If it isn't totally obvious by now, I am obsessed with floral arrangements and calligraphy! I mean, obsessed.  Photographing gorgeous, loose bouquets and carefully written calligraphy pieces literally make my heart sing! It is part of the reason that I love wedding photography so much! Pair the gorgeous details with an authentic love story and I am in heaven! 

At the end of May, I was asked to be one of the photographers at The Forage Workshop hosted by Flora & Fern and Mauloa Florals.  The attendees met in a park in Rexburg, Idaho and were greeted with breakfast by the campfire and sweet welcome packets.  The day started out with Ali and Jacelyn talking about the art of foraging. They talked about what is allowed, where to do it, and how to make proper cuts to ensure that the plant lives to its fullest potential.  They had us all meet at 7am because foraging is best done early in the morning, or late at night. 

For the next hour or so, we all piled up in cars and went foraging! Everyone collected beautiful pieces and placed them in the baskets that were provided in the workshop.  Jacelyn and Ali offered their advice and watched carefully to ensure that everyone understood how to cut properly. 

When we arrived back at the campsite, everyone began to create their bouquets.  Most of the items were foraged, but Ali and Jacelyn did buy some bigger pieces to make the bouquets even more gorgeous! Peonies, roses, and some tulips were provided to each attendee.  We all watched Jacelyn and Ali go around and gather what they wanted from the buckets and then begin to create their bouquets.  They did it all so effortlessly, that it almost looked easy! Attendees followed in their footsteps and grabbed their own pieces.  We all learned quickly that it was not as easy as it looked! Can we talk about hand cramp!? OUCH! Jacelyn and Ali walked around offering advice on placement and shape. I learned when making my own bouquet that the shape is one of the hardest things to do! Once you have a solid shape, the rest fills in nicely. 

Overall, the experience was wonderful! After everyone finished their bouquets, Abbey and I photographed all of their creations for them.  We wanted to send everyone home with professional images of their bouquets! I photographed on all film, while Abbey is a digital shooter.  Both mediums were great and gave the attendees different options for the look that is more their style.