J. ANNE

So, I made it through the day without actually vomiting.  Physically, at least… several times, in my head, I gave way to the overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety during the day.  I fought back tears when Fraser asked me around 3pm if I was nervous.  (1.  Duh, Husband.  and 2. Didn’t you read my blog???!)  My friends texted me throughout the day with positive thoughts, and well-wishes.  I have awesome friends.  But as much faith as they had in me, I didn’t have it in myself.

People starting pouring into my living room right on time.  Hair and makeup artists bustled around in my bedroom glamming up our models.  In the living room, faces stared back at me.  They gave me money in exchange for information.  Did I have good enough information to be worth their money?  Was I talking too fast?  Are my spanx showing?  Negative thoughts rushed through my mind as quickly as photography information plummeted out of my mouth.

This is the point that I’m supposed to tell you that everything eased up, things got easier, ice breakers happened, and then we all ran off merrily to our shoot.  But to be honest, I never really felt like there was one of those moments.  I stayed nervous the entire time.  I worried about how much use my information was, and I wanted to make sure that I actually talked to each one of the attendees too.  I want to know them, who they are, where they are in their business, and how I can help.  It was a lot of pressure for one day, and I’d be lying to you if I said that I wasn’t happy it was over.

The pressure, that is.  I’m glad the pressure is over.  What I realized today, once the pressure was gone, was that everything went really really really well.  I’ve had a ton of amazing feedback, and some even told me that the material the attendees received before we started shooting is worth more by itself than the entire cost of the workshop.  My ears tickled and danced as I heard this information, because that is all that I ever wanted to be in the first place.  To be helpful.

We had an all-star crew of talents on hand to create stunning florals and hair/makeup perfection!  Layers of Lovely just decided to… ‘eh, let me go ahead and whip up something with a couple insanely gorgeous Proteas.”  No big deal.  Oh, and while I’m at it… I’ll just create a quick floral collar for Miss Stella, the Corgie, too.

We had several attendees who shoot both weddings and families, so I made sure to have both sets of groups to photograph for the day!  The Nelson family showed up, and showed off… they are one amazing family, and dear friends to Fraser, our boys, and I.

The ladies of the hour could not have looked as gorgeous as they did without some glamming by the ever-talented Kiera and Crystal from Makeup in the 702.  I am so so so spoiled to get to work with so many creative and talented business owners!

To the Nelson Family, the Torrellas, and everyone who came out to the workshop… I am forever indebted to you.  I learned so much through this experience, and I am hoping it is something that can happen more often!! xo.