I’ve always been very independent, and many times I preferred to work alone than to be forced to do group projects. However, if you pair a photographer with a very talented, imaginative, DIY goddess… then it turns out to be a very {fun} productive process that I can’t wait to do more of! Sarah flew into town to visit her family and she brought some inspiration from Minnesota. And teacups. She also demonstrated step by step how she makes those insanely awesome paper flowers from her wedding {coming soon}!

    She told me about her concept several weeks ago. I heard words like, rustic, flowers, teapots , Alice in Wonderland, and was completely hooked. I was so excited to see it come together and document her delicate teacup creations. I think they would also be very fitting for a bridal shower or a very sweet baby shower. These lovely DIY centerpieces are inexpensive, colorful, and the possibilities are endless:

    I can just envision how much color they could add to a fall wedding…

    I loved her vintage books & the idea to incorporate the playing cards as place settings. All of these elements would translate very well at the cake table too.

    She traveled across the country, packed & mailed everything for the shoot, set it all up by 9 AM, and still looked so effortlessly beautiful!

    I photographed everything at Aullwood Farm in Englewood, Ohio. The blue bells were in full bloom and so dreamy. I have an obsession with {photographing} flowers.

    The fresh flower teacup centerpieces could serve as favors for guests or you could even request that someone plant them for the bride & groom while they are honeymooning to warmly welcome them home. Thank you so much for your ideas & coordinating every single aspect of this project, Sarah.
    We need to make this a tradition! ♥

    I will devote an entire post to the DIY paper flower making process, I can’t wait to make a bouquet for my office at home!

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    Part II of III

    After absorbing Vania & Christine’s insightful presentation, {and of course asking questions freely}, we got our photography gear together and headed out to a private orchard to shoot a group session. Their location of choice is perfect. They have definitely inspired me to seek my own reliable “outdoor studio” here in Dayton.

    The models, married couple Kristian & Skyler, were adorable! They were open to all suggestions and calmly posed in spite of having “18 shutters & 36 eyes all over them” as Vania explained in the recap of the workshop.

    I love photographing just before sunset when so many gorgeous colors unapologetically flaunt their beauty:

    Vania & Christine brought a mini trampoline and it was genius! Kristian was adventurous enough to do a few takes for us {in the amazing wedding gown} and this is probably one of my favorites from the day. She made flying look effortless:

    I’m so glad they included a group session! I loved watching Simply Bloom work together and get a better understanding of how they direct their clients during a shoot. There is so much to learn by observing. At first I felt a little shy to “jump in,” but I find comfort holding my camera. It’s familiar. I forget that at this point it’s hard to put on shoes or bend over… There is an energy that compels me to capture everything that is playing so beautifully before my eyes. I have a hard time putting it down.

    Thank you for sharing this experience with me as I revisit such a fantastic workshop! In the final part, I will share how they’ve impacted me personally at this “interesting” season in my life.

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    Part I of III

    I have been anticipating the moment when I could reflect and share the goodness from an experience that will most certainly shape the rest of my photography career. I am obviously referring to the absolutely amazing Simply Bloom Workshop I attended last week in Huntsville, Alabama.

    If you aren’t familiar with Christine & Vania’s work, then you must check out their portfolio and blog! Every time they post new material I am impressed by their unique vision, talent, and most of all, consistency. They draw out the beautiful essence of each and every lucky person that is captured with their cameras. Their style is romantic and their artwork truly inspires me. I was thrilled when they announced that their workshop would be held during a time when I could attend.

    Simply Bloom Photography is relatively new to the wedding photography industry, but it’s not an accident that their partnership is light years beyond their two year experience. As they shared their story, it’s very clear Christine & Vania are passionate and committed to their work. They both graduated as graphic designers and evolved into photographers {one of the reasons I love them so much}. Their evolution was not by chance, they’ve mastered their craft on purpose. They have put a lot of time and research into how to remarkably push the envelope in their business and their images. It’s usually difficult for two artists to work together so fluidly, but there is an absence of competition or pride. Watching them work and interact in perfect sync was enough to make us all wish that perhaps our best friends will be interested in forming a photography partnership someday…

    I took some quick snapshots during our breaks, because the chapel was so adorable I couldn’t resist:

    For some reason this pregnancy has me disliking cake {what once used to be one of my favorite desserts}. However, the peanut butter frosting from Gigi’s Cupcakes was pure addiction. I won’t lie, I’ve fantasized about having it again…

    It was adorable how Christine used the trampoline for a little more height. Being 62 {and a half} inches myself, I can appreciate any and every little boost I can find!

    Vania… she has one of the biggest smiles of anyone I’ve ever met!

    The models were actually past wedding clients for Vania & Christine. They were fantastic & very patient with all of us scrambling to shoot them.

    The workshop was a full day and intense. I don’t think I’ve scribbled so many notes since my Flash class {no kidding, seven large pages and I write terribly small}. Being eight months pregnant, I was a little nervous about the trip & whether I’d be able to keep up with everyone else. It was so incredible I almost forgot about my limitations until dinner. By the time our crème brûlée arrived, I could barely keep my eyes open. I can’t remember the last time a day has passed so quickly, but exhausted never felt so good!

    Christine and Vania, thank you so much for all the work & preparation you put into such a lovely workshop. You made us all feel very welcome and shared so many valuable insights that I ponder over constantly. You deserve every honor and recognition that you have earned, you work so hard & produce amazing photographs. Thank you for inspiring me & teaching so much! ♥

    {I will be posting my favorite shots from the styled session in the Part II Post from the Simply Bloom Workshop}.

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    • Mayra - April 26, 2010 - 5:17 pm

      Andrea! These are AMAZINGLY GORGEOUS! You described it PERFECTLY! THANK YOU for sharing our wonderful day with everyone! XX

    • Amy McClain - April 26, 2010 - 7:31 pm

      you are impressive as always dear <3

    • April’s Workshop in Review | + Behind the Scenes » Simply Bloom Photography - April 26, 2010 - 8:21 pm

      […] Images Below by Andrea Dozier: […]

    • Ashley - April 27, 2010 - 11:09 am

      I LOVE YOUR PICTURES!!!!

    • April Features » Andrea Dozier | Boutique Photography - May 2, 2010 - 8:50 am

      […] Vania of Simply Bloom Photography. It was such an amazing experience, you can read more about it here & here {I will posting part III of III soon}. They also posted a recap and shared some of my […]

    • david - August 25, 2010 - 6:52 pm

      hi amazing blog and images
      I wonderd if you would share some of your processing techniques to get that loveley hazy summer look?

      I would love to attend the courses but unforrtunatey i dont have the money not to mention im in the wrong country 🙂

      I look foreward to your reply , I would be ever so greatful if you take the time to explain the process a little?

      thanks again

      Dave

    • “A Blooming Affair” | SimplyBloom Workshop in Las Vegas » Simply Bloom Photography - November 23, 2010 - 12:48 pm

      […] experience Laura‘s experience Tiffany‘s experience Leah‘s experience Andrea‘s […]

    • Larissa - December 19, 2010 - 12:05 pm

      These images are so gorgeous! I was going to sign up for their course but unfortunately they have always been too far away for me as well =( I am with David on the hazy summer look. Would you be able to email me on the processing technique & explain the process a little to get this look? I would really appreciate it!!

      All the best!

      Larissa

    These three boys have a special place in my heart. Their mamas have been incredible friends of mine for many years & it’s very awesome to see their individual personalities take shape as they grow. Having my own son & another boy on the way, we are very aware that when we get together there is some major outnumbering going on! It’s ok though, because with little “mans” {as my son Kevin would say} as handsome & sweet as them, it’s not a bad thing to be surrounded!

    Brothers.

    Cousins.

    I could shoot with this delicious lighting every day and never tire of it {and subjects as perfect as these boys}!

    Oh the temptations for three young boys climbing on this contraption… they showed a lot of restraint for this portrait!

    After we “finished,” we let the boys cut loose and this perfect scene unfolded. This is why when I say I’m “done” I never put my camera up right away:

    Photographing children is outrageously fun & unpredictable! You never know what you will get & they are quite entertaining.
    Here are some outtakes from their vintage inspired portrait session:

    I enjoyed this session so much, a big thank you to their mamas for coordinating their outfits and helping to keep everything flowing on such a hot March day! We enjoyed popsicles at the end {to my satisfaction}. My one regret is that I didn’t incorporate the women behind the scenes, but I look forward to when we will! ♥

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    This session was very special to me, because my older brother Sam just became a dad! It seems like yesterday that we were throwing his wife, Suzanne, a baby shower. Nathaniel arrived on March 15 in the wee hours of the morning. I am so honored to introduce him to you, it’s pretty easy to fall in love with him!

    Nathaniel’s newborn session took place at Carriage Hill Farm located in Huber Heights, there’s a lot of charm & excellent natural backdrops to use in portraits.

    I am love with every perfect wrinkle he has.

    It’s probably obvious that while I was photographing Nathaniel & preparing this post, it just made me all the more ready to meet our little man. With every kick and movement I wonder what he looks like and what he will think of our world. It can be distracting, but I love daydreaming about him :]

    Congratulations Samuel & Suzanne, I’m so very happy for the two of you!

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    • Amy McClain - April 21, 2010 - 5:39 am

      he is so precious! thank you for sharing Andrea =] I’m excited for you to meet your new little one too!

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