In April of this year I participated in a styled shoot at the Vista Del Lago Estate, a luxury wedding and event space in Bakersfield, California. This particular shoot was hosted by Styled Shoots Across America, who’s known for “creating fresh, inspiring wedding content” for photographers and their portfolios. And they do not disappoint! I was asked to attend this shoot with a photographer friend, who unfortunately came down with COVID before we left. It was my first time attending a SSAA event, as well as my first time visiting the estate and Bakersfield itself.

Now if you know anything about this part of the state of California, you are probably thinking to yourself, “Bakersfield? There is a whole lot of nothing in Bakersfield…”. At least this is what many locals and friends shared with me as they learned of my travel plans. But let me tell you, this venue is worth the visit!

About the Estate.

The Vista Del Lago Estate is a beautiful oasis, tucked away in the valley of Bakersfield, California. Elegant and timeless, the acres of land are surrounded with beautiful palm trees, and in the center sits a lake, which reflects the sunset perfectly at golden hour. The property is built perfectly for large groups or to support an elegant, more intimate setting. With kind and friendly hosts, if you are located in the area, or looking to travel to this part of California, look no further! This may just be the venue you’ve been looking for.

About the Shoot.

As a photographer, Styled Shoots are a wonderful way for us to meet other vendors and experience new venues. Not only do we get to capture some great content for our portfolios, but we also get to create new relationships with fellow photographers and vendors from the area. This comes in handy for photographers who are new, or just getting started, and need to connect with those local to their community. It is also great for those of us that want to take our services on the road, and support clients who wish to travel with us outside of our home towns.

I’ve listed the vendors involved, with their instagram handles, below, in case you are looking local to the Bakersfield, CA area, or are interested in reaching out to see if they can service you in your home state or city. Enjoy scrolling the gallery of this lovely styled shoot at the Vista Del Lago Estate. I hope to return to shoot here again one day, and who knows, maybe the next time will be with you!

Vendors

Host: Styled Shoots Across America @styledshootsacrossamerica
Concept & Planning: @heatherbengeofficial @alexia.woolum
Assistant Planner: Simply Chic Events @simplychicevents_
Venue: Vista Del Lago Estate @vistadellagoestate
Florals: Chandler Flower House @chandlerflowerhouse
Hair & Makeup: Sun Kissed and Made Up @sunkissedandmadeup
Stationery: Rebekah Nicole Ink @rebekahnicoleink
Cake: Teehan Cake Design @teehancakedesign
Rentals: @joroncorentals
Styling Mats: @theflatlaysstyler
Rings: @lovelyringboxes
Vintage Cars: Antique Autos @antiqueautosbakersfield
Models: @kaylee.garber @thej_bird Gown: @mitchell_dane_carr
@sarsooooraaaa @rami_almilli @through_a_flowerchildseyes
Gowns: @enchantedbridalboutique @styled.gowns