Thinking of the Kayla Barker workshop fills my heart with so much happiness. I don’t even know where to start. I guess this rehearsal dinner inspiration before the Chateau St. Julien wedding is a good way!

This experience was over the top in every way.

Thomas and I decided to elevate our photography and attend a workshop in France this summer. Honestly, it was really on a whim. I had casually mentioned a workshop in France and he looked at me in the car and said, “Why not?” Well, that was all I needed to reach out to Kayla and learn more about the workshop.

After hearing about the chateau, the styled shoots, and the personal chef, we were all in. Oh, and it was in France, did I mention that?

Thomas and I left Milan, flew to Paris, and took the train to Poiters. Needless to say, a gorgeous couple was sitting behind us on the train and I whispered to Thomas “dang – I hope they’re our models!” Sure enough – a few hours later we were introduced to Kylie and Brytny along with 15 other amazingly talented photographers.

When we arrived at the chateau we were greeted with champagne and big hugs from Kayla! We were all shown to our rooms (which were amazing – just historic enough with some modern touches) and enjoyed the welcome dinner a few hours later.

The next day, we spent some time learning from Kayla in the classroom and that evening, we put our lessons to work with Brytny and Kylie’s “rehearsal dinner” look. Brytny wore a gorgeous two piece Tatyana Merenyk gown and Bows and Arrows crushed it with these flowers. I died. I love the loose and textured bouquet! The balance is just divine. To top it off, the whole weekend was styled by the uber talented Stefanie Miles who flew over from Texas with two suitcases filled to the brim with details.

It was such a special weekend – I can’t wait to share more!

Thank you to all of the vendors: Kayla Barker, Stefanie Miles, Bows and Arrows, Richard Photo Lab, My Beauty Corner, Tatyana Merenyuk, Silk and Willow, Posh Couture Rentals, and Chateau Julien.