March 27, 2012
It was October 2010. I was reading through my favorite blogs and came to a new wedding post by one of my favorite photographers. But this wedding was no average wedding… it was breathtaking. Like, ohhhhh myyyyy goodnessssss where is the LOVE button?! kind of wedding. The bride happened to be a photographer as well, so of course, I clicked over to her blog to learn more about the mastermind behind it all.
And I was hooked. By a fancy teal blog, beautiful images, and happy CAPS LOCKED words accessorized by dozens of exclamation points. But most of all, I was captivated by the vivacious girl with red hair, a genuine smile, and a BIG heart behind it all… Katelyn James.
A few weeks ago, I had the ridiculously amazing opportunity of attending Katelyn’s photography workshop, The Workshop Experience. And I can’t begin to tell you what an honor it was to participate in it.
I arrived Friday morning at the Virginia Center for Architecture where the workshop was held and nervously walked into a room filled with workshop attendees. Katelyn immediately greeted me with a huge hug and that genuine smile everyone loves about her. Let me tell you, she is even MORE sweet in person (if that’s even possible!). I’ve read Katelyn’s blog posts faithfully for so long, that I felt like we were FRIENDS!
The room was buzzing with anticipation, and soon Katelyn started teaching…
Gosh, I could listen to this girl talk ALL DAY, everyday. She has so much wisdom!
Katelyn WORKING it. Teaching, shooting, AND looking good…
After we watched Katelyn in action, we got to put what we learned to practice by shooting a mardi gras themed wedding designed by the FABULOUS Dana FitzGerald! This was supposed to just be a test shot, but when I saw it – I squealed knowing it was just a preview of what was in store for the rest of the day.
And rightfully so… isn’t Emily stunning?! She looked amazing in her Joanna August wedding gown.
Special thanks to Janie Medley of The Bride’s Cafe for providing the florals… I loved Emily’s bouquet!
Our bride and groom, Jeff and Emily, are a real life couple! They were married last year in New Orleans. How cool is that?! The mardi gras theme fit perfectly with their sweet love story.
How precious are these two?!
Emily is a hair and makeup artist – so she masterfully completed her flawless look herself. If you are in need of a fabulous hair design and makeup artist in the Richmond, Virginia area… CONTACT HER! She also has super helpful video tutorials on her blog that are a heaven sent for makeup dummies like me!
Ohhh the details. I loved how elegant the Bella Figura wedding invitations were…
I kind of wanted to take these shoes home with me… ;)
And no wedding is complete without a cake! Kristine Bender of K Rose Cakes does such beautiful work!
The table display was TO DIE FOR. Thanks to Party Perfect for supplying the rental goods!
Details, details, details!
Even the salt and pepper shakers were adorable!
And again on the florals… THANK YOU Janie!
Don’t they look like they were made for each other? I love their love…
There’s such a tenderness in the way they look at each other…
The Virginia Center for Architecture is beyond any girl’s wildest wedding venue dreams! Seriously.
I love these next three SO MUCH…
Oh Emily. You’re so dear with your sweet southern charm.
Looking good guys!
I love the way Jeff can make her laugh so effortlessly…
Did I mention we even had BRIDSMAIDS? So fun!
Blair and Kelly looking GORGE in their Joanna August dresses…
LOVED their Simply Vera Vera Wang jewelry!
More portraits? You guessed it!
They WORKED it.
How amazing is this backdrop?!
Love love love.
Oh you guys!
Emily, your laugh is the best!
And finally, some feathery floating fun (that’s a mouthful!) to top it all off.
I have to end with this picture of me with Katelyn. I’m a mess — but see how ridiculously happy I am? :)
P.S. If you’re a photographer and want to grow, next time Katelyn offers her Workshop Experience, SIGN UP. Immediately. It’s the best investment I’ve put into my business to date.
Also, a HUGE thank you to all of the amazing vendors!
Vendors:
Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Joanna August available at Bella Bridesmaid Richmond
Mini Birdcage Veil: Tigerlilly Jewelry
Jewelry: Simply Vera Vera Wang
Bride’s Shoes: Nine West (from an assortment at DSW)
Bridemaids’ Shoes: Lulu Townsend
Shoe Clips: Maira Eaton of Chuletin Design
Purse Adornment: Dana FitzGerald
Wedding Cake: Kristine Bender of K Rose Cakes
Ribbon: Midori Ribbon
Wedding Invitation: Bella Figura
Upholstered Screen: World Market
Chairs with Nailheads: World Market
Pillows: World Market
Nesting Tables: World Market
Stemware: World Market
Napkins: World Market
Flower Vessels: Michaels
Feathers: Michaels
Gold Chairs, Chair Cushions, Round and Six Foot Table and Tablecloths: Party Perfect
Lantern: Homegoods
Dinner Plates: Anchor Hocking at Target
*All other props not mentioned stylist’s own.
Photographer: Katelyn James
Creative Director and Stylist: Dana FitzGerald
Floral Design: Janie Medley of The Bride’s Cafe
Floral Wholesaler: Florabundance
Makeup Artist and Hair Design: Emily Hudspeth
Calligraphy: Moya Minns of MM Ink
Model: Emily Hudspeth (Bride)
Model: TK (Groom)
Model: Blair Roberts Wyatt (Bridesmaid)
Model: Kelly Gony Jessup (Bridesmaid)
Location: Virginia Center for Architecture
*Special thank you to: Ruby Press and Janie Medley of The Bride’s Cafe
Workshop Sponsors:
H-B Photo
Leather Craftsmen
Kelly Moore Bags
+ COMMENTS
add a comment