This past week I had the amazing opportunity of taking the StyleLab seminar taught by Chenin Boutwell, The Wedding Chicks, and Totally Rad Actions! Although Southern California is known for its year round sunny weather, for some odd (and rare!) reason, El Nino decided to make a comeback on our very first day! I remember looking around the room at the other photographers, who all seemed to be thinking the same thing — what is going on? And when is this rain going to stop?
When the tornado warning (yeah a tornado warning!) finally went around the room via twitter updates, Chenin finally realized that it was now or never to shoot the outdoor “wedding reception”. Immediately Jocey and Amy from the Wedding Chicks began passing around trash bags to use as ponchos and protect our cameras as we made our way out into the stormy outdoor reception. (Don’t judge, we were definitely ghetto fabulous!). We must’ve all looked silly to the staff at Arroyo Trabuco because we were actually excited and laughing at our predicament as we followed our fearless leader (Chenin) out into the rain!
We probably shot for a good 15-20 minutes until the conditions started to deteriorate and forced us back inside. Although Chenin later admitted to us that she was internally freaking out, she never once showed that side of her. That’s how awesome she rocked it out. And she was definitely rewarded for it because about 1-2 hours later when the sun started to show it’s face.
here are my favorite photographs from StyleLab…
The wedding reception piece was styled by Angel Swanson of Events of Love and Splendor. If you’re a nerd like me, you are going to LOVE her stylish concept. No joke!
Chenin, Jocey, Amy, and Doug. I just wanted to personally thank you all for teaching an amazing seminar and sharing your talent and stories to all of us. Ya’ll definitely brought pretty back! I’m sure we all left knowing that this was a workshop we’d never forget. ever. For anyone even thinking about taking StyleLab. Don’t even think! Just do it! You won’t regret it!
Thank you also to the vendors who helped style the StyleLab with their amazing talent and creativity and especially to Angel Swanson for *re-setting* everything up once the rain stopped!
Styled By: Angel Swanson of Events of Love & Splendor
Floral Design: The Treasured Petal
Stationary: Wiley Valentine
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Dress Designer: Joan Shum
Makeup & Hair: All Made Up Team
Deserts & Goodies: Vanilla Bakeshop
Venue: Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
Also to the following sponsors for their coupons and giveaways to all of us attendees— My Funky Camera ( I won a camera strap from them!!), Shootsac , ProDPI , Colorati, Finao Albums , & Totally Rad Actions
Lastly… I’d also like to thank the 20 new friends I made that day, including Amanda and Mike who were our lovely models that day! Words can’t even describe you how awesome you all were and I’m definitely grateful at the opportunity of having met, and bumping via iPhone you all! (so who shot the video?? C’mon and share!). ‘Til next time…
love your images, especially your details. so fun to have experienced this workshop with you. it was seriously so much fun, all of it, the rain, the food, the shoot, everything! heart you!
We had so much fun with all of you and I’m so glad we bumped at the end!! There’s a video?!!? I want to see!!!
by kristine atienza
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