I’m so excited to finally share our first Pretty Project Workshop. We held it at Retreat Malibu in Ventura County, California, and it was the kind of day I’ll be thinking about for a long time. The whole event was picked up by Green Wedding Shoes, which felt like the perfect ending to an already wonderful day. The concept grew out of the Boho Love Story shoot we did the year before at Triunfo Creek Vineyards (you can also see the related Triunfo Creek Vineyards editorial from that location). We wanted to take that energy and build something more: a full day of hands-on learning for wedding industry creatives, built around a styled shoot. You can read more about our creative workshops for photographers and stylists.
A Modern Tea Party Experience at Retreat Malibu
The workshop leaned into a modern tea party aesthetic: soft colors, considered details, and a lot of natural light across the Malibu coastal hillside. JLN Studios pulled it together. That’s Jenny, Lisa, and Nicole, covering styling, photography, and floral design between us. Attendees worked through three expert-led classes: Styling and Design with Forrest & J, Photography with Wisteria Photography, and Floral Design with The Bloemist. It was a full, busy, genuinely fun day.
Hatch Cafe provided breakfast and lunch, and they were both great. Guests also went home with swag bags packed with gifts from our sponsors: Black Twine, Mole Hollow Candles, and Lolli and Pops, among others. From the tablescape to the florals, every piece of the day was put together with real intention.
Crafting Beauty: Design, Florals, and Details
Jenny Leu designed the tea party tablescape, and it was a standout. She pulled modern tabletop pieces from Anthropologie and wove in vintage elements from My Lovely Events. The result felt polished but not stiff. She also built a custom photo backdrop that served as the anchor for the styled shoot and doubled as a photo spot for guests. Nicole Lourie’s florals draped across it, and a “Wild & Free” neon sign from Neon Dive Bar gave it exactly the right burst of color.
Nicole’s floral design held the whole workshop together. She worked with pressed ferns, loose florals, and climbing palm installations to build something wild and layered and full of texture. Her arrangements covered the escort display table and anchored the floral station where attendees made their own bouquets. The cosmos-inspired bouquet and matching floral hair comb sat beautifully against the Orion gown from Watters. Our groom’s look got a custom floral tie and pocket square from Neck & Tie Company, which finished the scene perfectly.
Christy at Lazy Creative Designs made the neon invitation suites, hand-painted menus, and hand-lettered escort pots and signage by hand. Creative Amme’s “Love of Sugar” laser-cut sign anchored the airstream lounge, which Golden Arrow Events styled beautifully, balloon installations and all. Sugar Crush Sweets and Elise Cakes brought the desserts, and they were a hit. Kelly Balch Video was there all day capturing behind-the-scenes footage so we’d have a record of how it all came together.
An Unforgettable Day of Learning and Celebration
The Pretty Project Workshop was more than a styled shoot. It was a full day where industry creatives worked side by side, learned from each other, and celebrated the work they love. We wrapped up in the airstream lounge with a farewell toast, generously sponsored by Black Twine. I finished the day by taking our bride and groom models out into the Malibu hills for sunset portraits. Those quiet frames at the end of a busy day are always the ones I treasure most.
I’m so grateful to every vendor, educator, and attendee who brought the day to life. Working with that group of creatives was one of the highlights of my year, and we’re already planning to bring the Pretty Project Workshop back in the fall. If you’d like to explore my work or hear about future workshops, have a look at my wedding photography services or get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pretty Project Workshop?
The Pretty Project Workshop is a one-day, hands-on event for wedding industry professionals. It runs expert-led classes in styling, photography, and floral design, alongside a styled shoot and real time to connect with other creatives. The goal is simple: leave the day with new skills and new friendships.
Who should attend the Pretty Project Workshop?
This workshop suits photographers, wedding planners, stylists, florists, and anyone else working in the wedding industry who wants hands-on experience. If you’re looking to sharpen your craft and spend a day working alongside other creatives in a beautiful setting, this is for you.
Where is the Pretty Project Workshop held?
The Pretty Project Workshop is held at Retreat Malibu in California. The property sits in the coastal hills with open views and relaxed, elegant spaces that work beautifully for both workshops and styled shoots.
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