To set the scene, we took a trip in November of 2016 with 35 photographers. We all met in Orlando, Florida and stayed in a beautiful rental near Disney World. Being so close to the park, we also made a day trip to Magic Kingdom. It was a blast of a trip. There was laughter, social activities, education, and room for everyone to get creative. At this particular workshop we had not one, but two, styled shoots!
I have been extremely fortunate to pry Simply Gorgeous Events by Lara-Jill from West Virginia. Lara-Jill has traveled with us multiple times and her designs never disappoint! The AKP Magical Retreat was a fun challenge because LJ had the chance to come up with two different concepts. She put her resources to work and networked with The Capen House to host an afternoon shoot for our attendees.
As this was the second shoot of the weekend, we decided to use it as a learning opportunity. We set up stations inside and within harsh lighting to encourage the girls to treat the styled set-up as a real wedding. The group quickly came together to share camera settings or to block the sun as human shields for one another. It was really neat to observe how they all worked as a team!
While wedding days may not always offer us the perfect shooting scenario, leaning on each other can enable the best outcome!
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Lara-Jill wanted to plan something extremely timeless. She decided to exclude color from the overall scheme and to focus on classic elements. Pairing elegant ribbons adorned with calligraphy next to gold foiled macarons, the table-scape still POPPED. White peonies anchored the tone of textured florals, custom wax emblems sealed the invitation suite, and the cake featured real rock sugar work in sparkling black. Are you drooling yet? Just wait until you see the photos!
A huge thank you to Southern Celebrations Magazine for featuring this shoot both online and in print.
Photographer: Ashton Kelley Photography
Event Designer: Simply Gorgeous Events by Lara-Jill
Equipment Rentals: A Chair Affair, Inc.
Event Venue: Capen House at the Polasek
Bakery: Dear Macaron
Cake Designer: Everything Cake
Stationery: Kelsey Malie Calligraphy
Beauty: Natty Contrera Artistry
Ring Box: The Mrs Box
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:37 am
I’m in love with this classic black and white look throughout this styled shoot! Wish I could have made it to this retreat!!! So gorgeous Ashton!
February 23rd, 2018 at 7:41 am
This shoot was gorgeous, and what a fun time for all the photographers!!! I loved being a part of such a supportive group in Destin, I can only imagine what this one was like!
February 23rd, 2018 at 9:11 am
I love a classic black and white wedding <3
February 23rd, 2018 at 10:43 am
I love the bold black and golds in this styled shoot. I get such a classic feel. And the anemones in the florals are giving me such emo vibe! Love everything about this styled shoot!
February 23rd, 2018 at 11:14 am
Love the place setting and the uniqueness of the bride in black and white, opting for a hat rather than a veil. This is a gorgeous shoot!
February 23rd, 2018 at 11:56 am
Magical indeed. I love the colors and details that went into this.
February 23rd, 2018 at 1:06 pm
I’m so bummed that I missed this. The shoot looks like it was AMAZING
February 23rd, 2018 at 2:41 pm
Wowowowwowow. I loveeee this shoot! Styling goals, and I love the black and white classic take on things. Great work, as always, AKP Squad!
February 23rd, 2018 at 6:45 pm
OMG!! Ashton. This is absolutely breathtaking!!!
1. The FL image in your invitation suite, so perfect!
2. Love black as a main color, I haven’t ever really seen this done & I. LOVE. IT.
3. The cat in the one wedding portrait!!!! <3 <3 #LOVE
4. That one photo of the full flat-lay… #ALLTHEHEARTEYES
5. The bouquet is stunning!! I love anemones & this was an absolutely stunning use of them!!
YOU GO GIRL! You nailed this!