Styled shoots are some of my favorite ways to connect with other wedding vendors and stay inspired—and this Retro Love shoot was no exception. Hosted at Walnut Ridge in Shellsburg Iowa, this dreamy day was bursting with bright colors (hello, pink, orange, and yellow!) and even brighter energy.

Walnut Ridge was the perfect venue for this vision. The space is bright, open-concept, and totally versatile—think of it as a perfect neutral slate that can be styled into anything you want your wedding day to be. Plus, the bridal suite upstairs was a huge highlight for us vendors: tons of natural light, plenty of room for large bridal parties, and the kind of setup that makes a smooth, joyful morning possible. At one point, I think every single vendor was in that suite, and it still felt relaxed and efficient.

Photos from Arrowhead Photography

For the hair, I created Hollywood-inspired waves—the kind of timeless look that gives total vintage glam while still feeling modern. We curled the hair and set it using pin curl clips to cool, which gave us some seriously stunning getting-ready content (those behind-the-scenes photos are chef’s kiss). Once the curls were fully cooled, I took them down one by one and meticulously placed each strand, brushing and shaping them into perfect, sculpted waves. The final look? A polished, retro bridal style that was pure elegance with a touch of sass.

Photos by Arrowhead Photography

Photos by Shyanne Rusher Photography

The whole shoot was pulled together seamlessly by the amazing team at Elizabeth Bliss Events. If you’re planning a wedding in Iowa, I highly recommend them. They’re the kind of planners who keep everything on track while being the biggest hype girls in the room. They made the day feel like a celebration from start to finish.

We also had the unique experience of working with multiple photographers, which allowed us to see the same styled shoot through different creative lenses (literally!). This made every detail—from the florals to the fashion—feel fresh and multi-dimensional, and it’s a great reminder of how much your photographer’s style shapes your final gallery. It’s a reminder of how unique and important it is to find a photographer who aligns with your vision. Ill attach some of my favorites from each photographer!

Whether you're a bride planning your Iowa wedding or a vendor looking for inspiration, this shoot was the perfect blend of color, creativity, and collaboration—and I’m so grateful I got to be part of it.

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The dream team that brought "Retro Love" to life:

planner + designer // @elizabeth_bliss_events
additional planner + designer // @mercedeseventss , @alicia_eventsss , @sydneythewp
venue // @walnutridgevenue
lead photographer // @sailorbreez.photo.and.film
photographers // @arrowheadphotography319 , @shyannerusherphoto
decor // @1111eventco
arch backdrop // @decorontap_
vintage rentals // @annatavintageco
floral design // @ellafloraldesign_
stationery and signage // @invited.dsm
desserts // @sugarflowercake101
dress // @jocelyntaylorbridalandprom
suit // @skeffingtonsformalwear
hair styling // @bespoke_beauty_llc
makeup artist // @_olivebeauty
jewelry // @siebkehoytjewelers
models // Elyssa and Hayden @elyssavasser

Take a peek at all three of our photographers below!

Arrowhead Photography - Visit their website here!