I kind of can’t believe that I’m just now sitting down to write about this! Envision was such a whirlwind from start to finish and I can’t believe it’s over!  It blows my mind to think that a month ago the girls and I were busy wrapping up presentations, running errands, and prepping for our workshop…it seems like it all happened so fast!

The idea for Envision was born out of a bond that several of us created over a few days at this past year’s WPPI.  The idea was to create something that wasn’t just a workshop, but also had more depth than a retreat. We wanted to create something where we would not only drop a ton of knowledge on the attendees, but also inspire them as well! The fact that we had so many diverse people leading the workshop is something I’m so proud of. I feel like it makes a statement that you can run a successful business without having to be like any one person or do what they’re doing. There’s so much pressure within the industry to conform and it can be hard to remember that you’re the one running your business and calling the shots. My hope is that we gave the girls the courage to be themselves and to blaze their own trails!

After a flurry of activity and preparation when we all arrived in Rehoboth on Monday, we went to sleep so excited for the attendees to arrive. It was like Christmas!! When they started filtering in Tuesday afternoon, it started to feel so real. The girls we had already “met” in the attendee Facebook group were all there in the flesh! Lots of hugging and bonding …AND one of my favorite moments…when the chili dinner I cooked was all gone in a matter of minutes! Haha.

Wednesday Krista and Jen led presentations on branding and client experience and then hosted a styled shoot (complete with posing lessons by Laura) designed by the incredible Sarah Park Events. It was FREEZING on the beach for our shoot, but it was absolutely gorgeous! I can’t wait to share more from that later on!

Thursday was somewhat nerve wracking for me! I had two presentations to give…one with Natalie on workflow, and my own on blogging. This was literally my first time giving a presentation of any kind. I was home schooled in high school and started working right after that, so I never even gave so much as a book report in front of other people!  Despite my nerves, I think the talks went really well, including a well placed cat gif at the end of the blog talk:) Following my cat gif win, Serena and Krista talked about submitting your work to publications, then shortly after that we had a bittersweet farewell dinner. After a couple of days hanging out with the girls, I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them…:(

When I look back on Envision, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Number one, I’m grateful to be doing this for a living! A few years ago when I got my first DSLR, being a full time wedding photographer was little more than a dream. I had no idea what that $200 Craigslist purchase would lead to…and I feel so lucky that this is my life now! And the fact that people want to learn from me??? What?!?! So awesome!! Second, I am so grateful for the team of hosts, who I’m lucky enough to call my friends! They are all so talented and unique, and they believe in me when I don’t believe in myself. Over the past year they have pushed me to take my business (and my life) to places where I never thought I could go, and I’m so glad to have their friendship:) Last (but not least) I’m so thankful for all of the girls who attended the workshop. Each of you are so talented! You inspire me, and I’m so glad I got to spend time getting to know you guys!

Serena hand lettered these beautiful escort cards with room assignments as well as name badges for the girls!