Today, I wanted to share all of my thoughts, feels and snaps behind my incredible labor of love on my blog. This was hands down the hardest thing I have ever done in my photography career. I’m not going to lie, hosting a workshop is tough. It was the first thing in my business I felt nervous about and I had serious doubts leading up to May: What if people didn’t buy tickets? What if attendees walk away feeling disappointed? What if I failed? Well, I’m here to tell you it was all worth it. The feeling of being able to give business owners tools to become more successful is an all time high feeling for me.

For anyone who wants to know My Why for hosting a workshop and the inspiration behind Real Talk, visit this blog post for the juicy backstory. This post is just an honest reflection and recap of the day. It took me a fresh two weeks to actually write this because, after my workshop, I was SPENT… just truly exhausted physically and mentally. I figured if people were spending their hard earned money to hear me speak and shoot things I curated, then I better give it every damn thing I have, and boy did I. We arrived at 8AM to set up and left at 8PM after break down. We had 2 couples, 3 additional female models, a photo booth, two tablescapes, an airstream champagne trailer and a details styling station. Not only was I in teacher heaven, I was in photo heaven. Here are some of my favorite behind the scenes shots from the day: 

I weirdly think the table may have been the thing I envisioned shooting the most. I just love this atrium room. It was also great because I got to skip lunch and shoot before the attendees (so I could focus on instructing and helping to manage the event). Sarah nailed my exact inspiration for this part of the day.. and all parts really. 

Another undeniable favorite part of the day was the surprise proposal! Billy contacted Sarah a few weeks prior explaining that he wanted to propose to Taylor AT the workshop! We could not have been more thrilled! She was SHOCKED and I gifted her a custom Just Engaged jacket created by Cecilia. 

I would love to do a whole class just on flat-lays. Styling details is a passion of mine. I used to honestly hate it… I used to think “Why on Earth would people want me taking pictures of stuff on the floor for 30 minutes of their wedding?” Well, many couples put heaps of thoughts into their details and I have made an effort to get particularly bad-ass at styling. Molly of Alchemy Calligraphy happens to be the most boss at invite flat-lays. 

Weirdly, the final shooting of the day was the most laid back. We had the styling station open and 4 different wedding set ups so attendees didn’t feel crowded. Each person had one on one time with a subject! At this point, I had already instructed live and given 3 Powerpoint lessons so I got to relax a bit and be creative as well! Here are a few snaps from the day! 

I cannot thank my vendors and sponsors enough for their contributions on this project. It was a dream that exceeded my wildest expectations. I adore all of them and will never stop being thankful for them having faith in me to host this wonderful event. A major thanks so much to Glenn and the fine folks at Anderson House for letting us come in and create magic on their day off. Lastly, a special thank you to the angel that walks among us, Sarah. This was a labor of love but would have been me sitting on the floor feeding people McDonalds had it not been for her and her beautiful skills as a coordinator, stylist and visionary. Here are all the wonderful humans who helped me pull this off: 

Vendors

Workshop Host/Photographer | Kir Tuben | Kir2ben

Workshop Host/Planning and Styling | Sarah Pete Rizzi | www.sincerelypete.com

Venue | Anderson House

Florist | Hayley Tobias | Cedar and Lime Co

Furniture Rentals | Something Vintage Rentals

Beauty | Amanda Frank | Agape Hair and Makeup

Stationery | Molly Adamson Gilbane | Alchemy Calligraphy

Hand Lettering | Cecilia Lin | Postskript Co

Cake | Evan Sanderson | Sweets by E

Videographer | Katie + Ryan | Compass Studios

Mobile Bar | Sophie Stich | Toast Worthy

Photo Booth | Lucy + David | Snap Bash

Welcome Baskets | Alicia Betz | The Welcoming District

Bridal Gowns | Susana Pessoa | Vivid Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaids | Kelsey Foley | Brideside

Tuxes | Jess Chiou | The Black Tux

Tabletop | Anthropologie

2nd Shooter | Brett Denfeld | Brett Denfeld Photography

Engagement Dresses | BHLDN

Models | Ariel & Eric |  Taylor & Billy | Kelly Ruiz | Johanna

Sponsors

PR & Branding | Channing Mueller | DCM Communications

Styling | Jennifer Costa | La Rousse Shoppe

Stamps | Virginia Sauder | Verde Studio

Legal | Annette Stepanian | Annette Stepanian

Stationary | Claudia Smith | Fig 2 Design

Website | Go Live HQ

Blogging | Blog Stomp

Travel Agent | Heather Christopher | Heather Christopher Travel

Gift | Kendra Scott

Albums | Kiss Books

Notebooks | Phoebe and June

Networking & Education | District Bliss Events