From a Dream to Reality | Diehl Studios Photography Workshop

Planning and executing a workshop is exhausting BUT SO FREAKING AMAZING, REWARDING AND A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE! Over the last month I have really been able to sit and reflect on how my workshop went, how I felt and what I need to do going forward.

Of course, the thoughts of self doubt entered my mind. Was I good enough? Was it worth it for people to attend? Did I make everyone feel welcome, inspired?

Honestly, all the planning that happened in the 2 months and then the actual day just came and swept away so fast. By 5pm I realized I never photographed my table scape that I honestly stressed over because I totally forgot about linens and had to rush to Handy Man Rentals THAT MORNING to rent 4 napkins and 4 beautiful cross back chairs that accompanied the whole look. I was a mess that morning after I left the Crossmount to drive all the way to the north end of Saskatoon, pick up the cake that was at my house and my hubby & daughter so he could have the car to pick up the children from school that day. <— the behind the scenes that no one knew about. As I drove from location to location I was trying to stay calm, just focus on my breathing (I think of Angry Birds when the one bird says DEEP BREATH) because I knew I wasn’t going to be back by 12:30 to greet all my guests. I recited what I wanted to say over and over again to myself as I drove.

It brought me back to Grade 12 English, I had to perform a scene in front of the class from The Canterbury Tales - I chose to be the Doctor, even dressed up and had a table full of “potions” to help any ailments my patient had. Well, I practiced, gave my friend his lines and felt nervous but good about it because I had practiced and knew what I was going to say…. little did I know, my friend decided to not follow his lines and totally threw me for a loop when he decided to make it into a comedic scene saying something along the lines that his ailment was heamorrhoids. OMFG, I think I turned the brightest red, tried to get him to change his lines by counter acting, but he persisted so I had to go with the flow. On the spot I felt stressed but knew that no matter what I needed to work with what was given to me and make that work for me - I think the class had a good laugh, so did my teacher. I ended up with 100% on that assignment, I felt so proud of myself because it was something I was NOT comfortable with and I was able to adapt to the change that happened thanks to my friend, he sure made my life interesting back then.

Anyway, so I stressed, felt bad walking into a room full of my attendees with me being late. I took a deep breath, quickly finished what I needed to do so I could start. For months I felt nervous, talking in front of a group of people makes me want to run the other way - but for once, when I actually got up there, I didn’t have that fear. I felt calm, well calmer than usual, I felt comfortable and didn’t feel flushed and didn’t start sweating buckets. The fear left, my heart was calm and it felt good.

I saw the eyes that looked up towards me, the ladies in the room that were there to listen to what I had to say. It calmed me. I felt trust. For me, trust has been hard to come by over the years and it felt so good. These ladies were here for me. Never in my dreams did I think I would be doing this. Even last year at this time, it was only a thought and never an actual plan.

The words that I have read, the images that I have seen the hugs I received has made me feel so full inside that my heart just wants to burst. I never ever thought this was possible but I also let fear hold me back for the longest time. Stepping out of that bubble, especially when you’re an introvert, can be hard but so fucking worth it and so rewarding. It was my first workshop, I put my heart and soul into it and I am so proud to say I did it. I have been able to look at my strengths and my weaknesses and know going forward what I need to change to make it a better experience for myself and for the people who trust in me to make that leap to invest in themselves through me.

I am grateful for all the wonderful souls behind the scenes who invested their time, their creative minds and hearts into my vision, who brought this workshop to life. If it wasn’t for them trusting in me and me trusting them it wouldn't have been possible.

Location: The Glen at Crossmount
Flowers: Hawthorn Floral Atelier
Flatlay workshop/stationary: Paper Ocelot Studios ( I am so grateful for Masheed and her advice)
Rings: GMG Jewlers
Jewels: Elizabethlynn Jewelry
Hair: Hair by Erika - Alchemy Collective
Makeup: Vamp Make-up/Green Tree Beauty
Sofa/Tableware: Ann Unique Rentals
Cake: Baked by V
Wooden Table: Danica from A Young Brand Event Group
Dress: W Bridals

My sweet friend Tessa (Tessa Jayne Photography) who joined for a few moments to take some behind the scenes for me.

My amazing couple - Breanne & Taylor - you two are just the sweetest!!!



I am so so grateful for all those who attended and the feed back has been so great! THANK YOU to those who have been honest in their feedback - it has helped me so much.

Going forward, I now know that I am a very personal person and even though having so many ladies attend the workshop, I felt over all in the end that I want to make everything more intimate and one on one. So everyone that invests in themselves & their business through me can have a deeper learning experience which in turn will help them grow within their passion better. This really makes so much sense to me because I am very personal with my couples and I always want to make sure I give everyone who invests with me the best possible experience I can.