Styled shoots are fantastical weddings that are brought to life through the collaborative effort of multiple wedding vendors. Of course, every wedding, real or not, needs a bride. This time, I was the bride.

Through the encouragement and support of our bride hive, San Antonio Weddings finagled a model spot for me in Gillian Menzie Photography’s and Sweet Gardenia Wedding’s styled shoot, hosted at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens.

The moment I walked into the bridal suite was surreal. I couldn’t believe I was about to walk in a bride’s heels, wearing the most incredible dress I have ever laid eyes on, coached by one of the area’s most editorial-ready photographers. Molly Farris, of Love, Lipstick, & Lashes, enhanced my beauty and helped me feel confident. By the time the cameras were on me, I had already begun to believe I was a bride.

The SABOT Gardens are magical. Admittedly, this was my first time visiting the gardens, and I was fascinated, immediately enamored. My shoot was to take place in the new Betty Kelso Center and in the garden spaces that surround it. All the spaces I visited left me speechless. Could I picture my wedding here?

The team Sweet Gardenia Weddings gathered was a force. From Olivia Grace Bridal’s unbelievable gowns, the lavish jewelry Diamonds Direct provided, and the floral From His Garden set up, the photos for this spread are unforgettable. Not to mention the appearance of harpist, Sonja Westberg, who elevated the shoot entirely.

The excitement of participating in a styled shoot overrules everything else. Everyone participating runs around making magic happen, while models (speaking for myself) anxiously observe from the dressing room. The day was long, the sun was hot, and I was the happiest girl in the world.

If you were looking for any “tea,” I only have this: the model I modeled alongside is not my actual partner. Modeling with someone who isn’t my boyfriend was only slightly awkward. I pretended he was my partner, John, and the rest was easy.

The experience has meant the world to me. I was recently told I may suffer from “imposter syndrome”, and I have, since, tried to convince myself I am worthy of what I have accomplished. This styled shoot experience brought me one step closer.