Creative Direction and Styling at Joy Thigpen’s Workshop in Atlanta, GA

Nestled in the woods, just outside of Atlanta at the cozy Serenbe, I joined Joy Thigpen in a two-day workshop exploring creative direction and styling.

Here are some photos of the gorgeous setting:

Some highlights from the workshop included exercises exploring topics such as role definition, and goal exploration, branding, and submissions. We also discussed photography and styling, photo shoots versus styled shoots, and overall creative direction for weddings. One of my personal highlights was trying my hand at styling my own floral arrangement!

Here are some photos from that afternoon:

After Joy made it look so effortless,  it’s my turn to take create…

In a sense, I feel that the workshop confirmed the fact I know more about this industry than I give myself credit for.  To have that feeling validated by another well respected person in the industry was very fulfilling.  As the days and months go by, I’m excited to see what tools I’ll find myself using from this experience. In hindsight, there are two main points I came away with as a result of taking this workshop:

At the workshop, we took time to define the roles of a planner, creative director and stylist. I found applicable qualities within myself, my business and what I offer clients in each of these categories.  This allowed me to see that I am more than just a ‘planner’, and that I need to do a better job communicating this to future clients.

A new goal of mine is to voice my strengths and capabilities with more intention and pride.

Second, it was helpful for me to take some time to consider and review the first steps I take when I am getting to know a new client.  It’s so important to me that my events be true reflections of my clients.  In the past, I have sometimes felt I was having a difficult time finding the tools to learn more about my clients in an effort to successfully tell their storie.  As a result of this workshop, I feel that I have gained a beautiful insight and am excited to see what future events and projects come our way!

Below is a photo of the arrangement that I created that was photographed by the talented Rylee Hitchner. Thanks for the beautiful image Rylee!  And to Joy, thank you for the wonderful opportunity and fond memories.

Photo By: Rylee Hitchner