Inside a High-End Bridal Editorial: Lighting, Styling, and Behind-the-Scenes
There are photoshoots where you’re chasing the light, dodging unpredictable wind, and basically whispering prayers to every veil in sight. And then there are days like this. The January 2026 bridal fashion editorial for Nfocus Magazine was a dream! The kind of day where everything just flows and you remember exactly why you love what you do.
Honestly, this might be my favorite editorial I’ve ever shot for Nfocus… and we have done a LOT of shoots together. The team was on it, the styling was next-level, the location gave us stunning light in every direction, and the models? Pure magic. It felt like we were all creating the same vision without even having to say it out loud.
We photographed everything at the stunning Watson House, a historic gem tucked into the heart of downtown Franklin, full of charm, drama, and windows that made me want to cry happy photographer tears. Huge thanks to Ellen Smith for letting us take over her home for the day. Every room had its own vibe, and somehow every look landed in exactly the right spot.
This shoot, Lasting Love, is all about bridal fashion that doesn’t care what’s trending. These looks are timeless, textural, modern, romantic… all the good stuff. And yes, I’ve tucked in behind-the-scenes videos throughout the blog so you can see the lighting setups, styling details, and maybe a little of the chaos in between.
A Cover-Worthy Moment
For the opening look, we wanted something clean, powerful, and just a little unexpected. The structured peplum jumpsuit had such a bold silhouette, and I knew we needed to light it in a way that kept that strength while still feeling soft and editorial.
We placed a Profoto B10x with a large umbrella camera left to shape the light across her face and outfit. Then, to make sure we didn’t lose any of that beautiful staircase detail in the background, we added a second light at the top of the stairs to lift the shadows and create some separation.
And that walking image? It’s everything. The expression, the pose, the bouquet, the movement. It just screamed woman power to me. Confident, stylish, and completely in control. A total favorite.
Shop: The Dress Theory
Designer: SAINT Bridal Couture
Look: Sculpted white peplum jumpsuit
Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamra true white pearl heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: Sophie Blake ‘Sofia’ earrings (The Department Nashville)
Florals: Pardon My Petals
The Shot That Stopped Me
There was one moment from this shoot that just stayed with me. A simple composition, soft posture, and bold bridal fashion that didn’t need any frills to stand out. It was clean, sculptural, and full of intention.
We lit this scene using a single Profoto light through my large PHOTEK umbrella, positioned to mimic natural window light while giving me full control over direction and softness. In post, I removed the original window and swapped the bedding for a deeper, moodier tone to draw all the focus right where I wanted it… on the model, the bow detail, and the stunning silhouette of the gown.
It’s the kind of image that feels effortless, but behind the scenes it was all about thoughtful lighting, intentional styling, and a little Photoshop magic.
🎥 Watch the BTS video below to see how we set up the shot, shaped the light, and brought it all together for a modern, minimalist bridal moment that still feels warm and inviting.
Shop: Adorn Nashville Bridal Shop
Dress: Rita Vinieris Alyne Nyah silk faille gown
Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamia true white pearl heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: White topaz gold-plated stud earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Florist: Geny’s Flowers
Natural Light… with a Little Extra UMPH
We had the most beautiful soft natural light for this setup. The model stood just outside the Watson House in a bold floral gown, framed by the architecture and holding a beautifully moody bouquet. It already looked stunning, but I knew I wanted to add something extra. Just a touch of warmth and glow coming from inside.
So I placed a Profoto with an umbrella inside the house, angled to shoot through the window. That one adjustment gave the light more shape and added a golden warmth that made the entire scene feel a little more alive.
It’s one of my favorite lighting tricks. You keep the softness and realism of natural light, but bring in that extra intention that makes it feel just a little cinematic without ever being too much.
Shop: B. Hughes Bridal
Dress: Vera Wang Haute Wedding Larkspur gown (available at B. Hughes Bridal)
Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamia true white pearl heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: Bianca gold-and-diamond earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Florist: Fiorella Nashville
Morning Light and a Little Mood
We actually kicked off the entire day right here under the wooden trellis at the Watson House. The sun was just rising over the house, casting these dreamy diagonal streaks of light through the beams. It was one of those moments where you look through the viewfinder and immediately think, “yep, we’ve got it.”
Our model wore a romantic lace ballgown with a matching jacket, and we let the lines of the space guide the shot. The sunlight, the shadows, the texture in the wood… everything just played so well together.
To give it a little extra glow, I used my Profoto B10x with a medium PHOTEK umbrella, placed just inside the trellis to mimic the angle of the sun. It shaped the light in the prettiest way without taking over.
It was the perfect slow, moody start to the day. No big poses, no fuss. Just good light, a little intention, and an incredible team kicking things off strong.
Shop: The Bride Room
Dress: Mark Ingram Bride Brooke lace stripes ball gown
Jacket: Mark Ingram Bride Brooke lace moto jacket
Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamia true white pearl heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: Vine-wrapped pearl earring charms (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Florist: Fiorella Nashville
The Unplanned Frame
This image didn’t make it into the final magazine layout, but I couldn’t not share it. We had just wrapped a look, and the model was heading down the staircase to change when I looked up and saw it… that perfect window light pouring in from above.
I immediately said, “Wait, stop right there.”
No setup. No styling tweaks. No lights. I grabbed my Canon R5 with the 24-105mm f/2.8, used the railing for some foreground blur and snapped a few quick frames using the natural light exactly as it was. It felt effortless and real.
Sometimes the best moments are the ones you don’t plan. The clean lines of the dress, the softness of her pose, and that gentle wrap of light gave this shot a cinematic kind of quiet that I absolutely love.
Shop: Adorn Nashville Bridal Shop
Dress: Rita Vinieris Alyne Nyah silk faille gown
Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamia true white pearl heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: White topaz gold-plated stud earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
All the Hollywood Glam
This look gave me instant vintage starlet energy. The structured bodice, the embroidered jacquard fabric, that dramatic cuff detail… I knew I had to photograph it from every angle. The fireplace, the candlesticks, the antique mirror… everything in that room played so well with the gown’s design.
The model leaned into the mood like a pro, giving me everything from strong, statuesque poses to soft, reflective moments in the mirror. Her expression, the styling, the light… it all felt like a tiny time capsule of glam.
I used natural light from the tall windows, then added a Profoto with an umbrella just outside the frame to bring a soft glow to her skin and a little pop to the texture of the fabric. It was one of the more styled moments of the day, but it still felt easy and natural. I could’ve kept shooting that setup forever and still found frames I loved.
Shop: Olia Zavozina Bridal
Dress: Olia Zavozina Versailles Leighton jacquard gown
Corsage: Olia Zavozina Versailles top-knot rose tie
Shoes: Dolce Vita Katia vanilla pearl heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: Ginkgo leaf earrings (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
Effortless Elegance at the Landing
This was one of those moments where everything just worked. We photographed this look on the upstairs landing, where I wanted to frame the model within the window behind her. The lines of the staircase, the tall curtains, and the layered artwork all helped guide the eye and create a composition that felt both structured and soft.
She leaned into the scene with ease and quiet confidence, making the whole moment feel natural and elevated.
For lighting, I used a Profoto B10x with a PHOTEK umbrella placed front camera right to sculpt the light across her face and dress. The background felt a little too dark on its own, so we added a second Profoto B10x inside the bathroom behind her and bounced it off the wall and ceiling to gently lift the shadows. It gave just the right amount of separation without losing that soft, natural feel.
Shop: The Dress Theory
Dress: SAINT Bridal Couture Payton gown
Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamia true white pearl heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: Sophie Blake Ella stud earrings
Florist: Pardon My Pearls
A Bit of Whimsy, A Bit of Drama
This dress practically begged for movement. We photographed this look just outside the Watson House against the ivy-covered brick wall, and it instantly gave me romantic-garden-party-meets-modern-editorial. The embroidered tulle was made for tossing, twirling, and catching a little air.
We started with natural light, but I wanted to amp things up just a bit. I brought in my Profoto with a PHOTEK umbrella to add a soft pop and a little more direction. That extra contrast gave the image a slightly more dramatic, almost cinematic edge, without losing the dreamy vibe.
Every frame with this look felt alive. Between the texture of the dress and the motion we captured, it brought just the right amount of play to the day.
Shop: The Dress Theory
Dress: Monique Lhuillier Nicolette tulle ball gown
Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamia pearl heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: Topaz earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Ring: Hummingbird and bird nest ring (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Tulle, Texture, and Total Perfection
This one? Everything.
From the layered tulle skirt to the crisp bodice and sheer capelet, this look already had so much dimension. I knew the background needed to match that energy. I was obsessed with the textured wallpaper behind her and wanted to make sure it played a part in the frame.
Shop: The Bride Room
Dress: Mark Ingram Bride Alexa strapless crisp bodice gown
Cape: Mark Ingram Bride tulle ruffle cape
Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamia true white pearl heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: Sophie Blake Barre Barcheek Diamant earrings
Florist: Geny’s Flowers
I lit the model with my Profoto and PHOTEK umbrella from the front, but the background started to fall into shadow. So I added a second light, placed camera right in the back, and bounced it just enough to bring out the texture. That subtle lift gave the whole shot more depth without losing the softness.
The final image feels clean but full of character, and the model brought it all together with quiet confidence and total editorial energy.
Golden Hour, But Make It Fashion
We photographed this look as the sun was dipping low, casting that dreamy golden light across the front of the house. At first, I shot it using only natural light and it was lovely. But if we really wanted to lean into that “sunset coming in hot” vibe, I knew I needed to punch it up.
I added a Profoto with an umbrella in front, leaving just enough shadow on the opposite side to keep the shape and drama. For the straight-on shot, the porch behind her was falling too dark, so I placed a second light off to camera left and bounced it into the ceiling. That lifted the shadows and brought back all that gorgeous vintage detail.
The final result? Bold light, soft shadows, and a whole lot of architectural magic. This dress needed a grand entrance, and I think we gave it one.
Shop: B. Hughes Bridal
Dress: Mira Zwillinger Odette 3D floral appliqué ball gown
Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamia true white pearl heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: Gold floral drop earrings (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
Florist: Fiorella Nashville
That Hollywood Glow
From the second she stepped into this look, I was obsessed. The hair styling alone deserved its own spotlight. Classic, glam, and so perfectly sculpted. It gave total vintage starlet energy, and I knew the lighting needed to match.
We lit the scene with a Profoto and umbrella placed camera right to bring in that directional glow. But I didn’t want the hair detail to get lost in shadow, so I added a second light just behind her on camera left and bounced it off the ceiling. That gave us soft, flattering fill and brought those waves to life. That little extra pop made everything feel more luminous and polished.
The piano, the gold drapes, the timeless satin. Every element worked together and this shot became one of the most elevated moments of the day.
Shop: The Dress Theory
Dress: SAINT Bridal Couture Scarlette bias-cut silk gown
Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamia pearl heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: Gold leaf and pearl threader drop earrings (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Hairpin: Gold pearl petal spray earrings turned as pin (Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry)
Florist: Stem by Stem
Bold and Sculptural
This look brought elegance and strength all in one frame. The gown’s sculpted silhouette paired perfectly with the rich wood doors and dramatic drapery. The room behind her had some natural light, but it wasn’t quite enough to carry the whole scene.
So I added a Profoto light in the room and bounced it off the ceiling to lift the background just a touch. If you’re a photographer wanting to level up your lighting, bouncing light like this is one of my favorite techniques to teach. It’s simple, effective, and adds so much depth without over-lighting.
We finished things off with the umbrella camera right, which shaped the light beautifully and brought the whole shot to life.
Shop: Adorn Nashville Bridal Shop
Dress: Mariana Hardwick Libby ruched silk gown
Shoes: Dolce Vita Kamia true white heels (Dillard’s)
Earrings: Sage petal studs (Margaret Ellis Jewelry)
THAT’S A WRAP
This shoot honestly filled my creative cup in the best way. Every look just worked, the vibe on set was so relaxed and fun, and the team came in ready to make magic. It felt like the kind of day you hope for every time you pick up your camera.
A huge shoutout to everyone who helped bring this story to life. It was such a beautiful collaboration and I couldn’t be more proud of how it all came together.
And hey, if you’re a photographer and some of the lighting setups or posing ideas got your wheels turning, that’s exactly the kind of thing I love diving deeper into during my workshops and mentoring sessions.
Here’s to good light, great teams, and the kind of creative days you never want to end.
Creative Team
Publication: Nfocus Magazine January 2026
Editor: Janet Kurtz @musiccitytraveler
Associate Editor: Madeleine Bradford
Art Director: Christie Passarello @passarello
Models: Jawana Kindred + Laura Hanson Sims // AMAX Talent
Photography: Tausha Dickinson @taushadickinson
Photography Assistant: Anthony Romano @anthonyromanocreative
Stylist: Bruce Pittman Inc.
Stylist Assistants: Caroline Pittman, Hannah Preston, Linnea Tweedy
Location: The Watson House, the private home of Ellen Smith
Florists: FIORELLA Nashville, Jen Soley Designs, Geny’s Flowers, Pardon My Petals, Lauren Marie Atkinson Designs, Stem by Stem
Hair and Makeup: Madison Dennis, Nichole Holloway-Smithson
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About The Author
My name's Tausha Dickinson and I'm a photographer specializing is headshots, fashion and commercial work. I live in Franklin, TN, just outside of Nashville, with my husband and my son!
More Insights
This nFocus Magazine editorial was pure creative flow… cinematic light, bold styling, and timeless bridal fashion all photographed inside a historic Nashville location. Go behind the scenes and see how every shot came to life.