On June 27, 2024, I packed up my camera, excitement, and a little bit of caffeine for the Bold Bliss Styled Wedding Content Workshop at KC Sunset Ranch in Cleveland, Missouri. Hosted by the incredible @stagandbirdphoto and @kc_sunsetranch, this workshop wasn’t just a styled shoot—it was a whole vibe. Imagine rebellious romance with an untamed spirit, complete with stunning wedding details, table settings that scream bold elegance, and oh yeah…a LIVE HORSE. Yes, you read that right.

Let’s talk about the horse for a second. You don’t often see horses at weddings (unless you’re at the kind of fancy affair where there’s also a string quartet and a five-course dinner). But wow—this majestic creature brought a cinematic, fairy-tale element to the shoot. Watching the models (shoutout to @rippinruts and @aubrinatheteenagewitch) gracefully pose in wedding attire while riding was nothing short of magical. Trust me, it’ll have you reconsidering your wedding plans just to include a horse.

The workshop was led by Courtney Specht (@stagandbirdphoto), who is not only wildly talented but also unapologetically different—just like her famous tagline says. She doesn’t care what people think, and that boldness shines through in everything she does, from her stunning work to the way she shares her knowledge so generously. Courtney’s approach to photography celebrates the weird, the quirky, and the wonderfully unconventional—exactly the kind of vibe I resonate with. Learning from her and seeing her in action was an absolute highlight. I admire her authenticity, her confidence, and her ability to create magic that feels deeply personal and entirely unique.
Honestly, I aspire to be like Courtney one day. Not just for her talent (which is next level) but for her unapologetic individuality and her commitment to lifting others up. Plus, there’s something amazing about connecting with other photographers in this kind of setting. I’m all about community over competition—we’re stronger together, and this workshop was proof of that. (Also, meeting new people is just the best.)

And let’s not forget the details. The tablescape, florals, and cake were designed to stand out in all the right ways—bold, modern, and totally unforgettable. It’s the kind of inspiration that sticks with you as a photographer and makes you excited to see couples embrace unique ideas for their weddings.
Styled shoots like this are gold for photographers. They let me stretch creatively, test out new techniques, and create striking images for my portfolio. It’s not just about pretty pictures (though, trust me, there are plenty of those); it’s about giving clients inspiration for their day—whether it’s bold details, breathtaking dresses, or the kind of vibe that makes a wedding feel like them.
To all the vendors who made this day so incredible—thank you!
Vendors
Hosted by: @stagandbirdphoto & @kc_sunsetranch
Planner: @creatingmemoriesandmorellc
Florals: @flutterfarms
Cake: @sugarwhippednyc
Hair & Makeup: @divinebridalbeautykc
Bridal Jewelry: @noesjewelrystore
Horse: Heather Gooch Family Farm
Models: @rippinruts & @aubrinatheteenagewitch
Dress: Model’s own from @high_vibe_bride
If you’re dreaming of unique wedding elements, let this styled shoot be your sign: go bold, go big, and maybe even go…horseback?
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