in person workshop
February 23-27 2026
el retiro
Tulum is Calling—Are You In?
Sun. Style. Connection. Creativity.
Join us this February 23–27, 2026, at the stunning Ambre & Epices Villas in Tulum. Set in a lush jungle oasis, this boutique retreat offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable shoots, meaningful connections, and inspired moments.
A VERY MEXICAN RETREAT
Location, location, location.
Villa Riad Ambre et Epices is located in one of Tulum’s newest neighbourhoods, just 15 minutes away from the beach and very close to the town’s vibrant center.
Distance to TULUM Airport:
(IATA: TQO): 40 km / 25 miles / ~40 min drive away.
Distance to Cancun Airport:
(IATA: CUN): 119 km / 74 miles / ~1.5 hrs drive away.
All you've got to do is say SI!
What's Included
4 nights accommodation at Ambre & Epices
All meals & beverages for the duration of your stay
Group excursion with offsite dinner
Multiple luxury editorial styled shoots with models
Classroom learning and portfolio reviews
Behind the scenes photo and video
Coaching and Shooting with all of our educators
Travel Booking Assistance by our TICO Certified Travel Professional
Access to a Private Facebook Group for Attendees to Best Prepare for the Retreat
Detailed Questionnaire so we can Best Customize for our Attendees
Pricing Options
Double Occupancy
Share a room with your bestie or ask us to find a compatible business BFF. Limited number of twin rooms available.
$4500 USD
Single Occupancy
Want to spread out and have a beautiful room all to yourself? Each room has plenty of storage and an ensuite.
$5500 USD
You're Not Going Without Me
Bringing a non-photographer spouse or bestie? We would love to have them enjoy the Villas and Tulum with us! They'll join us for all meals and the excusion and off-site dinner. They can relax and enjoy the Villas while you're learning. Must be the second occupant in a Double Occupancy rate room.
$2500 USD
COUNT ME IN
Mood Boards Coming Soon
01
DAY ONE
Mon Feb 23 2026
- Afternoon Registration
- Property walk through + orientation
- Welcome Meet & Greet cocktail reception
02
DAY TWO
Tues Feb 24 2026
- Breakfast
- Classroom Learning Session
- Classroom Learning Session
- Styled Session
- Onsite Lunch
- Styled Session
- Styled Session
- Onsite Dinner
03
DAY THREE
Wed Feb 25 2026
- Breakfast
- Round tables Educators
- Panel Discussion
- Headshots
- Shooting Adventure at Secret Location
- Offsite Dinner
- Return to Villa following dinner
Your Schedule
04
DAY FOUR
Thurs Feb 26 2026
- Breakfast
- Classroom Learning Session
- Classroom Learning Session
- Styled Session
- Onsite Lunch
- Styled Session
- Styled Session
- Onsite Dinner
05
DAY FIVE
Fri Feb 27 2026
- Breakfast & Wrap Up
- Farewell
EL RETIRO MEXICO 2026
Gary Evans
Recently ranked #8 worldwide for wedding photography, Gary Evans is a passionate educator pushing himself to create award winning images for his clients. Originally from Cardiff, Wales, Gary currently lives and works in Ontario, Canada. Gary's passion for a rich client experience easily translates to his students where his "no gatekeeping" approach sees others exceed their own expectations and reach new heights. His goal is pass along the knowledge and passion that has given him the life he loves.
MEET YOUR EDUCATORS
www.gary-evans.ca
EL RETIRO MEXICO 2026
Kiamarie Lambert
Award winning and internationally published NJ wedding photographer Kiamarie Lambert captures bright, romantic, joy filled weddings on film and digital cameras. A true believer in community over competition and mastering your craft, Kiamarie's weddings have been featured on some of the most popular online wedding blogs and in print all throughout the world. Catching the eye of Nikon in 2017, she has been featured on their social media accounts and named one of their top 100 photographers in 2018. She was also named a Style Me Pretty "Little Black Book" Photographer in the Spring of 2021. She consistently hosts her own sold out workshops all over the US, speaks at multiple conferences yearly, holds her Master’s Degree in Corporate and Public Communication and mentors often.
MEET YOUR EDUCATORS
www.kaitlambert.com
EL RETIRO MEXICO 2026
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
EL RETIRO MEXICO 2026
Rockstar Educator
Stay tuned for info on another amazing educator who will be joining us in Mexico
MEET YOUR EDUCATORS
EL RETIRO MEXICO 2026
Rockstar Educator
Stay tuned for info on another amazing educator who will be joining us in Mexico
MEET YOUR EDUCATORS
Shout out to our Sponsors
sound good?
Then Let's Do This.
Bookings will be made through our travel partner
Northstar Travel & Associates
201-678 Belmont Ave West
Kitchener, ON N2M 1N6 CANADA
Direct: 519-577-2572
kimevans@northstartravel.ca TICO 2569684 IATA 67862616
***Terms & Conditions***
A Non-refundable deposit of 1,500.00USD is required at time of booking.
Final payment is due December 15, 2025 and is 100% non-refundable from final payment date to departure date.
Airfare not included.
Transportation from airport to and from the venue not included.
inquire with us
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 next Retreats in 2026/2027....Yaaasss!
