The purpose of the workshop was to give back to all the amazing photographers who joined us and participated in Images for a Cure this past fall. We raised $15,000 for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (bringing our grand total to $28,000) by donating one day of session fees to the cause. Because of these photographers, who so graciously gave up their time and talents, we wanted to reward them by providing a workshop that was bringing back the foundation of our industry – learning from other photographers, sharing and growing to be a better industry! The photographers who spoke at the workshop are not “touring” photographers. They make their living actively booking and shooting clients. They don’t have big staffs, sell products, dvds or books, and they didn’t make a penny participating in IFAC. They are an amazing bunch, and I’ve heard some of the most incredible compliments from our attendees about how much they learned!

Day 2 of the workshop was open for a half-day shooting experience with one of our speakers! This was a completely hands-on approach to photography training by photographers who welcomed everyone to learn from them – making the entire industry a place for sharing, learning and growth among colleagues!

I can’t thank my speakers and attendees enough for this amazing experience. If you attended, please feel free to share your thoughts on the workshop in the comments section. I can honestly say that I look forward to making this a yearly event and I hope to see it grow in the future!

I wanted to share some pictures and video from the day!

A special thanks to:

The MEZZ, our fantastic workshop hosts – the brand-new, premier wedding and reception venue in Orlando!
Kristen Johnson, Rachel Willems and the entire staff at An Affair to Remember for their mad-coordinating and design skills!
Lee Forrest Design, for his amazing vision and floral design
Something Blue Bridal Salon for allowing us to borrow several of her gowns for the Day 2 shoots!
Connie Duglin Linens, our tables never looked so incredible!
Arthur’s Catering, because there’s no better food in Orlando!
Luisa Valdes and the staff at Lunatic Fringe Salon in Altamonte Springs, FL for their crazy hair/makeup skills on our models!
Erika Barker, for our killer video of the workshop!

Images For A Cure 2011 from Erika Barker on Vimeo.

The morning began with a continental breakfast, coffee, juice and the esteemed Brooke Thomas from Weddings Unveiled! Brooke opened the day with an interactive, round-table discussion where our attendees could ask any questions they wanted about what editors are REALLY looking for when they publish Real Weddings. She gave everyone invaluable insight on how to submit, what to include and how to promote their work to editors! For more about Brooke and Weddings Unveiled, please check out their magazine, website and blog!

Fashion stylist and personal shopper, Melanie Pace, helped our photographers with the basics of styling on set, including what every photographer needs in their own “styling kit” and how to help our clients dress for engagement sessions and bringing out their own personal style!

Luisa Valdes, hair and makeup artist from Lunatic Fringe salon, discussed the importance of professional hair and makeup for shoots, how lighting can affect makeup and how “natural” doesn’t necessarily mean no makeup.

Natural light children and family photographer, Amy Smith, presented “Confessions of a Child Photographer”, sharing all the amazing little moments that capture all the amazing little people in our client’s lives. Even though we were a room of predominantly wedding photographers, Amy’s presentation was a runaway hit, sharing some of her methods for being profitable and how she maintains a balance in her own personal life. From the feedback I’ve gotten, her presentation was one of the favorites of the day!

Abby Liga, who has been documented by countless magazines and blogs across the world, shared her tips for success in shooting weddings that get published. Abby presented tips for documenting your day for the client, and also keeping in mind what things magazines are looking for when they review submissions. Abby’s own fashion-editorial style of photography made her the perfect choice to help other photographers achieve the same business success!

And on to Melanie and Bradford Watson from La Dolce Vita Studio, wedding photographers from Jacksonville, FL, who spoke on “Finding Your Sweet Spot”! This is the perfect balance between work, life, fun and family to create a thriving business and your own sanity. I couldn’t think of anyone more qualified than a husband-wife duo who shoots weddings all over the country and keeps their sanity (if you can call it that) while enjoying a game of disc golf.

I asked Becka and Nate Robinson from Studio222 Photography out of Orlando, FL, to come speak on client relationships. They’re actually the photographers that I refer out to the most often when I’m already booked because of their amazing relationships with their couples. Their presentation on “Cultivating Connection” was a huge hit among the attendees. The ability to maintain these relationships is what often leads to the most referrals, happiest couples and of course – the most amazing photographs.

Joey Wright, funny man extraordinaire and Wescott Lighting Top Pro, gave us an introduction to fashion photography, lighting and final editing to create his graphic masterpieces. Joey opened up his book of tricks, sharing his favorite equipment, lighting set-ups and how to keep things basic no matter what your budget. He also gave a little insight in to his relationships with models, agencies and commercial clients to create his business of perfect photos!

Oh look! It’s me

I helped my good friend (and future bride!), Jennifer Scarola (Jennifer Frances Retouching) go over some before/afters of professional retouching. She discussed why it’s important in some areas of photography (like fashion and commercial projects) and how you can make simple adjustments to really make your photos stand out no matter what genre you shoot.

On Day 2, I hosted a Fashion Bridal shoot back at The Mezz, with model Hope Roberts, and real brides Kristen Johnson, Rachel Willems and Melissa Diep. Here are some behind the scenes shots!

Luisa touches up Kristen’s eyeliner before we worked with her on natural light.

We recruited 4’11″ Melissa, who was in from Chicago to help me out on Day 2, to model one of our gowns from Something Blue Bridal Salon!

Rachel was ready and willing to jump back in her amazing Amsale gown from her Dec. 11th Grand Bohemian wedding and help us translate fashion photography to real brides.

I even covered some lighting basics with the photographers and our model, Hope.

I brought my ring flash to play around with – and was super excited about this amazing wallpaper. It shoots amazing with a ring flash!
On Rachel (left) Amsale | Gown from Boca Raton Bridal Salon
On Kristen (right) 2Be Bridal | Gown from Something Blue Salon

Behind the Scenes of Missy as she was working with Hope. I shot through the crazy mirrors and loved the distortion it gave!

I didn’t get the memo that it was “Striped-Shirt” day….

And finally, some of my shots from the Bridal Fashion shoot!

Sincerity Bridal | Gown from Something Blue Salon
All hairpieces by Sara Gabriel, provided by Something Blue Salon

La Sposa | Gown from Something Blue Salon

James Clifford | Gown from Something Blue Salon

James Clifford | Gown from Something Blue Salon

Real Bride, Kristen Johnson
James Clifford | Gown from Something Blue Salon

Real Bride, Kristen Johnson, in her original wedding gown

Real Bride, Rachel Willems
Amsale | Gown from Boca Raton Bridal Salon

I needed an absolutely cheesy title for one of my favorite cheesetastic couples, Steven and Cara! They got married at the Ritz Carlton Beach Club in Sarasota. Their families were an absolute blast and I loved spending the day with them!

Cara was really specific about the plans for the day: she wasn’t overly concerned with the details necessarily, she just really wanted her family and friends to have a really good time. Mission accomplished! Not only did they have beautiful details of Navy, Lime and Pink, but their beach wedding was topped off with a reception full of show tunes, Britney Spears and an amazing selection of food and desserts!

And since I’m on a little kick of sharing thank you’s, I wanted to share this email I got from Cara (before she’s even seen any of the photos!)

“Thank you again a billion times over for being our photographer, and Reema too! We had an amazing day; everything that my mom wondered if someone took a picture of, I was able to smile and say, ‘Yup! That’s why we had Kristen!’ Such a calming aspect of the day!”

Oh! And I couldn’t possibly end this blog post about their wedding without sharing quite possibly the BEST gift from a groom to his bride… ever. A Shake Weight! Way to go, Steven!

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota (Members Beach Club)
Hair and Makeup: Luisa V
Florist: Beneva Flowers
DJ: Jay Goodley Entertainment
Dress Shop: Something Blue Bridal Salon
Designer: La Sposa
Officiant: Rev. Corky Calhoun

There’s something so beautiful about a mother’s hands

Cara wore her Grandmother’s necklace pinned to the inside of her dress so it could stay close to her heart

I sort of love bridal portraits

And I realize this blog post is a bit “Cara” heavy, but don’t worry Steven, I have some awesome shots of you and your hair!

Now back to Cara!

Favorite below!

Cara and Steven didn’t want any formal family photos at all – instead, she had the entire family do a champagne toast on the beach!

Breaking from tradition, Cara and Steven had a dessert room following their reception, loaded with cookies, mousses, tarts and lots of amazing treats!
I HIGHLY recommend this!

And then we hit the trolley to head back to the Ritz for the Post-Reception-After-Party!!

Cara and Steven – it was such a joy to spend your wedding with you! I can’t wait to see your beautiful little family grow!!
And Steven, I’m really glad you didn’t punk out

Oh! And Cara, I couldn’t help but post this “blooper” because I just love YOU so stinkin’ much

If you loved the shoot, please leave a comment on Lauren’s blog to let her know! This girl does such an amazing job giving us daily inspiration, it’s always nice to know it’s appreciated

Gowns are Justin Alexander, La Sposa, Lazaro and Carmen Sutera – all from Something Blue Bridal Salon in Orlando.
Bouquet by Lee Forrest Design, Orlando
Hair by Nicole Beth, Jacksonville
Makeup by Heather Schnell, Orlando
Coordination by April Dorsey, The D-Tales, Orlando
Photography by me, Kristen Weaver Photography, Orlando
Photographer Assistant was Heather Blackwell
Model is Tyler Hill

First of all, I welcomed 4 new brides to my growing family of KWP clients! I’m so excited about their upcoming weddings – they’re all fabulous and unique and oh-so stylish! And some of the amazing engagement sessions we have planned? Yeah… pretty awesome!

I also had my first wedding published in the new premier issue of Orlando Wedding! I wanted to thank my fabulously creative couple, Susan and Matt Dunn, for having such an amazing DIY wedding and letting me be a part of it!

So what could possibly top that? How about a feature on Style Me Pretty! I was so excited to hear that the amazing shoot I worked on with Lauren, writer of the fabulous Every Last Detail blog, was being featured on Style Me Pretty! I had another shoot the morning it was featured, and came back to my Facebook Fan page and Twitter abuzz with posts, comments and tags about the shoot! I loved working with Lauren and the whole team at MMD Events, along with an array of vendors that Lauren found through Twitter! I’ll definitely have a full blog post coming up with all the amazing details from the shoot, but wanted to post a link to the SMP blog so you can comment on their page first! Lots of love to all the amazing vendors, including Bethany Lorelle (who just sent me some gorgeous pieces for my Jacksonville Bridal shoot), Southern Fete and CardboxDiva! Our model was one of my girls, Melissa Ziegler from Orlando. I always love sharing the camera with her!

And in case you hadn’t heard… SMP is pretty much the mecca of bridal blogs. So this is a HUGE honor, and I’m SO excited to be a part of such an amazing and inspiring team!

The link to our Modern Romance shoot on Style Me Pretty: http://www.stylemepretty.com/2010/07/20/modern-wedding-inspiration-full-of-romance

Find us all on Twitter!

Kristen Weaver – @kristenweaver
Lauren from Every Last Detail – @ELD_Lauren
MMD Events – @MMDEvents
Bethany Lorelle – @bethanylorelle
Cardbox Diva – @cardboxdiva
Southern Fete – @ValMarieMet
Jewelry – @monetjewelry

And full credits:

Photographer: Kristen Weaver Photography
Event Design, Coordination, & Styling: Every Last Detail
Event Design, Decor, & Florals: MMD Events
Cardbox: Creative Custom Cardboxes
Chivari Chairs: Signature Event Rentals
Details: Every Last Detail
Dress: The Dressing Room
Hair Accessories: Bethany Lorelle
Hair & Makeup: Michelle Renee
Jewelry: Monet
Linens: Connie Duglin Linens
Paper: Southern Fete
Shoeclips: Linden Lovebirds

And since I’m sure you want to see Lauren’s posts on the Every Last Detail blog, you can view the Details the Lauren made herself for the shoot, as well as the Design!

The Design: http://everylastdetailblog.com/inspiration/chic-modern-pink-gray-inspiration-shoot-the-design/

The Details: http://everylastdetailblog.com/inspiration/modern-chic-pink-gray-inspiration-shoot-the-details/

Today I was really excited to be featured on another photographer’s blog, Tonhya Kae from Seattle! I was really excited when she contacted me about featuring me on her blog – and I think it’s so great that she gets to know her inspirations! I think we should all take a cue from that Her interview questions were so fun to answer (I’ll never turn down a good interview!) and I loved being able to share some of my favorite images to date with her readers! Take a quick peek over on her blog and see how I answered her tough questions! – Dude, and seriously, I love her blog header pic! So cute!

Tonhya Kae Photography: Featured Artist Friday – http://tonhyakaeblog.com/fashion/featured-artist-friday-kristen-weaver/

I’ve also been waiting to post this cool post about SnapKnot.com! I got an email from Elizabeth, writer of the bridal blog Shiny Orb, who told me that in a recent interview with SnapKnot co-founder Reid Warner, he shared my portfolio with them as one of his favorites! I was really delighted to hear about it, and wanted to share their great blog with everyone!

So I’ll try to keep everyone posted on things a little more frequently Still coming up, I’m waiting to hear back from my Southern Weddings magazine cover shoot and the new issue of Dujour Magazine is coming out any day now, where I not only have a cover, but 2 editorials! I can’t wait to share everything and I’ve got a few other fun things up my sleeve, too – like an amazing bridal shoot in Jacksonville with some of my favorite people! Just to make sure I end with a teaser… here you go!

Thanks to April Dorsey of The D-Tales, Heather Schnell (makeup), Nicole Beth Miller (hair), Tyler Hill (model), Heather Blackwell (assistant), Lee Forest (floral), Bethany Lorelle (custom hair pieces) and Amanda from Something Blue Bridal Salon for the amazing gowns! This teaser is Tyler in a stunning Lazaro gown!

Also a huge thanks to Jennifer Frances, the best retoucher ever, for making Tyler glow like a porcelain doll! She has the magic touch

And I also can’t wait to post this amazing shoot with the uber talented Maria! Thanks to Heather Schnell for doing the makeup and helping on hair, and a HUGE thanks to designer Eduardo de las Casas and Paul for loaning us some EPIC gowns for the shoot (they aren’t featured in these teasers… it’s a huge secret what those shots look like… they’re pretty killer!)

Here’s 2 unedited favorites! These are straight off the camera in Lightroom, with a slight desaturation applied.

And PS: If you’re following me on Twitter, you’ll get behind the scenes updates from this shoot and many others! http://twitter.com/kristenweaver

I always think I’m so fortunate to work with amazing vendors in the wedding industry, who love supporting us photographers! Granted, this feature was more about the stunning bridal makeup and flawlessly imperfect bridal hair done by Jillian Caro, but sweet little Twitter-words make me so thankful to be a part of such an awesome company! If you’re a vendor, I highly recommend using them for your business. I can’t tell you how many brides find me from OneWed, and my past clients love how easy it is to post reviews on their site! Plus, they’re a huge supporter of my Images for a Cure event, giving away a free platinum vendor listing for a whole year!! (And lucky Sara Kauss won!)

Details…
- Makeup and Hair by Jillian Caro (* Become a facebook fan of Jillian‘s)
- Photography by Kristen Weaver (* Become a facebook fan of Kristen‘s)
- Styling by Melanie Pace
- Justin Alexander wedding dress, provided by Something Blue Bridal Salon in Orlando, FL

Read the full feature on the Savvy Scoop here: http://www.onewed.com/blog/savvy-scoop/2010/02/08/get-look-beautiful-bridal-makeup