I had SO MUCH FUN attending an amazing workshop this spring where we got to shoot TWO different boho styled elopements at The Ruin Venue in Joshua Tree!

I am going to try so hard to express exactly what went on during this workshop! Ok, here I go (holding back tears because I miss it so much). First off, let me just start by saying the three leaders (Charissa, Liza, and Ashtyn) did such an incredible job planning all of it. The food was amazing (thanks for our amazing chef aka chief) the airbnb that we stayed at was so beautiful, but the company was by far the best. Walking into this I was nervous (not going to lie). I mean who wouldn’t be nervous walking into a workshop with a house filled with super talented girls?

I traveled to Palm Springs with Alyssa who I also did not know at all besides our Instagram relationship. Turns out we have literally SO much in common and now I have a new freaking soul sister that walked into my life (all thanks to the workshop). We found out during this workshop that we will also be attending another workshop together in Nashville so I could not be more excited to experience that one with her as well. So, the two of us set out to Joshua Tree together in what used to be a loud sing along car ride to a silent one. We were both so nervous as we pulled into the neighborhood that we had absolutely no words.

Sure enough all those nerves were forgotten the minute we pulled into the driveway. The three leaders greeted us jumping up and down, screaming with Champagne “Welcome Ladies, ahhhhhhh”. We all hugged and danced together with so much excitement.

Shortly after all the welcomes, we played ice breaker games and all got to know each other extremely well right off the bat. The first day we went straight into lecture where we all found out real quickly that this workshop was going to get real emotional, real quick (in a good way). By the first day I was already crying because there was just so much real and raw emotion being poured into each and every lesson. I resonated soooooooo much with so many of the stories being shared. What I loved most was that there was not one moment where anyone felt belittled or like they were above anyone else. We had an entire room filled with 20 woman and we all got along SO well. We shared stories, we cried, we hugged, we laughed, and at the end of the trip we all knew that a true bond was formed and would never be forgotten. The main reason why I was so hesitant on going was because I thought that there was going to be a lot of cattiness or comparisons amongst the other photographers and I was proven wrong (thank goodness).

Now to the actual styled shoot! UGHHHHHHHH I DIED YOU GUYS!!!! First of all, just look at the colors and the florals. There is just something about those vibrant and brilliant colors that just stands out in such an amazing way in the desert. To top it all off, look at the dress and the velvet tux!!!! Seriously, this styled elopement was an absolute dream. The couple had such good chemistry and truly did an incredible job taking direction and just letting us all in.

Needless to say, this entire week went by way too fast and I was so sad when it was time to say goodbye. I will never forget this experience and I truly encourage you all to attend if you get the opportunity!

VENDORS

Hosts: The Experience Workshop

Venue: The Ruin Venue

Florist: Shindig Chic

Dress: Lovely Bride

Suit: The Black Tux

Planner: Wilder Events Co.