Wedding fashion photo shoots are one of our favorite parts of putting together each issue of Sacramento Bride and Groom. A successful fashion shoot takes the best efforts of everyone involved, from helpful venue staff who make sure that we have everything we need and that the place is showing at it’s very best; the makeup and hair experts who make our models look their most glamorous; the dress shops and florists who provide us with beautiful gowns and bouquets; the models who show up ready to put in a long day of looking beautiful; and the photographer whose creativity and expertise preserves the day for publication.
When it comes time to put the features together, however, readers get to see only the few shots we have room for in the pages of the magazine. But we thought you might like to see what goes on behind the scenes when we’re shooting a fashion feature. Brookshire Gardens in El Dorado was the site for this shoot. It was a great escape from the valley on a hot summer day! Owners Kurt and Nina Sommerdyke have built a lovely outdoor wedding venue that made a fantastic backdrop for our photos. Brookshire Gardens is a lovely little gem of a venue, out of the valley but not too a long drive up Highway 50. Their eye for details is evident all over the property, nowhere more so than in the charming little get ready room, furnished with lots of vintage knickknacks, comfortable furnishings and a even a kitchenette! I was really impressed – everywhere I turned was another pretty little spot for photos or for guests to enjoy.
Brookshire Gardens is a beautiful country garden wedding venue and a wonderful change of pace for us flatlanders!
The crew for this shoot: photographer Bill Payne and his daughter Jennifer who came to assist, along with Sacramento Bride and Groom Publisher Tami Miller and Photo Shoot Coordinator Kayla Swift.
Brookshire Gardens is a nice place to escape the heat on a Sacramento Summer day! This nice shady patio went unused as everyone was busy with their jobs.
Michelle Kinkaid puts the finishing touches on Camay Graham’s makeup.
Bill gets a shot of Minerva styling Amanda Christensen’s hair
Brookshire Gardens’ lovely country style preparation room makes a warm and welcoming backdrop for the fantastic fashions from The Bridal Box.
It’s time to start shooting! Jennifer directs the light with a reflector. Bill comes prepared with lots of equipment – it’s a good thing he brought an assistant!
Amanda and Bill like what they’re getting so far!
An industry secret: spring clips from the hardware store help make dresses hug the curves!
Kayla, taking care of the details. Everything has to be just so!
Camay and Amanda admiring the lovely bouquets from All Blooms
Smiles, everyone! From left: Brookshire Gardens owners Kurt and Nina Sommerdyke, Michele Kinkaid, Camay Graham, Amanda Christensen, Tami Miller and Kayla Swift.
When the day is done and everyone is packed up for the drive home, we feel like we’ve made some new friends and are glad to have been able to spend some time with some old ones. That’s the best part of our job!
