collaborate workshop for photographers & planners
You’ve done the work. Your images are beautiful, your clients are happy—but you know there’s another level. You see photographers landing luxury weddings, working with dream vendors, and getting featured in the publications you admire… and you’re ready to be one of them.
This workshop is where that shift begins. Through guided brand strategy, intentional portfolio building, and real connection with planners, you’ll leave with more than content—you’ll leave with confidence, clarity, and relationships that lead to referrals.
You’re Not Just Building a Portfolio—You’re Building a Brand That Belongs in the Luxury Market
Elevate & Celebrate isn’t about chasing trends or shooting for Instagram. It’s about becoming the photographer who gets the call for five-figure weddings. Who’s known, referred, and respected in luxury circles.
We’re here to help you position your brand, create portfolio-defining work, and build connections with planners who are aligned with your vision. You don’t just need a portfolio refresh—you need the right people to see it. And that starts here.
This is where your next level begins
step into the room where real opportunity happens
Learn directly from editor Kelly Stroburg of Nearlywed Magazine what editors are really looking for—and how to curate and submit your work for maximum exposure. This session bridges the gap between great work and great visibility.
Publication Strategy
Photograph an elevated editorial designed with luxury publications in mind—complete with high-end florals, intentional styling, and one-on-one guidance. Leave with portfolio-defining work that speaks to your next-level client.
Full Editorial Shoot
Gain access to Leidy’s proven system for styling and capturing editorial-level details—the kind of work that gets published, impresses planners, and leads to high-end referrals. Use it to refine your creative process and align your output with the expectations of the luxury market.
Start your day with a clear roadmap. In this foundational session, you’ll learn what truly defines a luxury brand (hint: it’s not just the aesthetic) and walk away with three actionable strategies to elevate your positioning, pricing, and presence—whether you're a planner or a photographer.
The Wedding Detail Blueprint
Luxury Branding Strategy Session
THe EXPERIENCE
here's what you'll learn
This isn’t just a styled shoot—it’s a rare opportunity to connect with planners who are aligned with your goals.
Throughout the day, you’ll collaborate with creatives who value excellence, intention, and elevated experiences. At the end of the editorial, you’ll be paired with a planner for a branded headshot session—giving you the chance to not only create portfolio-worthy imagery, but also build real connections that can lead to future referrals and features.
BONUS:
Intentional Networking + Headshot Collaboration
VISION BOARD
A preview of the aesthetic, styling, and creative direction you’ll get to work with.
10:00 AM | Welcome & Networking
Sip on coffee, enjoy light bites, and connect with fellow creatives before we begin.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Luxury Branding & Publication Talks
Learn from industry leaders about what truly defines a luxury brand—and how to curate and submit work that gets noticed by editors and high-end clients alike.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Roundtable Conversations
Join us for an elegant seated lunch with intentional discussion topics that go beyond surface-level networking.
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Hands-On Learning Tracks
📷 Photographers: Capture a styled editorial designed for publication, complete with luxury-level details and one-on-one creative direction.
📋 Planners: Join luxury planner Amy Collins for a deep-dive business workshop and brand audit to refine your offerings and elevate your strategy.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Planner & Photographer Headshot Collaboration
Pair up with a planner and/or another photographer you have not met before and capture new branded headshots of one another.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Closing Reflection Q&A
Wrap the day with open discussion, personalized Q&A, and a few final moments to connect and celebrate the growth you’ve experienced.
A Curated Day Designed for Growth, Connection, and Elevated Work
This isn’t a content day packed with fluff—it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience designed to give you real results. Every moment has been planned with intention, from high-level education and hands-on creative work to elegant networking and strategic collaboration.
You’ll walk away with not just new images, a new brand strategy, new relationships, and the confidence to step fully into the luxury space.
Elevate & Celebrate
Event Day Timeline
Yes! SIGN ME UP!
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
750
$
PHOTOGRAPHER TICKET
ONE payment of
save your seat today
1. Guided luxury branding talk
2. Styled editorial shoot with 1:1 instruction
3. Access to publication and branding experts
4. Networking lunch + roundtable
5. Planner headshot collaboration
6. Publication opportunity of your gallery
7. Community of aligned creatives
Photographer Ticket: $750
Most workshops give you content. This one gives you strategy, connection, and direction.
From a publication-ready editorial to direct access to luxury planners, this experience is built to help you elevate your brand and build real momentum in the high-end market. Because beautiful work is just the beginning—it’s what you do with it that sets you apart.
in the work and relationships that grow your business
YOur Investment
Topic: Luxury Branding That Attracts and Converts
As a luxury wedding photographer and business mentor, Josh brings a proven framework for building brands that thrive in the high-end market. In this session, he’ll show you how to position your planning business with clarity, elegance, and strategy—so the right clients are drawn to you naturally.
Speaker 1: Joshua Fournier
Speaker Highlights
Curated
Topic: Publishing Secrets from the Editor’s Desk
As founder of Nearlywed Magazine, Kelly knows what editors look for—and how planners can get their work featured. She’ll share insider strategies to help you stand out and align your work with the publications your dream clients read.
Speaker 2: Kelly Stroburg
FREQUENTLY
asked
QUESTIONS
Is this workshop for me if I’m not booking luxury weddings yet?
Yes—especially if you're ready to shift into that market. This workshop is designed to help photographers like you build a portfolio, brand, and network that align with high-end clientele. You don’t need to be “there” yet—you just need to be ready to grow.
Will I get one-on-one feedback during the shoot?
Yes. This isn’t a shootout with 15 people crowding around one model. You’ll receive intentional, guided direction to help you capture portfolio-worthy images that feel aligned with your brand and ideal client.
What if it rains? Is there a rain plan for the editorial?
Absolutely. We’ve carefully planned for indoor and covered options so the shoot (and your portfolio content) can move forward rain or shine—without sacrificing aesthetic or quality.
Will I be able to use the images on social media?
100%. The editorial is designed to give you elevated, publication-worthy content you can proudly share across your marketing platforms. Image usage rights will be clearly outlined after the event.
Will I be able to submit my images for publication?
Yes. The shoot is styled with luxury editorial standards in mind, and we’ll be covering publication strategy during the morning session. You’ll leave with clarity on how to submit your work, and which publications might be the best fit.
How many photographers will be attending?
We’re keeping the group intentionally small to ensure personalized guidance, a focused shooting experience, and the ability to build real connections with planners and fellow creatives.
Host and Lead Designer
For nearly a decade, Josh and I have documented love stories around the world, earning recognition as one of Michigan’s top wedding photography teams with features in Vogue, Style Me Pretty, Carats & Cake, and The New York Times.
I created this workshop for photographers who are ready to create with intention, elevate their portfolio, and attract the clients they truly want. It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about building a brand and body of work that reflects who you are, with clarity and confidence.
Leidy Fournier
The creative team
meet
Planner & Designer
With over two decades of experience in the wedding industry, I’ve dedicated my career to designing and capturing love stories with authenticity and intention. Growing up around weddings, I developed a passion for creating bespoke celebrations that reflect each couple’s unique journey and delivering unparalleled hospitality.
In 2011, I founded JW Designs to craft thoughtfully curated weddings captured with timeless elegance. Every detail—from design to the smallest personal touch—is approached with care, collaboration, and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences.
I also believe deeply in uplifting the creative community. This workshop, in partnership with The Fourniers, was created to bring planners and photographers together—to connect, learn, and celebrate one another while elevating the industry we love.
Jaime Weinfeld Zeltzer
Floral Designer
After years of planning weddings across the Midwest, Rhiannon Bosse discovered her true passion: creating sensory, beautiful experiences that went beyond logistics. In 2012, she expanded her services to include full-service floral and event design, allowing her team to craft celebrations that feel effortless, polished, whimsical, and timeless.
Today, Rhiannon Bosse Celebrations is known for high-end floral and event design, with work featured in VOGUE, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Kleinfeld, and The Knot. With nearly 15 years of client-focused experience, kindness, honesty, and care remain the heartbeat of the brand.
Rhiannon Bosse
Blue Skye Event Rentals
Obsessed with people, Michael brings over a decade of hands-on experience in event management, business development, and hospitality to Blue Sky Event Rentals. From folding specialty napkins with his Meme to curating the perfect tablescape, “it’s all in the details” has shaped a career rooted in connection, purpose, and excellence.
Pittsburgh, Valencia, New York, and Los Angeles were chapters. Ann Arbor is the current page. With timeless taste and global standards, Michael turns dreams into reality—one beautifully executed detail at a time.
Michael Theys
Award-Winning Chef
Chef Alexander Gandia is passionate about creating unforgettable dining experiences rooted in local flavor and culinary artistry. As founder of Gandia’s Catering, he transforms the finest regional ingredients into bold, beautifully crafted dishes that celebrate the farm-to-table tradition.
With years of professional experience and a dedication to excellence, Chef Gandia brings creativity, skill, and heart to every event. Each menu is thoughtfully designed to excite the palate, showcase local bounty, and leave a lasting impression.
At Gandia’s Catering, every meal is a true expression of Chef Gandia’s love for food — artfully crafted and passionately served.
Chef Alexander Gandia
Sweet Details GR
Vanessa Shmanske is the owner and cake artist behind Sweet Details GR, where she creates custom wedding cakes, elegant desserts, and beautifully decorated cookies.
With more than 15 years of experience in the wedding industry, she specializes in making celebrations unforgettable through both taste and design. Vanessa also shares her expertise through hands-on decorating experiences, helping others bring their creative visions to life.
Originally from Cuba, she brings a unique blend of artistry, precision, and passion to everything she does.
Vanessa Shmanske
