The School of Styling Chapel Hill | Hands-on workshops for creative entrepreneurs. Photo by Ally & Bobby Photography

Writing these blog posts is always a daunting task. Why? Well, because so much happened. So many great conversations, amazing “ah-hah” moments, and too many beautiful moments to count. Writing them down seems to never quite do our experience justice, but I will try!

First, we have to say a BIG thank you to our photographers, Ally & Bobby Photography, and our videographers, Handspun Cinema! The fact we can even show you a glimpse into our week is all thanks to them!

We were so blessed with crisp, chilly fall weather (and super thankful that hurricane Matthew didn’t swoop in quite yet). The Parlour at Mann’s Chapel was the perfect southern setting for this workshop. I’ve said it before – I love how each workshop takes on the personality of the city and venue we are at. Design-wise I wanted to create a garden-like feel within the unique chapel. Kaylyn Hewitt, florist and owner of True Vine Designs, brought that vision to life flawlessly! The romantic florals and greenery paired with Paisley & Jade‘s stunning vintage pieces? Well, you’ve got a match made in heaven. And how fun are the TSOS balloons from Oh To Be Happy?! Not to mention all of the beautiful lettered details by Alyssa of PCB Home. And the amazing copper chairs from Cottage Luxe. Seriously, too much goodness!

We started the afternoon by getting to know one another over refreshing Belvoir Fruit Farms sparkling flavored waters and the yummiest mini desserts (hello, pecan pie!) by Sugar Euphoria. Each table was adorned with geometric shapes from Handmade Sam Made, and on the tables were gorgeous gift baskets assembled by Memento & Muse. They contained a beautiful gold foil print by Kara Anne Paper, magnolia sugar cookies from the Cupcake Shoppe Raleigh, and amazing aprons by Oatmeal Lace. Ten Acre Paper Co. created the sweetest custom watercolor North Carolina place cards to go at each seat!

After getting to know one another, we jumped into the first session on design and styling (led by myself!). Attendees got to style with one-of-a-kind invitation suites by Sage Paper Co., luxurious vow/menu/dessert books by Wedding Story Writer, treats from Sugar Euphoria, vintage stamps from Verde Studio, hand-dyed silk ribbon from Adorn Co., and lovely garters from The Garter Girl. These creations might be some of my favorite ever!

We ended our first hands-on session with a critique time. This is one of my favorite parts of every single workshop. There is so much value in examining your work (and others!) to determine why you like what you like, what works, what doesn’t, where you can improve, and what you’re doing well!

Following our hands-on session, attendees made their way to the courtyard for a cocktail hour. We absolutely loved working with Southern Comfort Catering on the food menu! So much southern goodness. We then moved into our “speed dating” session. No, not creepy 🙂 It’s such a fun hour or so for attendees to get to chat briefly with everyone there!

Take a peek into our first day together in Chapel Hill: