Monday’s workshop was, to be quite simple, perfect. After all of the worrying and unnecessary anxiety, it couldn’t have gone more smoothly! I was SO excited to host these 10 amazing photographers in our new home- part of why we chose the home we did was because it had more room to fill with people! The particular sofa we purchased, the furniture for the living room, all of it was done with workshops and gatherings in mind. It probably would have been less of a hassle to do the workshop at an off-site venue, but I LIKE having people into our home. I like being able to put the kettle on to boil throughout the day to make tea for anyone who wants some. And I love that the sofa we went to such pains to get was filled with people who were excited and ready to learn. It’s more personal, and my favorite part is that it allows for barriers to fall away so that by the end of the day, we’re all in the company of friends, no matter the fact that most of us had only met for the first time that morning. I can’t wait for more of these in the future!

This workshop couldn’t have been a success without a) Matt, and 2) my intern Kaitlyn. Matt worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to have the house ready to go by September 8th. Matt, thank you so, SO much for everything you did to make it the perfect day for me and all of the attendees! I don’t know how I lucked into marrying you, but I’m thankful every day for it. Kaitlyn came Sunday night to help me prep everything from giveaways to champagne flutes, and was there all day on Monday to assist with vendors, meals, taciturn delivery people from Potbelly, be an impromptu model, all of it. Kaitlyn, I couldn’t have done it without you!

Lastly, a huge thank you to the vendors who came together to make the styled portion of the day a smash hit! With a bouquet + boutonniere from Floral & Bloom, a Heidi Elnora dress + accessories from Soliloquy Bridal, and hair + make-up by Alison Harper & Company, Seamus & Alex were a dream to shoot (as usual- I love photographing these two). And I’m pretty sure everyone in attendance agreed, because I lost count of the number of times I heard attendees say something like “They’re so perfect together!”

*Thanks to Kaitlyn for a few behind-the-scenes images you’ll see sprinkled throughout the post!*

This bouquet was one of Rachel’s best yet. It was even better than I’d imagined!!

I told Martha of Alison Harper & Co. to do whatever she pleased with Alex’s hair, that I trusted her. She TOTALLY delivered! I love the chic, romantic updo- it almost feels like an allusion to the 50’s!

Because it’s not really an Abby Grace workshop without some sort of Harry Potter reference.

I love Kaitlyn for snapping this frame! I’m totally in my element- gorgeous window light, a stunning bouquet, and my pink tulle skirt puddled around me.

To my workshop attendees, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming. It was a privilege to spend the day sharing with, learning from, and getting to know each one of you. I’m so grateful for the chance to have had you all into our home, and I can’t WAIT to see what you all do with what you took home!

Keep an eye out for another A Practical Wedding Workshop date coming in early 2015- registration will come some time in November or December!