Creating a standout moodboard is both an art and a science, and it's at the heart of planning successful styled shoots. That's why we launched the Styled Shoot Competition, inviting wedding pros to craft visionary moodboards for a chance to win $1000 to bring their concept to life.

The competition culminated in our Styled Shoot Finalist Showcase, a live Zoom event where judges reviewed the top five entries and crowned the ultimate winner. From expert critiques to behind-the-scenes insights, the event was packed with valuable takeaways. Whether you're looking to refine your moodboarding skills or understand how styled shoots can elevate your business, this recap covers the key lessons from the showcase.

Meet the judges

• Amy Shack Egan: Founder of Modern Rebel, known for helping couples create meaningful, rule-breaking celebrations that reflect their unique stories.
• Terrica: Founder of Terrica Inc., she is a dynamic wedding planner, educator, and speaker who has a knack for helping planners achieve their business goals.
• Margaux Fraise: The visionary behind Harmony Creative Studio and Wedding Summit Series, she connects wedding pros with top-tier education and resources.

They offered invaluable feedback on the finalists' moodboards, emphasizing storytelling, cohesion, and purpose. The five finalists wowed us with their imaginative takes, showcasing how moodboards can set the tone for unforgettable styled shoots.

Here's a closer look at the finalists, the judges' comments, and tips you can use to elevate your next project.

Jennifer Benson: "A 1970s Playboy Mansion Pool Party"

Jennifer's moodboard burst with energy, bringing a retro queer wedding concept to life. Inspired by the playful and vibrant vibes of a 1970s Playboy Mansion party, her entry was immersive and unforgettable.

What the judges thought

• Terrica described it as, "immersive," adding, "You can see, smell, and hear everything."
• Amy praised the balance of creativity and cohesiveness, noting that, "it's bold" and "has a personality."
• Margaux highlighted the movement and vibrancy, saying "You can get a sense of what the real wedding would be."

Jennifer's moodboard was a masterclass in storytelling, earning her the winning spot in the competition.

JaaEL: "Nordic Zen - A Scandinavian-Japanese Fusion"

JaaEL's entry combined Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese aesthetics, creating a moodboard that felt serene and intentional. This concept emphasized clean lines and natural textures, offering a calming reset for couples seeking elegance.

What the judges thought

• Margaux appreciated that it "covered a lot of bases," incorporating both culture and fashion in the moodboard.
• Amy highlighted how it brought "texture" to the overall concept.
• Terrica admired the muted tones, noting that it "feels like it's a very relaxed space."

JaaEL's moodboard struck a perfect balance between simplicity and depth, offering a clear vision for a relaxed yet elegant celebration.

Jessica Valenzuela: "Romantic Retro Wedding"

Jessica's moodboard stood out with its bold black background, creating a dramatic and romantic vibe. Her approach seamlessly blended retro aesthetics with contemporary glam.

What the judges thought

• Margaux noted, "The black background works perfectly..." but questioned "if it's really speaking to the client."
• Terrica admired the romantic vibe but wished for more details.
• Amy appreciated the playful touches but felt a stronger color palette was needed.

Jessica's moodboard demonstrated elegance and creativity while leaving room for refinement in storytelling.

Nicole Crooks: "A Hidden Tropical Oasis"

Nicole's moodboard took viewers on a lush, tropical journey, rich with textures and natural elements. Its strength lay in its ability to transport audiences to a hidden oasis while remaining versatile.

What the judges thought

• Terrica said, "It tells a story," and noted it had "some really good statement pieces."
• Amy praised its imagery, adding that the moodboard "clearly has a design direction."
• Margaux admired its professional presentation, saying, "This one did the best job in terms of layering the images."

Nicole's entry was a close runner-up, impressing the judges with its cohesive storytelling and adaptability.

Jasmin Norwood: "Victorian Romance"

Jasmin's moodboard exuded Victorian-inspired romance, with soft textures and painterly details that transported viewers to an ethereal dreamscape.

What the judges thought

• Terrica described it as "a couture design" and "very ethereal."
• Margaux suggested it had "one too many images," which gives clients "more to pick apart."
• Amy encouraged, "Don't be afraid to make a bold choice."

Jasmine's moodboard captured a specific audience, offering inspiration for romantic, high-end events.

Expert moodboarding tips from wedding industry leaders

The judges shared valuable tips throughout the event, offering practical advice for wedding planners. Amy encouraged planners to "find inspiration beyond Pinterest" and emphasized the importance of simplicity, saying, "Less is more."

Terrica advised defining the purpose of styled shoots early on to ensure alignment with goals like publication or client attraction.

Margaux highlighted that if your goal is to be published, "go into your shoot with some idea of your top two or three target publications." She added, "You’ve got to plan for it to go where you want it to go."

Why styled shoots matter for wedding planners

Styled shoots aren't just about creating beautiful photos; they're a strategic tool for growing your business. From showcasing your creativity to building relationships with partners and vendors, styled shoots offer:

• Portfolio enhancement: Attract high-end clients with professional imagery.
• Marketing content: Use styled shoots to craft messaging tailored to your ideal audience.
• Collaboration opportunities: Strengthen relationships with vendors by working together on cohesive designs.

Planning styled shoots with intention ensures they become a meaningful investment in your business's growth.

Final thoughts

The Styled Shoot Finalist Showcase was an inspiring event, filled with creative ideas and practical tips. From Jennifer Benson's winning 1970s vibe to Jasmin Norwood's painterly romance, each finalist showcased the power of storytelling through moodboards. Wedding planners can learn valuable lessons on storytelling, purpose-driven designs, and collaboration.

Key takeaways

• A winning moodboard combines bold storytelling with cohesive visuals.
• Plan styled shoots with intention, aligning them with your business goals.
• Use tools like Visualist to streamline your moodboarding process.

Ready to elevate your next styled shoot? Embrace creativity, plan with purpose, and design with your ideal client in mind.

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