Olive Gathering Styled Shoot

Well hello there to my sweet readers! This month I went SO far out of my comfort zone, I attended a workshop/styled shoot and it was BEYOND worth it. First things first lets talk about the girls that brought everything together, the glue to this whole event Brianna McCarthy & Carly Jade (@carlyjadephoto & @briannamccarthyphoto). These girls went so far above and beyond for this event, every single detail of this day was so carefully thought, from gifts for us to a beautiful folder to take notes of anything we learned from Anna Duncan our guest speaker. Who is an amazingly kind and down to earth as well as an extremely talented wedding photographer, who taught me much more than she realizes.

Upon arriving at the Wavering Place (our location for the day) I was greeted by the most dreamy scenery, from the trees to the historical buildings, all the way to the breathtaking landscaping I wanted to get lost on this homey property for the weekend exploring every square inch of the property. If the scenery wasn't enough to keep me content lets add the fact that there was a donut wall and home made apple cider to grab and snack on while waiting for other photographers to arrive! In that moment right there I knew attending this workshop as my first ever styled shoot and workshop was the best and worst decision. Worse because I just don't think anything will ever add up to this experience, so I guess I will just have to wait until they have another. Just kidding (kind of).

After a quick meet and greet we got to business and started with some of our styled shoot, the whole experience was so laid back, there were different stations set up so that we never had to be bundled into one small area bumping elbows. Though with the weather being so cold I am sure most of us were considering bundling together and moving around like a mini ant colony.

HUGE shout out to Brandy Maye for toughing out all of that cold weather and maintaining beautiful composure throughout the day! Every vendor truly made this an unforgettable experience for me, and I am beyond thankful for the community that I was surrounded by.

This was the "light snacks" on top of the donuts, oh and did I mention HOME MADE CHILI!? I can honestly say that I definitely didn't leave on an empty stomach and I will be making those bacon wrapped date rolls!

We cannot forget the coffee that kept us all going, 72 Co. was the real MVP for having hot coffee and hot chocolate ready for us to power back up and get back to work.

My favorite part of the day was the community that Carly and Brianna brought together. Coming into this experience never having done it before and being relatively new to weddings I was so overwhelmed with the amount of photographers so willing to offer up advice and help. Especially those who continue to answer questions when I reach out with curiosity after the events been done and over with. To any vendors and photographers looking for a good workshop to attend or partake in follow @theolivegathering on instagram and facebook for their future events. It is truly an unforgettable and amazing experience and community to join!

Hosts: @theolivegathering @briannamccarthyphoto @ carlyjadephoto

Planning - @ alexandramadisonweddings Venue - @waveringplace Rentals - @crispeventrentals Florals - @foragebotanics Bride's dresses - @londonandlacebridal Bridesmaid dresses - @bellabridesmaids Bride - @brandynicolemaye Bridesmaids - @maddyspauldingg @Kenziejanek Hair & makeup- @prettyandpinnedsc @abbyleighmua Stationary - @empressstationery Jewelry - @alabaster.bygrace Ring Box - @the_mrs_box Cake - @bonniebruntcakes Hot Chocolate/Coffee - @72company Donuts - @duckdonuts Lasered Signs and name tags - @lightboxlaser

Speaker- @annafduncan