JC/OC Workshop

Yes, I know it's past 2am, but I'm still on California time. And I have to tell you about my trip :).

Earlier this summer, I heard that Jessica Claire, one of my very favorite photographers, would be hosting her first ever photography workshop from her home studio in Southern California. The date was kept a secret for quite some time, and because the workshop was limited to only about 20 attendees, I knew I'd never have a chance to get in. This is the type of workshop that photographers form all over the country (and even out of the country) want to go to and will gladly pay whatever it costs. I knew the competition to get a spot would be fierce.

Well, fiercer than fierce. More like brutal.

So, I started stalking Jessica on twitter and facebook so I would be in the know as to when the event was being held and when registration was opened. It was quite sad, to be honest, but I wanted to go to that workshop more than I wanted ice cream or starbucks or a new pair of shoes.

Yeah, intense.

Not too long after I learned that there would be a workshop, I noticed via Twitter that Jessica had opened registration. The only problem, though, was that I was in my car. Riding, not driving, mind you. I let out a little yelp to my so-very-confused husband and tried to register via my phone but it wouldn't load the flash page!! My heart started beating fast, my palms were sweaty, and the venti iced coffee Jon had bought me threatened to make a reappearance. I HAD to register! So I called my brother at work to see if he could help me, but he was on another call. Blast! Then I called one of my former co-workers and asked him to register me. He did so rather excitedly, and I burst out into song (literally. it was quite beautiful. but you had to be there...) because I was sure I had registered in time.

I anxiously checked my phone every three minutes (ok, let's be honest, it was more like every 30 seconds) for an email about the conference, but it hit midnight and still nothing. It was late, but I just had to know... did I get in to the workshop??? We were up watching the cards game anyway, and right before 1am, I got it. The email. I got in!!

Somehow, I was blessed to have a seat in the workshop and I couldn't have been more thrilled! What made it even more exciting, though, was that Jon would be coming with me for a mini baby-moon after the workshop. It was quite splendid. And I scored an amazing deal at an equally amazing hotel. Check out the view:

And now on to the whole reason why I was in SoCal: the workshop.

We started off the day in Jessica's studio. While Jessica was teaching, I found myself in a near state of shock. THE Jessica Claire. That's who was sitting just a few feet in front of me. THE Jessica Claire who was named one of PDN's top 10 wedding photographers in the WORLD. THE Jessica Claire who inspired me with her beautiful imagery when I was first starting out years ago. How did I get so lucky to have a seat in her class


After a few hours of teaching, Jessica walked us through what a typical wedding day would like for her, starting out at the bride's house while she was getting ready




Then we headed to an outdoor wedding that had been set up for our class. It was absolutely, 100% amazing. Lovely details, gorgeous models, seamless beauty. Jessica started off by photographing some of the details


And then the rest of us jumped in


Such a beautimous setting for a wedding. I love California. I need to move there.


Jessica photographing the models


And our turn


I spent the majority of my time photographing the details of the event, which was put together by the fabulous Grey Likes Weddings. Really, the styling was perfectly splendid, and if I could do my wedding all over again, this would be it. I mean really, don't you think this is just the perfect wedding?

The lovely Gena, looking fab thanks to Vivian Tran of All Made Up

Gorgeous florals by Flora Organica


loved the photobooth


This cake not only looked adorable, but smelled delicious, courtesy of Cheryl Stewart of Cake My Day. It was all I could not to throw down my camera and hurl myself toward the sugary confection. But I restrained myself. Luckily.




When I returned to St. Louis after the workshop, I was refreshed, inspired, and even a little bit tan. It was marvelous indeed.

Vendors that made the day possible:
Event & Photo Stylist: Grey Likes Weddings
Floral Design: Flora Organica
Hair & Makeup: Vivian Tran: All Made Up
Wedding Stationary, Favors, and Paper Suite: MaeMae Paperie
Printing of paper products: Czar Press
Fabric Rosettes, shoe clips, and "just married" banner over cake: B. Poetic
Cake: Cheryl Stewart of Cake My Day