This is our second Pretty Project Workshop, and the theme this year was Pretty in Pink, held at Malibou Lake Lodge. The day was featured on Green Wedding Shoes, which still feels surreal to say out loud. At Lisa Leanne Photography, I love pushing past the standard wedding portfolio brief. This workshop was built around a bride who’s bold with color and not afraid to lean into it.
A Dreamy Pink Celebration at Malibou Lake Lodge
Nicole from The Bloemist Floral Design set the mood from the start. She walked in and said, “I’m feeling bubble gum pink, you guys!” and that was that. The palette ran from soft blush to deep fuchsia, and Malibou Lake Lodge’s rustic architecture gave us something grounded to set it all against. That contrast, bold color against natural wood and stone, worked better than I expected.
Last year we had 25 attendees working through three sessions on core industry skills. This year we shifted the format so photographers could be inside the shoot itself, not just watching. People practiced flat lays, motion shots, and the behind-the-scenes coordination that goes into pulling off a day like this. The images from #makeitpretty19 were the strongest yet, and the energy in the room matched that.
Collaborating with Incredible Vendors for a Stunning Styled Shoot
The workshop came together because of vendors who were genuinely excited to experiment. Here’s who made it happen:
- Onyx and Redwood Events, based in Santa Barbara, handled the overall design with an edge that kept the pink from feeling too sweet. The styling had real depth to it.
- Lovli, a mother-daughter duo from Southern Alberta, hand-painted over 400 feet of custom fabric that was draped across the ballroom ceiling. It created this dreamy, slightly theatrical atmosphere, baby’s breath floating through the whole thing. That same fabric came back on the dessert backdrop, the tablescape, the sweetheart bar, and the boat scene.
- Midnight Confetti and Forrest and J added mirrored details and embossed suede to the tablescapes, which gave everything a quietly luxurious feel.
- Party Pleasers put together the lounge area, which became everyone’s favorite place to land between shots.
The finishing touches
The second half of the day brought the most showstopping moments:
- The dessert backdrop was built by Forrest and J with install help from Love This Way LA. Sugar Crush Sweets filled it with their work, and the floating tiered cake was the centerpiece everyone stopped to photograph.
- Forrest and J also transformed the sweetheart table into a bar setup, which kept the energy going all afternoon.
- Galia Lahav lent couture gowns from their latest collection. The final look was an embellished floral piece that tied the whole palette together perfectly.
- The Typsy Gypsy Wandering Bar, dressed by Nicole and The Bloemist, was a hit from the moment it opened. Solid pink, wonderfully chaotic.
- Our grand finale was a pink rowboat on the lake that looked like it was floating on a pink cloud. Getting that shot took five people towing the boat, me standing on a stylist’s shoulders for the right angle, and two more lifting it over a private gate. Worth it.
Kelly Balch filmed the whole day, and the video she put together captures exactly what the workshop felt like: fast, colorful, and full of people who care a lot about what they do.
Why Styled Workshops Like The Pretty Project Matter
Styled shoots and workshops like The Pretty Project give photographers a space to try things that wouldn’t fly on a real wedding day. You can experiment with bold concepts, test new techniques, and shoot without the pressure of a timeline. The other thing I value is the people you meet. Some of my closest industry friendships came out of days like this one, and our Boho Love Story shoot at Triunfo Creek was where the whole idea for this series first took shape.
If you’d like to work with a photographer who loves a bold brief, take a look at my wedding photography services or get in touch. I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Pretty Project Workshop?
The Pretty Project Workshop is a hands-on event for photographers and wedding professionals who want to shoot and style high-end, fashion-forward content. Sessions cover photography techniques, styling, and the behind-the-scenes coordination that makes a styled shoot come together.
Where was the Pretty in Pink workshop held?
The Pretty in Pink workshop was held at Malibou Lake Lodge in Ventura County, California. The venue’s rustic architecture and lakeside setting gave us a lot to work with, especially for the boat scene at the end of the day.
How can I book Lisa Leanne Photography for my wedding?
You can reach out through the contact page on the website. I’d suggest getting in touch early, especially for peak wedding dates, so we have plenty of time to talk through what you’re envisioning.
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