Back in September my friend Suzanne of Bella lei Glamour Photographie attended Katelyn James’ The Workshop Experience, a refined workshop that Katelyn James started hosting in her own home. While at the 2 day workshop, Suzanne was constantly instagramming. I’ve been following Katelyn James for YEARS and I’ve always wanted to go to one of her workshops but Suzanne finally gave me the push I needed. I register for the November workshop without hesitation!

Fast forward to Monday, November 4th, when I packed up my car with the clothing and toiletry necessities for a week in Virginia, my camera gear, and my laptop (naively thinking I’d had time to get some work done lol). I drove 6 hours to Charleston, WV and stayed the night in a Best Western and woke up Tuesday morning to finish the last leg of the trip to Richmond, VA. I stopped at the Richmond International Airport to pick up a fellow workshop attendee, Clare, and we made the 20 minute drive to the house that we and another girl, Megan, rented for the week. That night the three Patterson Girls (the house we rented was called the Patterson House and that’s what Katelyn James fondly called us 😀 ) ate dinner together at a Pub down the street and spent the rest of the night getting to know each other. By the end of the week we had grown incredibly close <3

Wednesday morning, The Patternson Girls met the other 9 workshop attendees at Katelyn and Michael’s (her husband, second shooter, and business partner) house for our first very full day. Day 1 included lighting, posing, details, editing, and much much more! I won’t go into too much about what we learned at the workshop because I don’t want to give anything away…. I recommend this workshop to those who are TRULY interested in taking their wedding photography business to the next level in every way.

Day one also included the styled shoot and Katelyn and Michael’s lovely friends, Mary Beth and Caleb were our models!!! Here’s Emily of Emily Hudspeth Hair and Makeup Design working her magic on Mary Beth.

Katelyn Freakin’ James! Yes, that is her real middle name 😉

Check out this awesome table and floral design by Amanda of Anthomanic Event Floral Boutique! Katelyn told Amanda she wanted a winter theme and THIS is what she came up with… simply genius!

The beautiful vintage table and chairs were graciously provided by Paisley & Jade and Korie Lynn of Weekend Type provided us with hand lettered calligraphy menu cards, name cards, and invitations! Gorgeous!

Of course Bokeh the Bichpoo was stealing the show every chance he got! Love him <3

Daw!!!!

Then our adorable couple/models joined us! Watching Katelyn James work her posing magic was awe inspiring! I seriously cannot wait for my next wedding to try out everything she taught us!

Mary Beth and Caleb, you two are sooooo cute!

I just love how Katelyn does the pose with the bride while she’s explaining it…. I die of her cuteness!

And then this happened! Yes, it snowed! No, not really but it’s pretty right?? 😉

Day two was jam packed with BUSINESS stuff, which is what left my head spinning! Bokeh looks about how I felt/still feel :/ But my new bestie, Megan left me an encouraging word on my notebook. It’s amazing the friends you make in such a short time.

And finally, the end the trip, driving back home through Virginia was this scenic overlook. I seriously just can’t get over God’s glory! Hope you all have a wonderful Monday!