Eva + Matt – Wedding Legends Workshop

In October, I was fortunate enough to attend the Wedding Legends Workshop by Ally and Nicholas. This amazing husband and wife duo announced that they would be hosting two workshops early in 2019. I was unable to attend the first one in April, so I made sure that I was going to be present for the one later in the year. Little did I know that they had something in store for me a little down the road... 

I have always admired their work. From the way they capture light, their editing style, and how the people in front of their camera always look so comfortable. Even the way they write and how they speak of their own relationship is so seamless and full of connection. So once I secured my spot, I was literally on a countdown.

Honestly though, when the day came, I was nervous as heck. I have second shot and worked with a couple for their small and intimate second wedding, although I have yet to officially shoot on my own as a lead. I have bookings for 2020, which is so exciting. However, I was really worried I was going to be too inexperienced to follow along. 

Truly, I was taking notes and writing down things like a madwoman, yet, they gave SO many great suggestions. There were many things I had heard of and things that I knew I needed to do, which they affirmed, and there were tips where I was like ???? 

Fortunately, there was such a great group of photographers. There was a few of us just starting out and then there were a few that had their toes dipped in the waters for a little longer. It was amazing to hear everyone's "WHY" and how their journeys have evolved. THEY ARE ALL SO AWESOME. 

After the learning portion, we got to shoot! Eva and Matt, our models, were ready to go for their lifestyle indoors and elopement session outside. 

Holy, are they ever cute. Matt proposed to Eva on a very, very cold night at one of those light festivals. He made sure that Jessie from Bows and Lavender was there to capture the moment. He also made sure some of their favourite songs were playing overhead. HOW ROMANTIC. Eva was wearing a panda hat and of course lots of layers, so it's their running joke and one of their favourite memories as they look back on the day. Either way, Matt set the bar high.

It also turns out, the two of them are most comfortable with each other and decided to forgo a big wedding and elope. To this day, they don't regret it one bit and more in love than ever (check out the photos below to see what I mean). 

More onto the day, shooting was so much fun. I felt comfortable and in a good headspace. I felt confident stepping in to get my shot, (which is something I wouldn't usually do as an introvert/extrovert). I wasn't hesitant and I felt that I was supposed to be there. 

I was fortunate enough to have some one on one time with Ally and Nicholas and discuss my goals and ask some questions more personal to me. They helped a ton and really made me feel welcome as a beginner. I admire that they have turned their success into mentorships and teaching. They know we all have a craft to share, and they are ready to support it. 

COMMUNITY OVER COMPETITION, ALWAYS. 

Even with a little drive back to Toronto, I started editing my images that night. I was too excited. I loved the images that I took. Notably, where I have been struggling is with my branding and editing. In terms of branding, that's the business side I have needed guidance on and have found some of that support through the workshop. They also really helped with editing but I am still trying to find what speaks most to me. It'll come as I dive more into my wedding season and develop my craft.

Ally and Nicholas are also amazing due to the fact they give $2000 to one participant to grow their business in any way they need. After filling out some questions and sending off some post-workshop photos, I felt satisfied in what I had accomplished and for stepping out of my comfort zone, although I wasn't expecting to win. 

A couple of days before my birthday, however, they called me to tell me I was the recipient of the grant. I was in tears and in a literal state of shock. I don't think I have ever been more grateful and honoured to be recognized. There were many times where I felt like I maybe shouldn't pursue my photography, because it's an expensive investment and at the moment, is really inconsistent. Although, this news was what I needed to give me a reason and to show me that I belong here. 

With that money, I got my investment back from the workshop, and it helped me to build my website and logo by Sixteen Ten, I invested in a wide-angle lens and will be pursuing another shoot out session where I can get more images for my portfolio. I am eternally grateful, and now full of knowledge and passion to evolve. 

I also recommend the workshop 110%. It is worth every single dollar.