There are times in life that you look back and simply can’t believe that something happened. This is one of them. It’s been a year since the 2020/2021 Wedding Day Walk-Through Photographer Workshop happened and I can’t believe it was so amazing! It took two years to plan in the end, so how it could have been anything less than perfect, I don’ know.
You see, the world shut down the week the workshop was to happen and half out vendors pulled out. We were crushed but after planning it all again, a few times, we made it happen last January. It was pure MAGIC! All of our vendors pulled together to make the best real looking fake wedding for day#2 with a full wedding at the stunning George Washington Hotel in Washington, Pennsylvania.
Friday night we had part one that was a little less hands on with classroom time, however, this year we are mixing class time with all the details throughout the venue. This will allow our attendees time to unwind and get some stunning details. It’s time to get creative while asking questions. Plus, Dara with Bespoke and Beloved Events will be doing a mini styling session Friday night.
I think one thing I have loved about this workshop is that no questions are off limits. While I am challenging attendees, I’m also challenging myself. For example, during the family portrait and wedding day timeline layout portion Friday night, I had the entire room play the part of the couple. It sounds easy in my head BUT when a room of people are giving you the most crazy and difficult portrait locations, times and combinations it can make it tough.
Another great example was when an attendee asked me how to take close ring shots with a lens that wasn’t designed for such. It was something I had not ever tried so I stopped what I was doing and help her troubleshoot what to do. I’m in the hot seat for 3 days but finding ways to help other photographers is a privilege.
Our lovely invitation suites from Fresh Cut Prints.
Each year Kim at Kimberly Jaymes Bridal has provided the most stunning dresses. Her dress salon did it again with, not one, but two amazing dresses! We had two wedding couples during the portrait time on Saturday. This allowed us to brake the attendees into two groups so they could take more photos. Our bridal party members then become a second bride and groom.
Next to that stunning dress were the most gorgeous flowers by my other team member the marvelous Melissa with Mel’s Boutique. Her floral designs are hands down my favorite! Delicate flowers perfectly paired with blown out roses and greens were everywhere! The ballroom at the George Washington hotel is covered in pretty blooms.
The workshop layout on Day #2 followed a typical wedding day flow. Details, getting ready, a first look, portraits, ceremony, more portraits and a reception.
Each year we have done this, I try to not only take photos to explain how I go about photographing a wedding for attendees but also to make sure the vendors involved have photos of their hard work. It’s a way to give back and say thanks. It sounds so easy in theory BUT it’s a lot to do. I always end up sitting down after and realizing I wanted to take more photos of this or that. This year I need someone to take behind the scenes photos for sure though.
Amanda and her sweet hubby were our honorary maid of honor and best man but quickly transformed into a stunning bride and groom. We also had the pleasure of having Amanda doing bonus breakout ballroom dancing instruction time for attendees. She is a wedding dance choreographer and owns Amanda Wolf Productions in Pittsburgh.
Marah & Matt our official bride and groom of the day brought the night home with a faux reception.
Details and delectableness all in one. That is what Emily of Four Oaks Bakery brings to the table every time! Just look at this amazing cake! Emily brought it home in a simple and stunning dusty blue wedding cake with the most delicate white flowers complete with tiny gold petals. Even the back of her cake was complete with little buttons!
A Pittsburgh Pennsylvania wedding wouldn’t be complete without a cookie table of some sort. These amazing macarons from Mt Pleasant’s very own Maisy Cakes were darling and delicious! Cheri even gave us a little cotton candy bombs to play with in champagne. They added the perfect little sparkle to the vintage classes Dara brought.
As we plan this next workshop at Annsfield with it’s french country chic look I just hope we can make it just as magical as the 2021 Wedding Day Walk-Through Workshop. Melissa and Dara helped me bring this all home after planning and re-planning through the pandemic madness. A HUGE THANK YOU to all of our vendors for sticking with us to make it happen!
Meet Our Vendor Team
The George Washington Hotel Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Bespoke and Beloved Events
Mels Boutique
Summer House Flowers
Joy Filled Occasions
Station House 7
Fresh Cut Prints
Four Oaks Bakery
Kimberly Jaymes Bridal
Eventioneers
Simply Captivating Pittsburgh Hair
JL Studio Hair and Makeup
Maisy Cakes Bakery
Party Mosaic
Wedding Photographer Workshop at Annsfield Estate
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