A styled shoot is one of my favorite ways to explore creative ideas, collaborate with talented vendors, and bring a wedding vision to life. Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in a styled shoot at The Grand Lady in Austin, Texas. It’s a stunning historic mansion and wedding venue known for its lush gardens, elegant architecture, and romantic charm. The Grand Lady provided the perfect backdrop for an elegant garden wedding aesthetic.

The goal of this styled shoot was to create a cohesive visual story that felt romantic and intentional. Every detail, from florals to stationery, was carefully chosen to complement the venue’s beauty. These choices also highlighted how design can elevate the wedding experience.

If you’re planning your own elegant garden wedding, you’re not going to want to miss this inspiration!

Romantic, Natural, and Elegant Vibes

The vision for this styled shoot focused on creating a elegant, romantic look that felt natural and refined. The color palette included dusty rose, soft neutrals, and muted greens, echoing the summer blooms used throughout the shoot. Every design choice—from textures to floral arrangements—complemented The Grand Lady’s gardens and historic interiors.

Custom Stationery Details

Wedding Invitations with Watercolor Venue Artwork

As a wedding stationery designer, styled shoots allow me to show how paper goods can set the tone for an entire wedding. For this shoot, I designed a custom invitation suite. It included a coordinating envelope liner, a delicate belly band, and a watercolor illustration of the venue. All of these embellishments tied the design back to The Grand Lady’s architecture and gardens.

Elegant Seating Chart, Menus, and Place Cards

The wedding invitations set the tone for the day, and the reception paper details helps guide and inform guests. To carry the cohesive design through the entire celebration, I created a die-cut menu accented with a soft pink ribbon. A seating chart and place cards featuring the same stunning watercolor illustration helped guests find their seats. Each piece was thoughtfully styled with soft linens and textures that echoed the floral arrangements from the shoot. Each piece created cohesion and added to the overall aesthetic.

Why The Grand Lady is the Perfect Wedding Venue

The Grand Lady provides multiple beautiful spaces for a wedding, all in one location. The picturesque mansion, manicured gardens, and flower garden are perfect for romantic portraits. The ornate interiors create a sophisticated setting. Every corner of The Grand Lady provides aesthetic backdrops, whether for elegant shots in their flower garden or moody shots in the historic mansion. You simply can’t go wrong with this stunning venue!

Final Thoughts on this Wedding at The Grand Lady

Styled shoots like this one at The Grand Lady are a wonderful way to showcase creativity and provide inspiration for your big day. They allow every detail—from florals to stationery—to tell a story and bring a wedding vision to life.

If you’re planning an elegant garden wedding at The Grand Lady or another stunning venue, I would love to connect. Reach out and let’s create something beautiful together.

The Vendor Team:

Host: Styled Shoots Across America

Venue & Rentals: The Grand Lady Austin

Photographers: Heather J. Photography (stationery photos) & Sarah Thompson Photography (all other photos)

Planning: Heather Benge & Alexia Woolum

Florist: Fashionable Florist

Assistant Florist: CGaia Designs

Assistant Planner: Chiston Events

Linens: Nuage Designs Inc.

Tabletop Rentals: Royal Event Rentals DFW

Hair & Makeup: Luna Beauty & Bridal

Stationery: Designs by Mecca

Cake: Olive and Aries

Gown Salon: Signature Bridal Salon

Second Floral Gown: Styled Gowns

Jewelry: Opal and Blossom

Specialty Cocktails: Bar Chefs Austin

Harpist: Harpistry TX

Styling Mats: The Flat Lays Styler

Models: Kalyn Cagle, Danny Brodie, Brooklyn Gatlin