and all its vendors must provide photo credit on all images they use, whether for print, websites, or social media.
Each venue was designed in a breathtaking way! The fact that you get to meet so many amazing vendors who put so much effort into each designed space is worth the investment.
Maggie
You must attend a styled shoot with Southern Bride. They are super friendly people, organized, and thoughtful. I would attend any event they promote.
Christian
This shoot was great for getting more experience and learning from others… and they worked really well with everyone to make sure we were all on the same page. I will definitely be attending another event!
Jordan
UPCOMING EVENTS
Tampa, FL
June 30, 2025
Tulum, Mexico
July 27 - August 1, 2025
COMING SOON!
Europa Village - Temecula, CA
September 8-9, 2025
FAQ
What will the judges be looking for?
What is the cost to participate?
There is NO CHARGE for participating in The Styled Challenge; however, you and your team are responsible for all of your design expenses.
Can vendors participate that are from another city?
We want to keep this a local event. You and your team MUST be within a drivable market of the event location.
What is each team responsible for designing?
Each team will be required to design three different spaces: ceremony, reception, and a wildcard space within the designated venue, along with a flatlay.
A wildcard space could be a bar set-up, groom’s getting ready room, a champagne/drink tower, a unique seating chart, etc., that is in different and ‘well-lit’ areas of the venue.
- A Flatlay may include a bridal/groom’s flat lay, invitations, jewelry, shoes, veil, flowers, etc., that ties your theme together. This is a fun place to get creative!
Who is responsible for getting the models, hair & makeup?
Each team leader is responsible for sourcing your models, hair, and makeup..
Are there any rules for what models we should get?
Southern Bride is inclusive of everyone. You will determine the models you would like to use. We suggest asking some of your past couples or fun-loving couples you know – the chemistry is always better for images. If this is not an option, professional models are always welcome.
Do we have to get our own fashion for the models?
Southern Bride is happy to assist with sourcing fashion; however, we want to feature as many local vendors as possible. If you have connections in your area, we suggest you use those first.
Are there any no-no’s we need to know about?
Do not break down your space early. This is cause for competition elimination.
Are we allowed to have our own photographer and videographer come to shoot our space?
Yes, however, we ask that they wait until after all of our photographers, content creators, and videographers have come through so that they are not in the way, as we will be on a very strict time schedule.
Does everyone on my team need to produce a COI?
Yes, all venues require it.
