Afternoon, everyone! I got to spend last weekend hosting an amazing photographer’s retreat and now that I am finally back home, the car is unpacked, and I’ve had a half night’s sleep-I’m ready to share some of that experience with all of you! This was truly a priceless moment in time and I will cherish each minute I got to spend with these ladies.
About six months ago, I started chasing a dream of taking creatives AWAY. I wanted to take a group of photographers for three days, put them under one roof, teach, have activities, bond, and take some gorgeous photos together. We most definitely did! On Friday, 12 photographers arrived to Hickory House in Canaan Valley, WV. Through the night, we talked about flat styling, detail shots, and made super fun personality collages that played into the next day’s lesson.
Saturday was full of lectures! While Lauren of So Lovely Weddings and Blooms created a gorgeous styled wedding, I kept the ladies entertained with industry information. We talked about branding, marketing, consulting with clients, vendor relationships, posing, and more. This relaxed atmosphere allowed the girls to ask questions when they wanted to, leaving me-an open book to them. That evening, we collectively shot a stunning session and the weather could not have been more perfect.
Sunday came so quickly. I woke up tired, but already dreading the end of the day. You see, I am easy to tears and had been somewhat of a fountain the whole weekend, so I was absolutely terrified of good-byes. I distracted myself by educating the group on boudoir sessions, while Lauren again created a spectacular set up (this time, sexy) to shoot. It was all SO LOVELY!
The icing on the cake came in the afternoon. I had pulled a little Taylor Swift and recruited a special guest to come and speak to the ladies as well. This was a new mentor to our Little WV Workshop community, and so everyone was surprised and excited. Miss Callie Lindsey of Callie Lindsey Photography took her Sunday off to spend the day with us. She led a short Q&A group with two small groups, and then joined us for lunch and our send-off. What send off? Oh you know, just personalized Coca-Cola’s and DIY confetti poppers. You’ll see below, the weekend truly ended with a BANG!
I get caught up in the moment and NEVER take enough pictures, but next time we are taking a staff photographer AND videographer. If you’re interested in traveling with us to the OBX next Spring as an attendee or our staff artists, be sure to comment below! We’re starting a mailing list and details will be coming out within the next week or so. Lauren and I are SUPER excited to coordinate and style another gorgeous retreat in sunny North Carolina! Who’s coming with us?!
The pups traveled with us. Lily and Laila loved all the attention.. and glitter!
We also totally gave away a surprise Kate Spade clutch in an Instagram challenge! Summer walked away victorious!
Our Instax-station was a popular place to check out sponsor’s business cards and to add your own fun instant photo!
This weekend was my grandparent’s 50th anniversary. I was sad not to be there, but made sure to frame some of their wedding photos around the house. :)
Oh yes, we had TWO photo stations. One was Taylor Swift inspired. ;)
We loved hanging out on the deck in the evenings, and it was the perfect place to flat style.Lauren and Laila became very quick friends.
Each girl received a custom floral crown from LoveSparklePretty. Each girl loved rocking it!
Our swag bags were not only filled with goodies, but looked so gorg! Totes by DreamState and tags by Sincerely Amy Designs totally polished the look.
Our gorgeous MUA for the weekend, Natalie!
So many community and brand building exercises! Don’t worry.. we bunked the beds so we would have more room for activities. ;)
Our patient and lovely models, who both happen to be photographers and AKP clients. :)
Here’s where I get all mushy.
After the house is empty, all the photos are taken, the flowers have started to wilt, the food is eaten, the mess is left.. I walk away feeling humbled and inspired. It’s an amazing feeling to have 12 women show up and say “hey, we want to learn from you.” It’s crazy, but it’s an honor. A crazy honor. There aren’t words.. and from me! I can’t articulate how it feels to be sitting here writing this blog, talking about an AKP workshop that had such an impact. My creative soul feels like it has caught fire, and I hope I never lose sight of that feeling. It is one that can bring me to happy tears.. any time.
Check back over the next couple of weeks for more from the #akpRUSTICretreat! We’ve got a look inside swag bags, behind-the-scenes from attendees, photos from both gorgeous styled shoots, and a vendor spotlight for my guest speaker! I’m also rolling out a new segment next month and you won’t wanna miss it. Til’ next time!!
– Ash
BONUS! Here are some of my favorite Instagrams from the #akpRUSTICretreat hashtag:
Swag, Sponsors, & Vendors:
Venue | Hickory House of Canaan Valley, WV
Photography | Ashton Kelley Photography
Coordination, Design, & Florals | So Lovely Weddings & Blooms
Paper & Signage | EAlexDesigns
Hair & Make-Up | Baltamour Artistry
Cake | Sorby Sweet
Rentals | Stash Rentals
Dress | Ava Laurenne Bride
Bridal Robe | Walkin On Air
Floral Crowns | Love Sparkle Pretty
Pocket Mirror | Modern Girl Blitz
Magazine | WV Weddings & Baltimore Bride
Vintage Stamps | Verde Studio
Earrings | Kate Spade
Giveaway Camera Bag | The House of Flynn
Macarons | Baked by Cari
Swag tote | DreamState
Quote Print | Lara Casey Shop
Flamingo Print | Laura Hooper Calligraphy
Notebooks | Homegoods
Custom Tumblers | Discount Mugs
August 26th, 2015 at 10:38 am
This looks truly incredible! I bet everyone felt spoiled in the sweetest way!
August 26th, 2015 at 11:43 am
Thanks, love!! <3
August 26th, 2015 at 10:42 am
So in love with all of the details! You rock, Ashton! Everything looks amazing and gorgeous!
August 26th, 2015 at 11:43 am
Hope you make it next time!!! :)
August 26th, 2015 at 10:44 am
Beautiful. You did amazing. Relax, have a glass of wine and celebrate!
August 26th, 2015 at 10:44 am
Holding back tears. I cannot believe I was lucky enough to be part of this amazing event!! I feel so blessed to know you as a mentor and call you a friend! From the bottom of my soul, thank you again for all you did for all of us!!
August 26th, 2015 at 10:49 am
This looks like so much fun! Congratulations!
August 26th, 2015 at 11:43 am
Thanks hun!! <3
August 26th, 2015 at 10:55 am
Looks amazing! Your such an inspiration to so so many!
August 26th, 2015 at 11:43 am
It was wonderful. Thanks for your support.
August 26th, 2015 at 11:25 am
Glitter is TOTALLY my favorite color! Thanks for sharing your sparkle with us Looks like you had a fantabulous time
August 26th, 2015 at 11:43 am
Maybe you should join us for our next glittery event in March/April! :) Thank you!!!
August 26th, 2015 at 11:46 am
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It sounds like such a fun time; I would love to go to something like that. I love how you referred your surprise to “pulling a Taylor Swift” haha love it!
August 26th, 2015 at 11:47 am
Thank you, Kate!! We are going to the OBX in the Spring and would LOVE to have some girls traveling from around the U.S. Let me know if you want more information. We should be posting it within the next week or so with an incentive for registration in the first week. :)
August 26th, 2015 at 12:32 pm
Truly honored to be at the event! It was so much fun! ♡
August 26th, 2015 at 12:50 pm
Looks like such a fun workshop!
August 26th, 2015 at 12:56 pm
This weekend was my grandparents 50th too! Crazy coincidence! Theirs was on the 21st <3 And this looks like the absolute best getaway ever!!
August 26th, 2015 at 12:57 pm
I would just love, love to attend a photographer’s retreat and this one looks so gorgeous and fun!
August 26th, 2015 at 2:11 pm
Lauren, please join us in the Spring! I would love, love to meet you!!
August 26th, 2015 at 12:58 pm
I love retreats! This is beautiful. I design retreats for other leaders. Let me know if you ever want to out-source the scouting!
August 26th, 2015 at 1:36 pm
How exciting and fun!! Congrats on what looks like a fun and successful event! We go to Canaan Valley in the winter with friends – it’s such a fun town!
August 26th, 2015 at 2:27 pm
This is such an awesome idea. Looks like everyone had a blast.
August 26th, 2015 at 2:40 pm
This looks like so much fun and truly wonderful. I love your message and approach!
August 26th, 2015 at 3:03 pm
Oh I love this! I would love to be able to be involved with something like this!
August 26th, 2015 at 4:48 pm
Hey Emily! We’re going back away in March of next year! OBX!! Let me know if you’d have any interested in attending. :) :)
August 26th, 2015 at 3:50 pm
looked like an absolute wonderful retreat. Thanks for sharing this and Congrats!!
August 26th, 2015 at 4:58 pm
All things Kate Spade! Swoon!
August 26th, 2015 at 7:31 pm
So. Much. Fun.!!! This looks amazing and I’m sure that all of those ladies walked out of there feeling so inspired by you. You’re a special lady Miss Ashton ;) And I’m so glad you had a ton of room for activities hahahaha!!
Also….ummm….I totally want to be your staff photographer.
August 26th, 2015 at 7:37 pm
I legit planned to ask you at our wedding on the 5th. How crazy is that?!?!???!?!
August 26th, 2015 at 9:31 pm
We’ll chat ;)
August 27th, 2015 at 3:52 pm
Hello! I would love to have some more information about upcoming retreats or local events!
August 31st, 2015 at 10:46 am
Hey Brittany! I’ve added you to our mailing list for the Virginia Beach retreat in December! :)
August 28th, 2015 at 10:53 am
Oh my gosh! I love all these detail shots!!! So gorgeous.
August 28th, 2015 at 3:45 pm
This retreat looks absolutely amazing! I’m so proud of you Ashton!
August 31st, 2015 at 10:47 am
Thanks Michelle! Your comment totally made me tear up this morning! Love you!
August 29th, 2015 at 11:23 pm
EEK! It’s all so freakin’ fantastic lookin’!! <3