Galactic Magic, Dive Bar Dreams, and a Bold Red & White Finale | CTG x FF
Table of Contents
Introduction
Photography is more than just expensive gear and lighting. It’s about connecting with other people, playing with new ideas, and allowing creativity to flourish. In August 2024, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a series of styled shoots hosted by the brilliant Cierra the Gemini, a talented local wedding photographer, and Floret & Foliage, a floral boutique renowned for their stunning arrangements.
Each styled shoot included unique explosive details and inspiration highlighting distinct overarching themes: a galactic celebration, a gritty dive bar dreamscape, and a bold red-and-white finale. While these shoots provided an outlet for creativity exploration, they also provided the opportunity to network with local photographers and vendors.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that unfolded.
Galactic: A Cosmic Celebration of Love
Cheyenne (she/her) and Hannah (she/her) posing on a blue couch at Pound’s Fargo for the CTG x FF Galactic Styled Wedding Shoot.
The first shoot of the day shot us across the neon cosmos, a fantasy of shimmering metallics and bold colorscapes. The set was designed using iridescent patterns, colorful arches, and crystalline details. Pounds was a perfect quirky venue for this shoot. It offered a large window for morning light to filter in and the black and white flooring was an ideal visual addition to the images. Floret & Foliage elevated the shoot with otherworldly floral designs by using bright, bold stems and unique greenery.
Cheyenne (she/her) and Hannah (she/her)
Details arranged on a holographic coffee table.
Fargo Spaceman posing in front of the arch created by Gathered Boutique Rentals with florals from Floret & Foliage.
Cheyenne sitting on a chair styled by Gathered Boutique Rentals.
Sonder Bakehouse crafted an alien-esque cake, topped with metallic stems and greenery. Crystals provided by Jocale Co. and ceramics by Hanna Marie added dimension to each set.
Cake by Sonder Bakehouse
Cheyenne’s and Hannah’s rings being held by a little green alien
Cake by Sonder Bakehouse, Crystals by Jocale Co, and Ceramics by H Marie Ceramics
Hannah’s and Cheyenne’s rings on top of one of Jocale Co’s crystals.
Florals, Invitations, Rings, and other details
Fargo Spaceman joined us as our Astro officiant, keying in the final piece of the galactic theme. Carmine & Hayworth styled the models, Hannah (she/her) and Cheyenne (she/her), in stunning luminous metallics. The green metallic dress, worn by Hannah, was expertly paired with an iridescent green veil handmade by Carmine & Hayworth. Cheyenne was fashionably dressed in silver pants and a prismatic disco-patterned suit jacket.
Cheyenne and Hannah being married by Fargo Spaceman. Cheyenne and Hannah are each holding fantastic bouquets by Floret & Foliage.
Fargo Spaceman posing in the arch designed by Gathered Boutique Rentals.
Fargo Spaceman posing in the arch designed by Gathered Boutique Rentals.
Hannah posing with a bouquet by Floret & Foliage.
Hannah posing under the arch while wearing a green veil that was handmade by Carmine & Hayworth.
Shoes worn by Hannah.
Cheyenne sitting on the couch.
Cheyenne posing on the couch.
This shoot highlighted Hannah’s and Cheyenne’s chemistry. Their connection was electric, making every shot shine with emotion. It was a reminder of the universal beauty of connection and authenticity.
Cheyenne & Hannah pose adorably on the orange bench in Pounds.
Cheyenne & Hannah snuggle together on a blue couch.
Cheyenne & Hannah snuggle close in front of two round mirrors. They’re wearing adorable alien headbands.
From a technical perspective, this shoot was all about embracing different lighting conditions. I experimented with dramatic shadows and reflective surfaces to evoke the feeling of being adrift in the cosmos. The result? Images that felt both grounded in love and elevated by the universe.
Cheyenne and Hannah being married by Fargo Spaceman. Cheyenne and Hannah are each holding fantastic bouquets by Floret & Foliage.
A fun detail shot of the coffee table.
Cheyenne and Hannah try a few bites of the cake created by Sonder Bakehouse.
Cheyenne & Hannah snuggle adorably on the orange bench in Pounds.
Galactic Vendor Credit List
Host // Cierra The Gemini
Florals // Floret & Foliage
Wardrobe Styling // Carmine & Hayworth
Venue // Pounds Fargo
Event Styling // Gathered Boutique Rentals
Cake // Sonder Bakehouse
Hair & Makeup // Beauty by Hannah Fargo
Crystals // Jocale Co.
Ceramics // Hanna Marie
Astronaut // Fargo Spaceman
Dive Bar Dreams: Grit Meets Glam
A double exposure of a wedding cake by Sonder Bakehouse with “Marge’s Bar” overlayed.
The next shoot was at Marge’s Bar, a cozy little bar hidden away on Robert’s Alley. The atmosphere was edgy and inviting, offering a sense of nostalgia combined with creative flair. The set design by Gathered Boutique Rentals included statuesque candles, neon lighting, and pink details in varying hues. Floret & Foliage provided stunning floral arrangements in a variety of pink shades.
A detail shot of cute heart shaped glasses and wedding invitations.
Detail shot of the cake designed by Sonder Bakehouse.
Dennis gives Brittany a kiss on the forehead.
Brittany and Dennis share smiles together.
Wedding details adorable arranged.
Florals by Floret & Foliage.
The models were styled by Carmine & Hayworth in stunning pink outfits with white details, creating a playful yet sophisticated aesthetic. Brittany’s (she/her) first outfit was a fun pink tulle dress accented perfectly by a voluminous bow veil and gloves that delicately ruffled at the wrist. Her second outfit was a sleek white slip dress complemented by adorable heels with a dainty ankle bow. Dennis’s (he/him) attire was equally striking, with a velvety pink suit seamlessly paired with a pale pink shirt. The bold yet refined look harmonized perfectly with Brittany’s ensemble.
Brittany posing in her first outfit.
Brittany posing in her second outfit.
Brittany posing in her first outfit.
Dennis posing in front of the bar.
Brittany posing in her first outfit.
Dennis fixing the bow on Brittany’s heel.
The dive bar shoot was all about color. Neon pinks, blues, and greens from the bar lighting cast dramatic shadows, and I had the chance to play with balancing these vibrant ambient lights with flash. This setup pushed me to step outside my usual lighting techniques and embrace the challenge of creating depth and focus in such a dynamic environment.
Dennis kisses Brittany while she poses on the bar.
Brittany and Dennis pose by a table with lit candles.
Brittany and Dennis pose together.
What stood out most was the way this shoot embraced individuality. The models brought their unique personalities to the set, making every pose feel authentic. Overall, the edgy backdrop of the bar was creatively complemented by monochromatic pink details; and created a striking composition that begged to be photographed.
Dennis holds Brittany’s hand.
A detail shot of the motorcycle with the bouquet by Floret & Foliage on the front wheel.
Dennis and Brittany pose on the motorcycle.
Dive Bar Dreams Vendor Credit List
Host // Cierra The Gemini
Florals // Floret & Foliage
Wardrobe Styling // Carmine & Hayworth
Venue // Marge's Bar Fargo
Event Styling // Gathered Boutique Rentals
Cake // Sonder Bakehouse
Makeup// Artistry by Kimberly
Hair // Ashland Salon
Crystals // Jocale Co.
Ceramics // Hanna Marie
Finale in Red & White: Bold, Passionate, and Timeless
Upstairs space at Synclaire, with a set designed by Gathered Boutique Rentals as the focus.
The final shoot of the day was a vivid display of red and white set in the stylish Synclaire Venue. As they say, the devil is in the details, and this shoot captured them beautifully. The striking color palette evoked themes of devilish passion, heavenly unity, and angelic elegance. The tailored suits worn by the models perfectly accented the set design by Gathered Boutique Rentals and monochromatic floral arrangements by Floret & Foliage.
Set by Gathered Boutique Rentals with floral towers by Floret & Foliage
Florals by Floret & Foliage on styled with a set by Gathered Boutique Rentals
Set by Gathered Boutique Rentals with floral designs by Floret & Foliage
Cake by The Sugar Mill Co
Cake by The Sugar Mill Co
Set by Gathered Boutique Rentals
Carter (he/him) wore a spectacular red suit with a sheer star-patterned shirt and was further refined by his nails, makeup, and hair artfully styled to hint at horns. Taylor (they/them) stunned in an ethereal suit and cape combo, accented by a sheer floral-patterned shirt, a bold red lip, and striking black heels.
Carter (he/him) holding a bouquet of white flowers
Taylor holding a bouquet of red flowers
Carter & Taylor pose on set
Taylor posing with their cape
Taylor posing with their cape
Carter & Taylor pose in front of a red arch set
Carter & Taylor blow kisses to each other while posing
A close up shot of Carter’s and Taylor’s hand, showcasing their nails.
Taylor & Carter snuggling together
A close up shot of Taylor’s ring and Carter’s nails.
From a technical standpoint, the finale shoot was all about working with high-contrast lighting. I focused on how color and shadow could tell a story, experimenting with angles and compositions to heighten the emotional impact of each image. The combination of bold styling, incredible florals, and heartfelt moments made this shoot a perfect conclusion to the day.
Taylor caresses Carter’s face
Taylor standing with their arms around Carter.
Carter poses next to Taylor. Both are holding bouquets designed by Floret & Foliage
Taylor posing with their cape while Carter is seated.
Taylor posing with their cape while Carter is seated.
Taylor and Carter pose in front of the final red set designed by Gathered Bouquet Rentals.
Red and White Finale Vendor Credit List
Host // Cierra The Gemini
Florals // Floret & Foliage
Venue // Synclaire
Event Styling // Gathered Boutique Rentals
Cake // The Sugar Mill Co
Makeup// Artistry by Kimberly
Hair // Ashland Salon
Crystals // Jocale Co.
Why I Attended: The Value of Community and Creativity
A behind the scenes snap of Cierra, Carter, and Taylor
For me, the day was more than just an opportunity to create beautiful images. It was a chance to connect, learn, and grow. Here are three reasons why I couldn’t pass up this experience:
Networking with Other Photographers and Vendors
Events like these bring together a community of like-minded creatives. Throughout the day, I exchanged ideas, tips, and inspiration with fellow photographers, and I built relationships with the amazing vendors who made these shoots possible. These connections are invaluable for collaboration and growth within the industry.Practicing Different Lighting Techniques
Each theme presented a unique lighting challenge, from the dreamy low-light conditions of the galactic shoot to the bold, colorful neon of the dive bar, and the high-contrast elegance of the red-and-white finale. Having the opportunity to experiment with such diverse setups in a single day was an incredible learning experience.A Creative Playground
Styled shoots are the perfect space to play. Without the pressure of client expectations, I felt free to try new techniques, experiment with new tools, and explore simmering creative ideas bouncing around my mind. These moments of play are what fuel my passion for photography.
Closing: Gratitude and Reflection
I’m deeply grateful to Cierra the Gemini and Floret & Foliage for curating such a stunning, inclusive, and inspiring event. Their vision and artistry made these styled shoots an unforgettable experience.
Hannah & Cheyenne reflected in a round mirror.
Are you inspired by these styled shoots? Let’s bring your vision to life with a creative photoshoot! Whether you’re looking to capture a unique concept, celebrate a milestone, or simply explore something new, I’d love to collaborate and create something truly special with you. You can find out more by clicking the button below.
Have you attended a styled shoot that sparked your creativity? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear about them!
