From “Girls Day Out” to Weddings: How Our First Contest Shaped Last Minute Photoshoot
From our very first “Girls Day Out” winery photography contest in Temecula to now offering full wedding photography, Last Minute Photoshoot has grown by taking chances, experimenting, and building connections. In October 2024, we launched our first contest to promote portrait photography sessions at Temecula wineries, and winner Felicia Morales, a real estate and loan broker, brought her colleague for a Europa Winery shoot that delivered both candid portraits and professional headshots. That moment validated our vision—Temecula photography could capture not just friendships but also fuel professional branding. Fast forward one year, and we are proud to run our second contest, this time giving away wedding photography. Our journey reflects the power of networking, resilience, and creative growth. If you’re searching for Temecula portrait photography, winery photography, or trusted wedding photographers, we’re here to capture your story with authority and care.
When we rebranded Stephanie’s photography business to Last Minute Photoshoot in 2024, we were in full discovery mode. We were willing to try anything and everything—experimenting with different packages, testing the waters to see what the Temecula market wanted and needed. Some ideas gained traction, others were crickets, but each step helped us refine our vision.
One of our earliest ideas was the “Girls Day Out” package—a playful spin on “girls night out,” designed for groups of friends looking to capture their memories at the Temecula wineries. To bring awareness to the concept, we launched our very first contest in October 2024. The rules were simple: enter, share, and one lucky winner would receive a free photoshoot at a local winery.
We ran the contest for nine days and were thrilled with the response. At that time, no one really knew who we were, so the fact that people were participating felt like a win in itself. When the contest ended, we used an app to randomly select the winner—Felicia Morales, a real estate and loan broker out of Temecula.
What began with our first contest has grown into capturing proposals, milestones, and weddings across Southern California. Our Photography Packages evolve with your story—big or small.
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The First Contest Shoot at Europa Winery
On the day of the shoot, Felicia brought along her colleague Nicole, and we met them at the stunning Europa Winery in Temecula. We made the most of the vineyard’s beautiful spaces, capturing a mix of candid lifestyle moments and structured professional portraits.
For Felicia and Nicole, the photos weren’t just for fun—they became key marketing tools for their real estate bios and business branding. This was one of our earliest experiences showing how photography could go beyond memory-making and directly impact someone’s professional presence.
For us, it was validation that Temecula winery photography and portrait sessions could be more than just personal keepsakes—they could also serve as powerful tools for entrepreneurs, realtors, and business owners in the area.
Fast Forward: From Experiments to Traction
Now, just a year later, we’re excited to be running our second contest—this time offering wedding photography.
Looking back, it’s wild how quickly time has flown. What started with being vulnerable, taking risks, and trying new things has grown into steady leads, real bookings, and meaningful collaborations. Along the way, we’ve met so many incredible people—clients, vendors, and fellow creatives—each offering advice, feedback, and friendship that shaped our journey.
Rebranding to Last Minute Photoshoot taught us that sometimes you have to be bold, experiment, and even stumble before you find your stride. That first “Girls Day Out” contest may have felt small at the time, but it was the spark that lit the fire for everything that followed.
To everyone we’ve met and worked with along the way—thank you.
Why This Story Matters
If you’re considering a photoshoot—whether it’s portrait photography in Temecula, a winery photography session, or even a wedding package—our story is proof that meaningful memories can also be turning points. A simple shoot can change how you’re seen in business, capture a friendship in a way that lasts forever, or mark the beginning of a lifelong partnership.
At Last Minute Photoshoot, we’ll continue to take chances, push ourselves creatively, and deliver photography that’s both timeless and tailored to you.
Recap
October 2024: We launched our first contest with a “Girls Day Out” package.
Winner: Felicia Morales, a Temecula real estate + loan broker.
Location: Europa Winery, where we captured candid and professional portraits.
Results: Photos helped Felicia and her colleague with real estate business branding.
Today: Running our second contest—this time for wedding photography.
Lessons learned: Take chances, network, be bold, and embrace growth.
Ready to Capture Your Story at a Temecula Winery or Beyond?
Whether you’re planning a wedding in Temecula wine country, need professional portraits for your business, or just want a fun girls’ day out captured in style, Last Minute Photoshoot is here to make it happen. We’ve turned contests into lifelong client relationships, and we’d love to do the same for you.
📸 Let us handle the planning, scouting, and storytelling so you can focus on the moment.
👉 Book Your Free Consultation Today and let’s create timeless images that showcase your story.
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How We Pulled Off a Last-Minute Birthday Photoshoot at Vitagliano Winery in Temecula
When Nikki emailed us late on a Monday night asking if we were really last minute, we knew we had to deliver. By Wednesday, less than 48 hours later, we were photographing her birthday milestone at Vitagliano Winery in Temecula. This session proved what we stand for—capturing unforgettable memories even when time is short.
After a few quick messages back and forth, we confirmed details, built a vision board, and reached out to Vitagliano Winery for approval. By Tuesday evening, everything was finalized. From staircases and stone walkways to rustic trucks and sprawling grapevines, every corner of the winery became part of Nikki’s story. Golden hour added the perfect glow, and we surprised her with cupcakes and cake to make the birthday photoshoot even more personal.
Our goal with milestone sessions is to go beyond traditional portraits. We want clients to feel seen, celebrated, and supported—whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, elopement, or surprise proposal. As Temecula milestone photographers, we know the importance of making memories that last a lifetime. This winery session combined spontaneity, artistry, and heartfelt connection, all while proving that last-minute doesn’t mean rushed—it means reliable, flexible, and ready to capture life’s moments as they unfold.
If you’re planning a milestone celebration, elopement, or proposal in Temecula, San Diego, or surrounding counties, we’d love to create something unforgettable for you too.
When people ask if Last Minute Photoshoot is just a name, we smile—because it’s a promise. On Monday night around 10 PM, as we were wrapping up edits, we received a form submission on our website. The message was simple: “Are you really last minute? Can you plan a shoot for Wednesday?”
Our answer: absolutely. Being last minute isn’t a gimmick—it’s exactly what we do.
Vitagliano Winery offers a stunning backdrop for milestone moments—from birthdays and anniversaries to family gatherings and celebrations of all kinds. Our Milestones & Portraits Package is tailored for Temecula winery photoshoots, providing professional photography, quick turnarounds, and timeless edits that make your celebration unforgettable.
✨ Book a Milestone Session Today
From Inquiry to Photoshoot in 48 Hours
The next day was a whirlwind. We traded messages back and forth with our client, Nikki, narrowing down details, suggesting locations, and asking the right questions to bring her vision to life. Once everything was clear, we reached out to Vitagliano Winery in Temecula, one of the most scenic and timeless venues in Southern California. Within hours, we had their approval.
By Tuesday evening, the shoot was fully planned:
A curated vision board with inspiration photos.
A customized timeline for golden hour.
Props and a surprise element to make it unforgettable.
All Nikki had to do was show up on Wednesday.
When Nikki emailed us at 10 PM asking if we were really last minute—we proved it. From inquiry to birthday shoot at Vitagliano Winery in less than 48 hours 🎉🍷. If you’re celebrating a milestone or planning a surprise, don’t wait—book your last-minute session today.
Golden Hour Milestone Session
We met at the winery at 5 PM. From the first handshake, it felt like we’d known each other for years. After quickly going over the game plan, we got to work—taking advantage of every corner of the vineyard’s charm:
The Grand Staircases: Perfect for opening portraits.
Stone Walkways and Arches: Elegant framing that added depth.
The Vintage Truck: Rustic charm with personality.
The Grape Vines: Because no Temecula milestone session is complete without them.
As the sun dipped lower, we revealed a surprise. We had picked up cupcakes and a slice of chocolate cake—because what’s a birthday shoot without cake? Nikki blew out her candle as we captured the moment, turning a simple gesture into a memory sealed forever.
Artistic Finishes
We closed the session with a few creative shots, experimenting with light, shadows, and candid laughter. The results weren’t just milestone photos—they were personal artwork, celebrating Nikki’s story against the beauty of Temecula Wine Country at sunset.
Why Clients Choose Us for Last-Minute Sessions
This shoot reminded us why we love what we do. It’s not just about photography—it’s about trust, flexibility, and delivering beauty on a timeline most would think impossible.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday, planning a last-minute elopement, or dreaming up a surprise proposal, we’re here to make it happen.
Ready to Capture Your Milestone?
If you’re planning a celebration—big or small—let us handle the details. From last-minute Temecula winery photoshoots to romantic elopements and surprise proposals, we’ll create timeless memories for you to cherish forever.
📩 Contact Us Today to plan your session—yes, even if it’s last minute.