in person workshops
The Retreat
Tired of shooting in a giant group, snapping what's already been set up, looking at an inexperienced model in an old battered wedding gown? Tired of getting the same images as everyone else and nothing useable for your portfolio?
Us too.
TOP SHELF retreats
It's time you set clear intentions and push your portfolio and business to the next level.
With our help.
The Retreat is a curated photography experience created to give you the tools to take your brand to new heights. Along with our guest educators we're providing attendees with opportunities to build their portfolio with hands on, one-on-one guidance to perfect their craft.
We'll help you build a cohesive and next level portfolio that helps to showcase your skills to book more of your ideal clients.
GET YOUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING.
Shout out to our Sponsors
Wouldn't it be nice...
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Imagine a mindset shift where you are not blasting away at whatever is in front of you but you're perfecting images while you're shooting. Slowing down and crafting your images with creative posing and lighting. Creating quality images that are portfolio ready not a quantity of average.
LUXURY FOR YOU
Imagine not just creating luxe images but experiencing luxury yourself at one of the top wedding venues in the world.
BUSINESS BOOST
Imagine learning and implementing your best business practices with the help of a team of photographers who are practicing what they preach.
A COMMUNITY OF COLLABORATION
Imagine the spirit of collaboration and creativity only a fully immersive retreat experience can provide. Here for your success, feedback and late night wine.
Great News. That's where we come in.
- the workshop and retreat experience that we've always dreamed of but couldn't find
- shoot in small groups so everyone can see their vision come to life.
- staying and playing together so there's access to each other and the educators.
- constructive feedback to help each other improve
- building stronger brands with bigger vision
- experiencing the local culture and exploring
- recharge and renew our passion for our craft
- having fun and creating in a spectacular location.
All you've got to do is say YES!
august 25-29 2025
il ritiro in Lucca, Italy
Join us for an unforgettable retreat at the luxurious Villa Michaela in the heart of Lucca, Italy. Nestled between Florence and Pisa, this stunning villa offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern elegance, surrounded by breathtaking views of Tuscany.
With a MAXIMUM of 20 attendees, we’ve reserved the entire villa for complete privacy, ensuring a transformative and immersive experience. You’ll have one-on-one coaching with our expert team in various luxury styled areas, with professional models for hands-on practice. Deep dive into your business and portfolio, creating lasting connections and strategies to elevate your craft.
TELL ME MORE ABOUT ITALY
Previous Educators
We strive to bring the best of the best for you to shoot alongside with, learn from and connect with. You won't find educators who gatekeep here.
Simply not allowed.
Our vibe is collaborative, supportive and open.
And best of all, our educators, attendees and team all stay together to best create an unparalleled community. We all know some of the best learning comes after hours with a glass of wine, right?
TOP SHELF EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
LA RETRAITE FRANCE 2024
Kim Evans
An award winning designer, Kim has worked in television as art director and designer for multiple wedding shows. After building a successful floral design and decor business, Kim now focuses on creating out of the box experiences with Pop Up Weddings and I Do Box a wedding subscription box. Kim thrives teaching others how to create Pop Up Weddings and how to break boundaries in their own industries. Through vision, organization and analyzing all aspects of your business, Kim loves to see her students increase their profitability, time, creativity and lead a life they love.
MEET YOUR EDUCATORS
www.garyandkimevans.com
LA RETRAITE FRANCE 2024
Rabih Madi
Rabih is an award-winning wedding photographer based in Canada, renowned for a distinctive style that blends photojournalistic storytelling with a bold, contrasty aesthetic. With a passion for capturing candid moments and genuine emotions, Rabih creates stunning visual narratives that celebrate the unique love stories of each couple.
Having photographed weddings across diverse countries and cultures, Rabih has a deep appreciation for the significance of tradition. He believes in keeping these rich customs alive by artfully capturing the unique stories of each couple.
MEET YOUR EDUCATORS
www.madiphotography.com
LA RETRAITE FRANCE 2024
Sara France
Sara France is a sought-after artist in the world of luxury wedding photography. Based in Southern California, and with more than 20 years of experience, Sara has employed her entrepreneurial acumen to grow a business far beyond her personal career. She is the founder of The Copper Collective, a boutique all-female team of talented photographers, and Shay Studios, which creates a wide range of visual content for brands, with an ethos rooted in helping women succeed. Sara is a Sony Artisan of Imagery and a founding mentor for the Sony Alpha Female program. Her images were selected by Apple to be shown online and in stores around the world. She’s also an accomplished speaker whose engagements allow her to share her passion for beautifully capturing a couple’s most significant experience as well as her business expertise.
MEET YOUR EDUCATORS
www.sarafrance.com
LA RETRAITE FRANCE 2024
Mandy Wright
Mandy Wright is an accomplished travel wedding photographer and educator based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With a passion for capturing emotion and a sense of place she has become known for her ability to create stunning images that tell a story. Her love for education inspired her to co-found Wild Heart Workshops, where they have helped countless photographers break into the wedding industry by offering content creating sessions and second shooting bootcamps. She shares her expertise and love for photography with aspiring photographers, helping them hone their skills and unleash their creative potential.
MEET YOUR EDUCATORS
www.mandywrightphotography.com
“Every step of the way you feel thought of, honoured and you feel like they created this entire experience for you.”
WHAT OUR ATTENDEES HAVE TO SAY
sylvie finally starter her own biz
“If you know, you know I'm baby adaptogen. Four loko fashion axe fam 3 wolf moon.”
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WANT TO JOIN US ON OUR NEXT RETREAT?
Waitlist Please!
Maybe you're not ready just yet for The Retreat. Join the waitlist for first dibs on our upcoming 2026 Retreats....Si!
