I have always loved photographing weddings but I have had to limit the ones I take due to pregnancies. As we enter a new phase in our family (last baby!) I am finally able to pursue my dream of being a wedding photographer, and thus, I’ve launched Alicia Johnson Photography which will focus on engagements and weddings!
Wanting to get off on the right foot as I make this transition I decided to invest is some wedding photography education. I considered going to large conferences like WPPI, ClickAWay, or the Fearless conference. I’ve attended some in the past and I felt inspired and entertained, but I didn’t feel like I learned much about business practices and strategies which is the guidance I’m needing right now.
Fate stepped in and I was fortunate enough to meet Kristen Weaver of Kristen Weaver Photography at a wedding at the beautiful Bella Collina. We connected after the event and I learned that she had an upcoming two day intensive workshop at her studio in Orlando, FL. As I researched what it offered I discovered it was just what I was looking for – no fluff and all business instruction from one of the best wedding photographers in Florida! We covered unimaginable amounts of information. Topics ranged from marketing, networking, social media, client relationships, business practices, business tools, contracts, finances, SEO, wedding albums, and more. Her openness, cleverness, and business savvy tips were just what I was looking for as I launch my new business.
The icing on the cake was a styled shoot designed by her awesome team on our final evening together. Having never done a styled shoot it was amazing to see how an amazing idea and some inspiration pictures and prints presented to a talented team of wedding professionals could create something so beautiful! Each detail was stunning – the unique hand painted table, colorful stationary, amazing florals (oh those florals!), place settings, cake, candles, and fun accents. There were also professional models dressed in stylish wedding attire and impressive jewelry which brought it all to life. It was beautifully executed and so inspiring! It was also fun to watch Kristen “in action” and observe how she guided the models and set up her shots. An added bonus, Kristen was kind enough to let me play with her amazing Nikon 58mm lens which I have been considering purchasing!
Each moment of the two days was valuable and I am so grateful to have been given the guidance I needed as I more fully pursue the wedding photography adventure.
Floral Design: Raining Roses Production Inc.
Hair & Makeup: Luma Bridal
Videography: KEJ Productions
Jewelry: Emma Lee Designs
Stationery: Lattice Tree Studio
Cake Artist: Florida Sweets & Co
Models: Modern Muse
Chairs: A Chair Affair
Gown Designers: Hayley Paige | Sarah Seven | Blush by Hayley Paige
Bridal Shop: Calvet Couture Bridal Boutique
