SAVE $1000 code BLACKFRIDAY
VALID UNTIL DECEMBER 5
SINGLE OR DOUBLE OCCUPANCY RATES
in person workshop
February 23-27 2026
tulum is calling
Get ready for El Retiro - a very Mexican retreat.
Sun. Style. Connection. Creativity.
Join us this February 23–27, 2026, at the stunning Ambre & Epices & Yum Kaax Villas in Tulum. Set in a lush jungle oasis, this boutique retreat offers the perfect backdrop for unforgettable shoots, meaningful connections, and inspired moments.
CREATE. CONNECT. GROW.
LIMITED TO 20 ATTENDEES
reserve my spot
Imagine slowing down. Not just snapping for quantity, but crafting each frame LEARNING lightING, posing AND FULL OF intention.
Picture yourself shooting in a pristine jungle-riad oasis, surrounded by creatives who dream as big as you do. Over 5 days, you’ll build a next-level portfolio, get real business clarity, and forge lifelong friendships.
This isn’t just a retreat. It’s a reset. A launchpad. A chance to bring your vision to life with support, structure, and space to breathe.
Itinerary Highlights
DAY ONE
Arrival, orientation & welcome cocktail reception
DAY TWO
Rotating styled sessions (3 mini sessions + 3 longer sessions), classroom learning, all your meals, drinks, swag and more.
DAY THREE
Panel discussion, round tables, headshots, adventure shoots + off-site dinner.
DAY FOUR
Rotating styled sessions (3 mini sessions + 3 longer sessions), classroom learning, all your meals, drinks, swag and more.
DAY FIVE
Wrap up and farewell breakfast. Some tears and see you soons.
Experiences Loading...
4 nights accommodation at Ambre & Epices & Yum Kaax Villas (literal dreams)
All meals & beverages for the duration of your stay (where the best convos happen)
A group excursion and off-site dinner for creative connection
Editorial-styled shoots with professional models in magical locations
Portfolio reviews + business mentorship
Behind-the-scenes photo + video capture (so you can repurpose, learn, and elevate)
One-on-one coaching and direct feedback from world-class educators
Travel Booking Assistance by our TICO Certified Travel Professional
Access to a private Facebook group beforehand for prep & connection
Detailed Questionnaire so we can Best Customize for our Attendees
this retreat is made for you if you are...
A photographer who already books clients but craves deeper creative expression.
Ambitious and serious about leveling up your portfolio + business.
Longing for connection with people who understand your drive, your dreams, and your craft.
Ready to pause the hustle, breathe, learn, and re-center your creativity.
Searching for a creative recharge
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
Fer Juaristi
Fer Juaristi is a prominent wedding photographer from Mexico, known for his innovative approach that blends artistic expression with traditional wedding photography. Juaristi’s photography is characterised by a unique aesthetic that emphasises emotional storytelling. He aims to immortalise genuine moments and connections between individuals, capturing love stories in a way that feels both personal and artistic.
Fer Juaristi is recognised as one of the photographers who has elevated wedding photography to an art form. His work has inspired many in the industry, making him a sought-after figure for couples looking to capture their special moments in a distinctive way
MEET YOUR EDUCATORS
ferjuaristi.com
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
Jeff + Cat Chang
Jeff and Cat Chang are wedding photographers with over 17 years of experience, known for their cinematic, bold, and playful approach to storytelling. As co-founders of The Apartment, they've built a reputation for creating editorial imagery that feels both artful and deeply personal. Beyond photographing weddings, Jeff is passionate about helping photographers elevate their craft, whether through client experience, social media, or workflow. With a no-fluff, approachable teaching style, he focuses on practical strategies that make a real impact. At the retreat, expect Jeff and Cat to bring honesty, energy, and insight to help photographers create meaningful, lasting and relevant work.
MEET YOUR EDUCATORS
www.theapartmentphotography.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
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!
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
reserve my spot
overheard:
— CATH, FRANCE + ITALY ATTENDEE
They have literally left nothing behind my best experience and brain overload. They don't gate keep anything and they're just sharing all of their knowledge and just spilling it into you.
“Every single detail was thought of,”
overheard:
— haley, FRANCE + ITALY ATTENDEE
I really just expected to come get some pictures for my portfolio, but the value of the stuff that I've got has been amazing. In a lot of photography groups that I'm in, it feels like they gatekeep sometimes and there was like none of that here.
If anything, I left here with friends.
“Everybody here is rooting for you.”
overheard:
— andi, FRANCE + ITALY ATTENDEE
I don't even know if you can actually fully describe it. It's been perfect. I am waiting to just hand him my credit card for the next one because like this was phenomenal. Gary and Kim are amazing. They're probably the sweetest, nicest, most generous people like you'll ever meet and they want everybody to succeed
and that's really important.
“It's gonna be the best experience of your life.”
overheard:
— emily, FRANCE attendee
I know I had heard that we would get one-on-one time with the educators, but to have them with us side by side throughout the entire thing has been incredible and the amount of knowledge and wisdom I've gained, but also friendships and getting to know them as friends and colleagues, not as big names has been really cool.
“You feel like they created this entire experience for you”
overheard:
— ujjwal, FRANCE + ITALY ATTENDEE
It's A hundred percent worth it. A hundred percent worth it
“100%”
Shout out to our Sponsors
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
- Speedy Styled Session Rotation x 3
- Classroom Learning Session
- Classroom Learning Session
- Onsite Lunch
- Styled Session
- 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
- Speedy Styled Session Rotation x 3
- Classroom Learning Session
- Classroom Learning Session
- Onsite Lunch
- Styled Session
- Styled Session
- Styled Session
- Onsite Dinner
05
DAY FIVE
Fri Feb 27 2026
- Breakfast & Wrap Up
- Farewell
Mood Boards Coming Soon
On the fence?
Check out the frequently asked questions to set your mind at ease when deciding if this online course is right for you.
Do I need to be super experienced / pro-level to join?
What gear should I bring?
What about travel?
Not at all. While many attendees already have experience, this retreat is also designed for ambitious photographers who are ready to level up both creatively and in business
Bring whatever you shoot with comfortably. We’ll have multiple styled setups and educators to guide lighting, posing, and technique regardless of your kit. We'll also provide you with helpful guides of what we recommend bringing in our facebook group exclusively for attendees. You can also share gear with others who shoot your brand.
Airfare and transfer from the airport is not included, but once you get there, we have you covered. We partner with a TICO-certified travel professional (Northstar Travel) to make booking easy, safe and secure.
Can I bring someone who isn’t a photographer?
What if I change my mind / need to cancel?
The deposit is non-refundable. Final payment is also 100% non-refundable after January 10, 2026. (We encourage participants to consider travel insurance.) If you find you can't come, you can always find a replacement attendee to fill your spot.
Don’t see your question in the FAQ above?
Drop me an email at support@garyandkimevans.com and ask away!
Yes! You can bring a non-photographer guest for $2,500 USD (includes accommodation, meals, and the group excursion). They'll be included in all the fun and there's so many areas they can chill at the villa when we're busy.
What kind of photography business education will I get?
You’ll have real hands on experience with all our educators where you can ask them any questions and have meaningful conversations to push you and your business forward. There's no gatekeeping here. We provide a balance of hands on shooting plus some education sessions.
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 January 10, 2026 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 2027....Yaaasss!
