HIRING A STYLIST | WEDDING MEMOS | MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

A small note from Amanda: Please give a warm welcome to the very talented Heather Misner of Atwater Lane Styling. I worked with Heather on a previous shoot this past November and Loved every little thing she put into place for the day. She didn’t just plan the timeline and keep everything Extremely organized, she put a beautiful vision that I thought would never escape the confines of my brain and made it a reality! She was able to take a simple style board and some key words that I wanted to portray and create something truly unique and gorgeous at the same time. I am convinced that planners are great and definitely not something you want to overlook for your wedding, but a stylist takes your wedding vision to the next level!

Imagine the level of photos you could have if your stylist and your photographer were working together to complete your vision. Imagine a tree trunk laden with flowers for your outdoor portraits if you are looking for something more boho or a fun Mrs. balloon with flower crowns for your bridesmaids before getting ready. Seriously the possibilities are endless! That is seriously the magic of creativity being put to work in the best way possible! I now cannot go into planning any more shoots or projects without first trying to find a stylist. It really does change the whole process to have someone looking out for the aesthetics of the day AS WELL as the fundamentals of the day. Read more from Heather below:

 

 

Maybe you’ve thought about your wedding your entire life

Planning every detail in advance – or maybe you’re just starting to piece together your vision. Whatever the case, your big day is unique, special, and flies by incredibly fast. Don’t waste any time stressing about details leading up to your wedding day, but especially don’t stress on your wedding day!

 

  

Wedding Planner vs. Event Stylist

There’s a lot to think about while planning your wedding. Working as a team, a planner can help you with venue booking, timeline development, vendor payments, contract negotiations, etiquette, and budget. A stylist can support the experience your guests have – what do they see, how does it feel? Stationary, linens, tablescapes, favors, backdrops, mood lighting, prop furniture layout…the list goes on! All of these things need to fit your vibe and vision. You want to leave a lasting impression and give you, your spouse, and your friends and family an incredible experience celebrating your big day!

A stylist can help with many aspects of your wedding, but most importantly, they can act as an integrated member of your team – helping to keep your wedding plan on track, on budget, and on vision. Many wedding planners also act as stylists, but a dedicated stylist can support your wedding aesthetic in a very focused, dedicated way.  There are some key differences to be aware of, but here are some unique reasons you might want to hire a stylist.

 

Help Before the Big Day

An event stylist can sit down with you and your fiancé to refine your ideas, vision, and wedding style. They can set up an inspiration board for you, puling in content from industry trendsetters (maybe she is the trendsetter – lucky you!). Your stylist can also give you a realistic picture of how much a certain prop or guest experience might cost. Event styling consultation might only take about 2 hours and you’ll walk away with a cohesive idea of what you want your wedding to look and feel like. An experience stylist knows what works and what might be more of a challenge. Take advantage of her knowledge!

 

 

Day-of Assistance

Do you already have a planner? Maybe a friend, family member, or professional who is assisting with the wedding day timeline, venue, and details? No problem! A stylist can serve you on the wedding day by organizing outside vendors who are bringing things like cake, other desserts, guest gifts, props, and decorations. Your stylist could direct the show behind the scenes, making sure that these items land exactly where they’re supposed to and they look exactly the way you want them to.  That wall of flowers you want behind your dessert table? Done. The place settings that you want to look just like Pinterest? Great! Styling is one part creativity and three parts problem solving. A stylist can take care of all of this for you.

 

 

Next Level Photos

Since you already hired an amazing photographer, you’re already in good hands. But you know those gorgeous photos on the cover of a wedding magazine or gracing the event blogs? I bet they used a stylist too! Your stylist and photographer can work together to make sure you have all the props you envisioned… (an umbrella and rain boots on a wet day, that giant balloon you always wanted to use, or something unique that maybe you haven’t thought of yet). They can also create anything extra that you want in your photos.  Many stylists are DIY pros who can make something from scratch for you. Let them work with your photographer to take your photos to the next level.

Your stylist will help you develop your theme, color story, and exclusive interests that make you and your fiancé such a great couple. They’ll take these seemingly random things and turn them into your wedding – a celebration of your love and life together – that you and your guests can see, feel, and experience together.

 

 

Heather is a stylist and the founder of Atwater Lane, a styling and consulting company.

She works in the DMV area and loves helping couples and families bring their vision to life.

Learn more:

Instagram: instagram.com/atwaterlane

Website: atwaterlane.com

 

See more from this shoot styled by Heather from Atwater Lane styling here

Photos taken by: Amanda MacPhee & Atwater Lane Portfolio