Looking Back: Our First Styled Shoot

Gerda Lombard
Jun 8
3 min read

Updated: Jun 9

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since I started Gerda Stationery. I still remember the excitement of seeing my stationery designs styled in a real setting for the first time. We spent the day at the beautiful Kleine Rijke for a styled shoot with an amazing team of creatives.

The Stationery That Started It All

This was the first time I saw my stationery designs outside of my "studio" — which, at the time, was really just a small desk in the corner of my bedroom. Seeing it laid out on a real table, in real light, felt surreal. I remember holding the printed pieces in my hands, just hoping they would feel like they belonged in the space. I kept everything soft and neutral, with textured paper, simple fonts, and clean lines — a combination that still defines our style today. Looking back, it was exactly the kind of beginning I’d hoped for: simply true to what has always felt beautiful to me. Seeing my designs come to life beyond a laptop screen was so rewarding — it’s where my love for creating wedding stationery truly began!

One of my favourite things about this shoot was definitely the classic touch of Delft blue details paired with the whimsical, garden-like florals by @a.seed.to.sow. Photographer, @ninabuysphotography is truly a master behind her lens. — *One of my favourite things about this shoot was definitely the classic touch of Delft blue details paired with the whimsical, garden-like florals by* @*a.seed.to.sow. Photographer,* *@ninabuysphotography* *is truly a master behind her lens.*

Styled Shoots: Why They Matter To You As A Bride

If you’ve ever come across a dreamy wedding photo on Pinterest or Instagram and wondered “how does everything look so perfect together?”. There’s a good chance it came from a styled shoot like this one. However, styled shoots are more than just pretty pictures. They give all of us in the wedding industry a chance to slow down and really showcase the small details which, as creatives, we care so deeply about. Things like how a paper texture looks in natural light, or how florals and candles work together on a table scape. For you as brides, these images make up a real life visual mood board. They can help you see how different styles work together, give you fresh ideas, or even help you choose a team of suppliers whose work resonates with you. So when you see something that feels like you, take note.

What I Know Now

Looking back, I’ve come to learn just how much intention goes into a truly beautiful table setting. And my advice to you as a bride — you don’t have to know every detail from the start. But if you pay attention to what draws you in — a colour palette, a font style, a feeling — those little sparks can guide you in the right direction. So trust your instincts. Stay true to what feels right to YOU. And remember — the details that speak to your heart are the ones that will still feel beautiful years from now.