Of course, I was nervous. This was my first real workshop. Not just a class but a workshop complete with a group photo shoot that involved A LOT of people. It happened two weeks ago now and I can look back with relief and say that I'm really happy with how it went and I definitely want to do more of these things in the future.
I had an awesome group of six students who were engaging, inspired, and ready to learn. They were wonderful and I am so proud ... but more about them later.
I need to thank about a million people but I want to begin with these four: John Mark, Sarah, Nick and my Mom. The four of them completely took over on Saturday. While I taught the class, they picked up dresses, flowers, cakes, hats, lifted heavy furniture, loaded, unloaded, set up, cleaned up, prepared lunch for everyone involved, and the list goes on and on.
Amazing people surround me.
Our day began at 8am at my home. There were make-up and hair stylists getting the models ready in one room. And in another room was the actual "class" part of the day. We had lunch and then we were off to the group photo shoot.
The planning of this photo shoot involved a lot of people. Mostly with the help of John Mark Woodard - who is beginning his own event planning business - we were able to come up with a concept for a pretend wedding. The idea was that I wanted the students to have something as close to a real wedding as possible - full of all the gorgeous details you would encounter as well as gorgeous people. Not only did I want it to be realistic but I wanted it to be inspired, creative, and a little non-traditional. I think we did it! Our concept was to do a 20's inspired garden tea party. "20's inspired" because not everything was completely 20's accurate ... but I love the way it all turned out.
I am going to do a post soon to showcase the work from my students. But today I will be showing the shots that I got from the day. I'm excited about them!
I will begin with our location.
The Bleak HouseThe Bleak House is one of my favorite locations in Knoxville. Year round at any season this venue is beautiful. When I am there its almost like I transcend to another time. Its truly magical. Kelsea - the event coordinator of the Bleak House - was so accommodating and wonderful to work with.
When we arrived we were greeted by the wisteria blooms at their peak. Could we have picked a more perfect day? I don't think so. The model shown here is Claire Woodard - she was one of our gorgeous bridesmaids. And check out our little "sign in table" complete with an antique typewriter and some other lovely details.
Before I get carried away with all the details ... here is our bridal model ... the lovely miss Savannah Arwood. We began by photographing her in the bridal room in upstairs of The Bleak House.
Our other bridesmaid model was this gorgeous red-head Jaclyn Garner
Joyce at Joyous Occasion was SO generous to loan us this amazing Bridal Gown. We were very careful! Our groom was played by my friend and college pal James Allen Andes ...
Our make-up artist of the day was Misty Parker Godsey and our hair stylist was Brooke Cenicola. Both ladies did an incredible job relating the 20's inspired styles. I LOVED the way all of our models looked. They were definitely easy to photograph! For more info on Brooke or Misty just email me!
Our adorable cake was provided by
Our table linens came from The White Table. Amber and Rachel at The White Table are awesome and SO helpful! Having the linens made such a difference with the over all "look" of our table. I really think it kind of brought everything together. Very happy with that!
All of our little decor items - the dinner ware, tea sets, vases, typewriter, etc came from this magical place called
Nostalgia in Bearden. Its called a "Vin-tique Market". Please go there and feel happy.
And of course the flowers. *deep sigh*
All of our gorgeous fresh flowers were provided by
the lovely Lisa Foster of
Lisa Foster Floral Design.
Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who was involved!!! I think the collaboration resulted in something really beautiful. And more importantly the students from the class had some really awesome material to practice with. I will be posting more about those students and showcasing some of the work they did from the workshop soon.