Be Inspired by a Styled Countryside Portrait Session

Considering a rustic theme at a pastoral location? Gather inspiration from this photo session.

While barn-centered photo shoots can be lovely, there are many other ways to achieve a pastoral look. Consider including horses in the photos or taking images in a vast field – or even inside a country home with a farmhouse-chic feel.

By Kelcy Christy

Photo: Rochelle Brodin

Brides and grooms planning chic country weddings will likely be on the lookout for unique ways to capture wedding portraits or engagement photos that allow their location or rustic theme to stand out. While barn-centered photo shoots can be lovely, there are many other ways to achieve a pastoral look without the scenes appearing too themed. Consider including horses in the photos or taking images in a vast field – or even inside a country home with a farmhouse-chic feel.

In the inspirational photo shoot aptly named "Winds of Romance" below, photographer Rochelle Brodin hoped to achieve the look of a sophisticated and authentic country-style wedding. "My original inspiration was the timeless Ralph Lauren fragrance ad of a couple riding on two horses in the field and embracing," she shares. Since they did in fact include horses in some of the photos, the rural setting, shabby-chic décor, and casual clothing worn by the groom gave the shoot a travel feel – perfect for countryside nuptials or a laid-back engagement session prior to a more formal fête. 

Take a look at the images, which feature a romantic, alfresco vibe, below: 

Bride and groom with horse Ralph Lauren theme photo shoot

Bride in strapless Amsale wedding dress on horse back

Bride in Anais Anette wedding dress Ralph Lauren country theme wedding styled shoot

Bride in low back Anais Anette wedding dress styled shoot

Groom in pin stripe Ralph Lauren navy blue suit and bride in low cut silky wedding dress styled shoot

Groom in pin stripe Ralph Lauren suit with bow tie

Bride in spaghetti strap wedding dress kissing groom in vest over horse styled shoot

Bride in Anais Anette wedding dress with belt in field meadow styled shoot

Groom in Stronghold vest with blue denim hat Ralph Lauren inspired styled shoot

Bride in spaghetti strap lace wedding dress with belt tie sash next to flowers styled shoot country

Bride in Stone Cold Fox Bride wedding dress long sleeve high slit with groom by wagon denim country

Groom in denim shirt holding bride in low back long sleeve wedding dress Stone Cold Fox Bride snowy night shoot styled

Photos by Rochelle Brodin; Photography Assistant: Ilan Ariel

Bride's Attire by Amsale, Anais Anette, and Stone Fox Bride; Bridal Salon: Solstice Bride; Groom's Attire by Abercrombie & Fitch, Happy Socks, Raffi, Ralph Lauren, and Stronghold; Hair Stylist: Jeannie Jeffries; Headpieces by Jennifer Behr and Olivia The Wolf; Horse Trainer: Obba Babatundé; Jewelry by Cartier and JNB Style; Makeup Artist: Tanika McConnell; Models: Taylor Reynolds for Wilhelmina International Inc. and Preston Trites for Heroes Model Management and DT Model Management; Shoes by Manolo Blahnik; Stylist: Korina M. for Corina NYC; Veil by Saks Fifth Avenue; Venue: Little Horse on the Prairie

Gather inspiration from real weddings here, view the engagement sessions of both Tone It Up co-founders Karena Dawn and Katrina Hodgson, and browse more inspiring photos of couples from these engagement sessions that took place in Atlanta, New Jersey, and Paris!

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