This past Monday’s workshop was absolutely the best one yet. Maybe after four iterations of APWW we’ve finally hit our stride, or perhaps it was the incredible vendor team we had on board, or maybe it was the amazing group of attendees. Whatever it was, it left me on a total high!

A Practical Wedding Workshop by Abby Grace | image by Kaitlyn Phipps

If you guys read last week’s blog post on vision, you know that I believe in business with purpose. And further than that, I believe in purpose that goes deeper than simply turning a profit. Profit is necessary in order to stay in business, but our mission is bigger than that- the paycheck is just what enables us to continue toward that vision. After meeting with our biz coach a couple of weeks ago, she pushed us to consider what our vision statement might be for the educational side of  the business, and after a lot of reflection, we decided on this:

“Teaching and encouraging photographers to run businesses that enable a life they love.”

So when we receive the sentiment below in email from one of our sweet attendees after the workshop, I cannot explain to you how high I was flying!:

“Driving home tonight I got to think about what an amazing day we had and I came to the conclusion that the greatest impact this workshop had on me was both of your selfless, gracious and giving hearts…The workshop was an amazing experience and I learned so much in terms of business and photography[,] but mostly I learned what true grace looks like. I just hope you know how truly grateful my husband & I are!”

Cue tears. Happy ones, of course!

A Practical Wedding Workshop by Abby Grace | image by Kaitlyn Phipps

The workshop couldn’t continue to happen without help from a few key players- Matt, for spending the weekend before prepping meals, cleaning, arranging for puppy sitters, and making endless Target runs. Kaitlyn, for making the trip up to assist me for the fourth workshop in a row! She is the BEST coffee-maker, lunch-prepper, attendee-encourager, BTS-photo-capturer, and friend, all wrapped into one. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you next time, Kaitlyn! Kat of Dear Sweetheart Events, for putting together the prettiest, most on-point styled shoot we’ve ever had, and for being a total champ about the unexpected weather.

Amanda, for the stunning florals! Tiffany, for the out-of-this-world gorgeous baked goods (you’ll have to wait to see those!). Martha from Alison Harper & Co. for making our model look fabulous! Katherine, for supplying the ever-exquisite bridal wear. Meg & Paul, for modeling on a cold, drizzly day, and for doing so with aplomb! Paisley & Jade, for the lovely rentals. And Sincerely Amy Designs for the beautiful paper goods.

A Practical Wedding Workshop by Abby Grace | image by Kaitlyn Phipps

Lastly, my parents, for letting us take over their property for a few hours, and for having the good sense to own such a perfect home! Thanks, Mom & Dad- this styled shoot wouldn’t have happened without your generosity!

All photos by my incredible friend Kaitlyn Phipps Photography! I can’t wait to show you guys the styled shoot after we [fingers crossed] get it published- the details are insanely gorgeous!

A Practical Wedding Workshop by Abby Grace | image by Kaitlyn PhippsA Practical Wedding Workshop by Abby Grace | image by Kaitlyn Phipps

Lily joined us for her first workshop! It’s hard, being a dog and stuff, so she slept through most of it. But I have full faith that she was thoroughly enthralled for the parts that she was awake to hear.

A Practical Wedding Workshop by Abby Grace | image by Kaitlyn PhippsA Practical Wedding Workshop by Abby Grace | image by Kaitlyn Phipps

Ok, 1) I’m not really sure what’s going on here, but I think it’s probably an excerpt of me geeking out over the fact that Amanda found PEONIES in November!!

2) I didn’t realize I wore my purse (not my shooting bag, my actual purse) until we got home from the styled shoot. We were running around like crazy, trying to make sure everyone was taken care of and that anything non-waterproof was covered that I just didn’t remember to take it off! That’s what I call laser focus. 

vA Practical Wedding Workshop by Abby Grace | image by Kaitlyn PhippsA Practical Wedding Workshop by Abby Grace | image by Kaitlyn PhippsA Practical Wedding Workshop by Abby Grace | image by Kaitlyn Phipps

If you’re interested in attending the next APWW, make sure to sign up for the newsletter on the left-hand side of the page- you’ll be the first to hear when we announce the next date!

A Practical Wedding Workshop, November recap!

November 13, 2015

  1. Jean says:

    Great photos. Your parents home is a great venue!

  2. Denise Karis says:

    Rockstar! This looks like so much fun!!!

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