Just reading their conversation and interaction on the Facebook group they created before The Workshop made me smile. I knew they'd be a great group with positive interaction, but they took my suspecions and transformed them into something even bigger. They planned a dinner the night before The Workshop and when I arrived, they were organized, laughing, and already started shooting each others' headshots earlier that day. Wow. I knew it was going to be a great day.

When you get photographers from around the continental United States, Canada, and Alaska together, you don't know how everyone will mesh, but by 9:05am, everyone was getting along and I think I saw a couple high-fiving after making matching friendship bracelets. Yeah. They were that awesome. The day was extra special because my friend Jaclyne with Heavenly Blooms not only made the bouquet, but she surprised me with beautiful table decor…love her! And special thanks to my friends at Photographer's Edit for sponsoring our delicious lunch…love them!

Some of you might remember these two beautiful people…I shot Gabriel and Carlie's wedding back in 2007…they were such a pivotal couple in my early career. They've since created Gabriel Ryan Photographers and I'm so proud of them…

Oh, you. Just please stop all the fierceness…I can't handle it…

A couple days ago I Tweeted about buying an animal print dress…even after looking at it in pictures, I'm still confused how I feel about it…

Special thanks to Upper French for providing Gabriel's bow tie….

JD doesn't shoot much–as he's around to help people with settings and added questions if an attendee needs personal attention–but he snapped this photo of Gabriel and I love it…

Carlie, you're uber fab…

Yes, please…

Again, a HUUUUGE thank you must go to Heavenly Blooms for providing all the florals and the pretty bouquet…

Someone forgot to tell Gabriel that the air guitar hasn't been played since 1983! 😉

Rawr.

Like always, my favorite photo of the day…

To my new friends and peers…I believe in you. In your ability to surpass even your wildest dreams. Set the bar high, then pass it with flying colors! I can't wait to see what the future holds, but I'm certain you're going to rock things out…for no other reason than you're simply fabulous. Thank you so, so, so much for spending the day with me. I'm a better person because of you all. xoxo…. j*