Boho on the Prairie: Wedding Photography Workshop

On Sunday, June 19th, 2022, the serene countryside venue Maple Dell Acres set the perfect stage for our unforgettable "Boho on the Prairie" wedding photography workshop. Nestled in central Alberta, this breathtaking location captured the essence of a dreamy, rustic wedding, complete with flowing dresses, vibrant florals, and vintage decor that brought the bohemian theme to life.

Our workshop brought together a diverse group of photographers, artists, and creatives who were eager to immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind experience. It was an extraordinary opportunity to capture not just beautiful photos but also the rich tapestry of creative expression inspired by the natural surroundings.

Curiosity Refresh's first out of Calgary Alberta wedding photography workshop. Held on a beautiful spring / summer day with models fully fitted in wedding attire.

Magic happens when you find the perfect venue for your wedding photography workshop: Maple Dell Acres doesn't disappoint

Located between Calgary and Red Deer, Maple Dell Acres is a hidden gem offering the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Just 1.5 km from the Bowden Sunflower Maze, this 20-acre venue provided an ideal backdrop for photographers to refine their craft while embracing nature’s beauty. Established in 1978, Maple Dell Acres is a serene, storybook setting—complete with rolling hills, lush greenery, and stunning views.

This workshop was our 3rd venture outside the urban wedding photography scene, and the venue’s idyllic location allowed photographers to capture everything from wide, sweeping landscapes to intimate, heartfelt moments, elevating their portfolios with the richness of central Alberta’s countryside.

What happens at a wedding photography workshop?: Posing, Portraits, and Composition

As our first rural workshop, "Boho on the Prairie" gave photographers the opportunity to push their creative boundaries while perfecting key aspects of wedding photography. Hosted by Curiosity Refresh Workshop by owner JKPeters Photography, the workshop focused on:

• Directing and Posing Couples: Photographers learned how to guide their subjects into natural, flattering poses, capturing the emotional connection between couples in every shot.

• Portrait Composition: The venue’s vast landscapes helped photographers experiment with portrait composition, balancing background elements, lighting, and the subject’s emotions to create compelling, well-framed photos.

• Detail-Oriented Photography: Photographers were encouraged to capture the finer details of the boho-themed wedding, from the floral arrangements to the intricate décor, ensuring that each image told a complete wedding story.

This hands-on experience allowed participants to build their confidence in handling wedding shoots while exploring new techniques to elevate their work.

The Dream Team: Vendors Who Made It Happen

This workshop brought together some of the industry’s finest vendors, whose contributions elevated the experience for our participants and models. Each vendor played a crucial role in bringing the bohemian wedding vision to life:

• Curiosity Refresh Workshops – Curated the workshop, creating a welcoming space for photographers to learn and grow.

• JKPeters Photography – Our host, providing invaluable insights on posing, composition, and storytelling through photography.

• Alec Good (Production Assistant) – Ensured that every detail was flawlessly executed.

• VanVae Vintage Rentals – Brought the boho vibe to life with their curated vintage décor pieces.

• Bake., You Had Me @ Cupcake, and Fully Baked By Brad – Provided stunning (and delicious) cakes and pastries that added elegance and charm to the shots.

• PrairieChic Designs, Lily and Vine Co., and Liz Florist – Created breathtaking floral arrangements that added the perfect pops of color and texture.

• Wired DJ Services – Provided music that kept the energy high and helped set the mood for the day.

• Prairie Furnishing & Decor – Offered rustic décor and beautiful signage that enhanced every photo.

• Tipsy Tays Bartending, Bubbles & Tap, Wildflower Bar, Scotch & Soda, Suds & Sodas, and The Champagne Cheval – Kept everyone refreshed and added visual interest with their mobile bars.

• Double T Percherons carriage rides - for the ultimate Cinderella moment.

Styling and Elegance: Beauty in Every Shot

A key component of any wedding photography workshop is ensuring the models look their absolute best. Our talented hair and makeup artists worked their magic, creating looks that perfectly matched the bohemian aesthetic:

• Allyson Vandervaate (Savage Makeup) – Designed bold, boho-inspired makeup that photographed beautifully.

• Krista Watkinson (Coiffure Queen) and Cassie (C1 Tha Barber) – Styled hair that flowed naturally and added to the free-spirited vibe.

• Daanis (Dolled Up By Daanis) – Put the final touches on each model’s look, adding to the overall creative vision.

Capturing the Magic: Our Incredible Models

The true stars of any wedding shoot are the couples and models who bring the vision to life. Our stunning lineup of models perfectly embodied the carefree, romantic spirit of the boho theme. Photographers practiced capturing genuine emotions, posed elegance, and candid joy with our incredible team of models:

• Isabelle Bethany, Ashley Maclean, Rachel Harder, Priscilla Adeniyi, Travis Reynolds, Kayler J Fourny, Rory Sharpe, Dre Sharpe, Hailey Merkley, and Dillon Cruickshank.

The flowing dresses, soft florals, and rustic details gave photographers the opportunity to play with various techniques, learning how to use natural light, motion, and landscape to create captivating wedding photos.

Fostering Creativity and Community

Workshops like "Boho on the Prairie" are more than just technical photography events—they are about building community and sparking creativity. These cultural photography events allow photographers to dive deep into wedding traditions while collaborating with like-minded individuals. Through shared experiences and learning opportunities, participants connect on a deeper level, helping each other grow both artistically and personally.

Photography workshops like these also offer an inclusive space to explore cross-cultural ideas, enabling artists to tell meaningful stories while expanding their understanding of diverse traditions. This creative camaraderie provides an uplifting environment that fosters collaboration, mental well-being, and artistic inspiration—critical elements for today’s wedding photographers.

Looking Ahead: More Photography Magic in 2023

If you missed out on this amazing event, don’t worry! Curiosity Refresh Workshops has more wedding photography workshops planned for 2023. Keep your eyes open for upcoming opportunities to capture stunning images, refine your posing and composition skills, and immerse yourself in a supportive, creative community.

We’d like to thank all the vendors, models, and participants who made this workshop one for the record books. We can’t wait to create even more magic with you in 2023! Stay tuned for what’s to come!

Photo Credits: Lynx Photography By Randi / Bliss by JKPeters Photography / Theresa Tayler