welcome to the blog!

Prepare yourselves for this blog post.  It’s a doozy.  A good doozy but I hope you stick with me until the end.  The month of July is over, and while I am so sad that fall is coming, I’m happy that my month of travel every week is done.  I took July and spent a lot of time on experiences and education.  I feel that it’s so important to spend some time bettering yourself in work and life.  So that’s exactly what I did!! A camping trip with my babe Lauren, the Girls’ Day styled shoot workshop with Jessica Husted and Abbey Krysiak,  The Gathering Event in Fredericksburg with Hope Taylor and Caroline Logan, and a super fun trip to Baltimore to hang with my college besties Corey and Lisa. Sounds daunting to take on all in one month right? Well it was, but it was so worth it!

The Girls’ Day Styled Shoot Workshop was held and put together by wedding photographer Jessica Husted, and Newborn/Maternity Photographer Abbey Krysiak. These boss babes turned the most magical ideas into reality.  There was a donut wall.  And succulents.  It was laid out in the most sensible way.  There were set ups for both wedding photographers and portrait photographers, with a bride and bride tribe model group, and a glowing pregnant mama and daughter model group.  I mean this was the best of both worlds if you didn’t have a niche yet.  I spent most of my time at the bridal details styling (who’s not surprised there?) different layouts and snapping away the most beautiful details.  There were rings and ribbons, boxes and trays.  I was in my glory.  I followed a small group of girls who were photographing the bride model, who looked absolutely stunning in the gown. It was fun to see what questions everyone had, things I never would have thought to ask, things that others chimed in on to help.  It was so refreshing to have a group of photographers together just helping each other, lifting one another up in praise after catching a glimpse of a photo they took.

The workshop was held at Whispering Trees Manor in Edinboro Pennsylvania.  It was a bright and beautiful day, the sun shining. It was tricky light wise but I think that just added to the learning experience.  Thank you so much Jess and Abbey.  It was an amazing experience and I cannot wait to see what you guys come up with next. Check them out here:

Jessica Husted 

Abbey Lynn Photography

A big thanks to the vendors who collaborated with our hosts!!

Florals: A Floral Affair (Edinboro Pennsylvania)

Makeup/Hair: Makeup By Kate

Stationary: Anna Howe Designs

Attendee Gifts/ Lettering Signs : Abbey Krysiak

Donuts: Krispy Kreme

Bridal Gown: Nicole’s Niche (Dubois Pennsylvania)

Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulu’s

Venue: Whispering Trees Manor

 

So from this amazing evening I drove 6 hours to Baltimore, Maryland.  I arrived exhausted but so excited to see my 2 best friends from college!! I was staying with them for a few days before I went to the Gathering Event in Fredericksburg.  We went to the ocean, ate amazing food, and had the best time!! Lisa took me into the city for a day of exploring and I got to feel like Belle from Beauty and the Beast when she sees the library for the first time.  We went to the Peabody Library and I swear I got teary eyed when I walked in.  If anyone wants to get married there and bring me I’d appreciate it!

Once my mini vacation was over, it was time to head to Stevenson Ridge in Fredericksburg, Virginia where Hope Taylor, Caroline Logan, and about 140 other boss babies were waiting for The Gathering Event 2.0!! I went to the first conference 2 years ago, and it was so inspiring.  When tickets went live for the reboot I couldn’t say no.  It was amazing to sit in the room full of so much talent and potential.  I left feeling beyond inspired by those two ladies and everyone I met.  I’ll be going more in depth on what I learned while I was there soon, but I just wanted to share some of the memories that I brought back with me!! The sponsors and team that was there KILLED IT!! There were amazing swag bags, filled with the best little gifts and treats. Yummy drinks were donated and Chipotle dinner was shared.  We laughed and talked and I met some amazing women.  Listening to Hope and Caroline speak made me cry more than once.  They hit home a few times where I needed it, and even where I didn’t know I needed it.  To be able to say I’ve hugged them both in person is definitely an achievement.

To the amazing vendors, THANK YOU!

The Calligraphy Bar

Tonic Site Shop

Showit

Kiss Books

Honeybook

Light and Airy Photog

CG Pro Prints

Creative At Heart Conference

Blog Stomp

Twila and Co.

Monkees of Fredericksburg

Courtney Inghram

Sugar and Spruce

Erika Lynn Photo

Joshua Bryan Cinema

Hope Taylor 

Caroline Logan

Have you made it this far?? Thanks for stick it out with me! It’s been a crazy month, but I’m so humbled and blessed to be able to have these experiences.  Each trip put some miles on my heart and knowledge in my brain.  I came home feeling so inspired and rejuvenated to better myself in my business and life.  I highly recommend taking some time and just going and doing!

Until Next time.

-Sam