When I first started photography, I wanted to learn everything I could – I bought books and videos, scoured blogs and even read my entire camera manual ???? (nerd alert!) Even with all that knowledge I still didn’t figure out the majority of what it meant to be a professional wedding photographer until I actually did it – a lot! Like most professions, wedding photography is mostly on the job training, but I would have saved myself so much time, money and mistakes if I had sat down one-on-one with a seasoned professional.
Shortly into my career, I was very fortunate to meet other photographers that taught me the meaning of “Community over Competition” – a belief I loved adopting. “Community over competition” is the belief that there is enough for everyone (enough weddings, clients, locations, enough of everything) and that by sharing our knowledge and experience with others, it made us better photographers. I remember thinking one day, I would love the opportunity to teach others what I couldn’t find when I started out. I put “Host a photography workshop” on my ‘someday’ list.
Well, that dream came to fruition last month and I couldn’t be more grateful and proud of it.
When I first started the planning of the workshop it felt super overwhelming. I had so many ideas and so much information to share. I had a so much self doubt. Would I be a good teacher? Would anyone find value in what I wanted to teach them? I’ve never done this before, would anyone even sign up? I reassured myself that the need was out there and I kept planning.
In the end, when the day arrived- we had 2 jam-packed AMAZING days of learning, sharing, answering questions, and hands-on experience, which included the most beautiful Styled Shoot on day 2 (you can see more of that here) for my attendees to photograph. With all that said, what I loved the most was the friendships these ladies have formed with one another…creating their own community and helping others learn what they now know. The whole idea of “Community over Competition” had come full circle for me and for these women and it filled me with such pride and joy.
I loved this experience so much. Sure at moments it was stressful and I had my moments of doubt but in the end it left me feeling grateful, humbled and it taught me so much about myself. It made me realize how blessed I am to have this profession! And be a part of this community ❤️
These amazing logo cookies by our talented friends Chef Marie and Chef Carlos at Hands on Sweets were such a hit! Delicious and super cute!!!
The first of the first!! These talented amazing ladies hold a very special place in my heart!!❤️
Some behind the scenes during the set up at the Vinoy
SO GRATEFUL for these amazing, talented and awesome friends/vendors! Missing a few vendors but I could not have done this without each and every one of them!
Venue: Vinoy Renaissance Resort
Photography: Ailyn La Torre Photography
Planner: Love Lee Lane
Florals: Ever After Vintage Weddings
Dresses, Veils, Bridal Accessories: Isabel O’Neil Bridal Boutique
Linens: Over the Top Rentals Linens and Katie Over the Top
Chairs: Studio Festive
Paper Goods/Stationary: Citrus Press Co.
Signs and Calligraphy: Mulberry Market Designs
Lounge Furniture: Flock Decor
Place Settings and Decor: Treasury Rentals
Makeup: Make up by Janice Bigio
Hair: Style hair and Makeup
Draping: Gabro Events Services
Videography: A Peachy Life Productions
Ice Cream Truck: Elenor’s Ice Cream
Models: Rose Michelle, Joe Orta, Destiny Montgomery, Leo Cruz, Amanda Elizabeth
