I had the pleasure of attending Justin & Mary’s Walk Through a Wedding workshop on Tuesday and it was everything I had hoped it would be! Justin & Mary are amazing teachers. Like, really amazing! They share their knowledge with you so easily & honestly. They really know how to make everything just click! The day started in Justin & Mary’s home with a discussion about our “WHY”. Why we take certain photographs. Why we do what we do. I mean, I’ve always known deep down why I wanted to take photos for people, but I never really knew how to vocalize it.  This exercise has changed my perspective about the wedding day forever. It really hit home for me.

I compare photographs to music a lot. I do this because a photograph can have the same effect on me as a song. A song that provokes a memory; a feeling; a stirring in your heart. And it will bring you right back in time to where that memory began. You feel the same feelings and it’s like you are right there living that moment all over again. It’s the same for me with a photograph. They can tell an entire story in one single click of the shutter. One single moment frozen in time forever. You remember all of those feelings & the story behind them in that one single image… or even a collection of images. This is what I want for my clients. I want to tell the story and evoke that emotion for them. I want to freeze those special moments in time so they can look back, remember all of those feelings of happiness & joy, share them with their families, & pass along those memories for generations to come.  That is my “WHY”. Why I do what I do.

So we started the day at Justin & Mary’s home & ended it at an amazing venue where we got to practice working with details, our model bride & groom, & even some bridesmaids! We talked a lot about light and how it can make a huge impact on a photo. Justin & Mary first went over things in-depth, then we got to practice shooting using the information we had just learned. Mary would guide us as we were “doing”, which was SO helpful. I learn so much better by actually doing, seeing the result, & then being able to ask questions. All in all, it was a fantastic workshop! The knowledge that I have gained in those 13 hours will only bring my business to new levels. I can’t thank Justin & Mary enough for their hospitality and their patience. They are truly incredible people & photographers!

Here are some of my favorites from the day!

Styling & Design: Stacie Shea Events
Location: The Lace Factory
Model Styling: Beth Chapman from The White Dress by the Shore
Floral Design: Carrie Wilcox Floral Design
Hair and Makeup: Simply Gorgeous by Erin
Paper: Roseville Designs
Linens: Wildflower Linens and La Tavola Linens
Pies: Pickles and Pies NYC 
Flatware and Dishes: Juliska
Bride & Groom: Justin & Mary’s AMAZING past couple Kayla & Brendon!!
Bridesmaids: Jill Basilone & Madi Cheslock

Thank you again Justin & Mary for an awesome experience! I would highly recommend this workshop to other wedding photographers looking to improve their skills!