2025 Style Shoot Design Contest Submission: A Vintage Western Wedding in Mocha Mousse

After dreaming up her nostalgic, heartland-inspired concept Midwest Heart, Amanda Budreau of Mostly Becky Event Group found the perfect fit in our 2025 Style Shoot Design Contest theme, “Embrace the Unexpected”. Rooted in her own upbringing, Amanda envisioned a vintage, Midwestern celebration that felt authentic, welcoming and deeply personal. By blending turquoise touches with farmstead details and western charm, she beautifully captured the spirit of the Midwest—while proving that stepping off the beaten path can result in something truly unforgettable.

From the beginning, Amanda knew she wanted to design a shoot that honored the beauty of the Iowa countryside and the values many couples hold close: home, heritage and heart. Incorporating authentic western elements—like a branding-style unity ceremony—and layered vintage décor, the team created a non-traditional take on the theme. The result? A wedding aesthetic that felt grounded, meaningful and refreshingly different from a classic ballroom celebration!

The venue selection was especially personal. Set at Camp Liberty, a place Amanda grew up visiting, the location instantly rose to the top of her list. With horses, a serene lake and sweeping countryside views, it offered endless storytelling opportunities. Beyond its natural beauty, Camp Liberty also features a newly built lodge ideal for receptions and even onsite lodging for wedding parties—making it as practical as it is picturesque!

The bridal fashion told its own story of transition from ceremony to celebration. Two gowns were selected to showcase versatility and style. The ceremony dress was flowy and whimsical, complete with detachable sleeves that added romance and movement. For the reception, the bride changed into a sparkly, playful gown that embraced the joy of the evening. A classic veil, bouquet holder and garter added timeless touches, while the dual-look concept aligned perfectly with today’s trend of outfit changes for the reception. Hair and makeup remained soft and natural to complement the theme. The bride began with an elegant updo for the ceremony before transitioning to a relaxed half-up, half-down style for reception portraits. Neutral makeup enhanced her natural beauty without overpowering the organic feel of the shoot.

Florals were bold, textural and full of personality. Featuring zinnias, dahlias, cosmos, snow mountain blooms, strawflowers, grasses, eucalyptus and amaranth, the arrangements felt freshly gathered yet thoughtfully composed. The florist was given full creative freedom—and delivered beautifully! Vibrant blooms were balanced with neutral tones, while pops of turquoise subtly nodded to the western influence woven throughout the design.

Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, was thoughtfully woven throughout the shoot, adding warmth and cohesion to the overall design. The groom's suit incorporated rich mocha tones, grounding the look in earthy sophistication. In the stationery, subtle mocha hues appeared, complementing the turquoise accents beautifully. Decor details—including table accents and the ceremony rug—featured soft brown undertones that added depth without overpowering the palette. Even the cake embraced the trend, with textured mocha-inspired frosting details that enhanced its neutral base and tied seamlessly into the surrounding florals and tablescape.

Rentals played a key role in grounding the aesthetic. A cozy couch, cowhide rugs and a cake stand helped create a western-yet-homey atmosphere. The tablescape embraced neutral tones layered with meaningful accents, allowing the bold florals and turquoise details to shine without overwhelming the design.

The shoot also tapped into several current wedding trends. The “hometown wedding” concept felt especially fitting given Amanda’s personal connection to the venue. A second bridal look for the evening, statement escort cards and photography that captured a soft, film-inspired vibe all aligned with what couples are loving right now.

Ultimately, this shoot is a testament to the beauty of authenticity. By honoring her roots and embracing meaningful details, Amanda and her talented team created a celebration that feels both nostalgic and fresh—a reminder that when weddings reflect who you are and where you come from, they become true works of art!

 

Style Shoot Design Contest sponsored by: AAYS Event Rentals

 

 

 

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