Beyond the HeARTs 2025: A Journey into Elegance and Soulful Inspiration at Château Ste. Agnes

As the Beyond the HeARTs 2025 workshop concluded last June 3-5, there is much to reflect upon. This year’s event, held at the stunning Château Ste. Agnes, hosted by Kerstin Hahn Photography and Myriam Menard, was a testament to the power of creative collaboration, artistic vision, and heartfelt inspiration. Set amidst the picturesque backdrop of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, the venue’s charm and elegance created the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience.

Château Ste. Agnes, a high-end vineyard estate, provided a blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. The stunning stonework, vast grounds, and panoramic views of the vineyards set the stage for an event that would inspire both attendees and vendors alike. The venue’s rich history, including the iconic room where Adele filmed the Easy on Me music video, added a touch of glamour that made the weekend even more special.

The purpose of this workshop was to provide an immersive, accelerated learning experience that would typically take years to master.

We dove into the core of personal branding and how it shapes the way your clients connect with your work. It’s not just about snapping beautiful photos; it’s about understanding the deeper ‘why’ behind what you do. When you know why you create, you build a brand that genuinely reflects your vision and values. Defining your ideal client is key—it allows you to speak directly to the hearts of those you are meant to serve. This isn’t just about having the right messaging; it’s about crafting an experience that feels personal and unforgettable. 

By offering a service that’s as exceptional as your artistry, paying attention to every detail, and adding a unique creative touch, you give your clients something they’ll always remember. Your photography then becomes the vessel that tells their story—beautifully and authentically.

One of the attendees summed it up perfectly, saying, 

“The mindset work threaded throughout the workshop was exactly what I needed—real, deep, and honestly refreshing. It wasn’t just another photography workshop; it genuinely shifted how I think about myself as a person and how I can intentionally weave my values into my business and creative work.”

Behind the Editorials: The Art of Reverie & La Dolce Aria

For Beyond the HeARTs 2025, the students had the chance to create two completely unique and inspiring wedding editorial experiences that would transport attendees into worlds of beauty, romanticism, and timeless elegance. The two editorials, The Art of Reverie and La Dolce Aria, were designed to evoke the essence of European romance and sophisticated wedding aesthetics.

One attendee shared, “It was truly incredible. I knew to expect something special, but this experience exceeded even those expectations. The amount of shooting time we were given was so generous, and the variety of setups offered endless opportunities to explore different perspectives and creative approaches.”

This was the essence of the workshop — not only about building portfolios but also refining your approach to creating visually stunning works that capture the essence of each moment.

The Art of Reverie drew inspiration from creamy textures, vintage elegance, and sculptural details. The result was a celebration of timeless beauty, an editorial that felt both ethereal and grounded. With fine art details in the tablescapes and delicate, yet bold florals, it invited attendees to dream and immerse themselves in the sheer beauty of the moment.

La Dolce Aria, inspired by the romance of Italy, paid tribute to golden light, painterly textures, and effortless elegance. It was a celebration of Italian wedding traditions, with refined tablescapes and a focus on soul-stirring beauty. The editorial was everything the hosts had hoped for: timeless, graceful, and full of heart.

Reflecting on the editorials, one student said, “It felt special mostly because of how open and real Kerstin and Myriam were—they set the tone by genuinely showing up as themselves, making it easy for the rest of us to follow suit. It created a space where we could be real, not just with them, but with each other too.” 

Another attendee added, “It’s a moment where we have everything we need to create — beautiful models, incredible outfits, and an inspiring environment. It’s a time to think outside the box, to dare to try new things. Everyone gets their turn to shoot, but also to watch and learn from what others are doing. It’s honestly so much fun — there’s this excitement in the air from the very first moment.”

Our Incredible Team of Vendors

The vendor support was crucial in making the event feel so cohesive, as one attendee reflected: “I truly appreciated the intentional space we had on the second day to talk openly about how things had gone, and to figure out how we could support each other in creating a calmer, more grounded energy for the afternoon shoots.“

And with that, a heartfelt thank you to the talented vendor partners who brought Beyond the HeARTs 2025 to life! Their expertise, creativity, and dedication were key in making the event an inspiring success.

• Paulina & Co. – The event’s designer and planner, Paulina and Dave orchestrated the most stunning editorials with grace and intention. Their vision and seamless coordination were vital to the event’s success.
• Cristina (Studio CK) – The floral artistry provided by Cristina was truly breathtaking. She transformed each design into a floral dream, and the team is eager to see her magic again next year.
• Château Ste. Agnes – Hospitality at Château Ste. Agnes made it feel like a home away from home. The warmth and care they provided added an extra layer of comfort and joy to the event.
• Blandin & Delloye – Their bespoke men’s attire added a level of sophistication and elegance, perfectly complementing the overall styling and bringing a timeless charm to our models.
• Dream It Yourself – The elegance they brought to our models was extraordinary. The boutique’s intentional lineup of wedding gowns was beyond compare, and we are thrilled to have them join us again this year.
• Narges Sheed – Narges’ expert makeup and styling skills brought a radiant glow to our models, elevating each editorial with her attention to detail and flawless execution.
• Vanessa Intrevado – Vanessa’s expertise in makeup and styling was invaluable, and her contributions truly enhanced the editorial experience.
• Fulko Weddings – The video work Kevin provided captured every magical moment of the event. His infectious energy made him a cherished member of the Beyond the HeARTs team.
• White Willow Paper Co. – The stationery Vanessa created was the perfect finishing touch to each design. It added a layer of elegance and personality that elevated the experience for all involved.
• Chef Archer – Their culinary artistry was outstanding, providing delicious and creative meals that added to the overall experience.
• Loft Bijoux – The jewelry provided by Olga was the perfect way to add sparkle and elegance to the editorials. The delicate pieces truly enhanced each design.
• Simply beautiful decor – Émilie’s attention to detail in styling tabletop elements was a key factor in making the editorials visually stunning. Her magic truly elevated the event.
• Camille & Priscilla – Our behind-the-scenes coordinators, Camille and Priscilla, provided invaluable support, keeping everything running smoothly with their dedication and hard work.

The Beyond the Hearts Experience

Now beyond the technical elements and design details, Beyond the HeARTs 2025 was really a time of deep connection, growth, and inspiration. Attendees, each with their own creative vision, came together to share, learn, and push each other to new heights in their photography and design journeys. The bonds formed, ideas shared, and energy exchanged made the retreat a truly humbling and inspiring experience.

“It was so grounding to be in a space with other creative professionals,” one attendee shared. “Hearing about their journeys, approaches, challenges, and goals made me feel more connected to my own purpose in this work.” 

Another student expressed, “I honestly can’t say enough good things about how Kerstin and Myriam show up. Kerstin, you are such a calming presence, and the way you made me feel seen and heard in a really difficult moment was something I’ll never forget. Thank you for making me feel safe and supported.“

As for Myriam, one student shared, “Your openness and honesty were such a gift throughout this experience. The way you shared your art, your personal struggles, and how you’ve used them to shape your creative journey resonated deeply with me. You made me feel like I wasn’t alone in this and gave me the space to embrace my own authenticity.“

Looking Ahead to Beyond the HeARTs 2026

As Beyond the HeARTs 2025 wraps up, the excitement for what’s next is already building. The connections made, the creative energy shared, and the beauty we’ve collectively created have set the stage for an even more inspiring editions in the future. The Beyond the HeARTs team is already looking ahead, eager to continue fostering a community of like-minded creatives, pushing boundaries, and inspiring one another to reach even higher.

Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to making Beyond the HeARTs 2025 such a magical and soulful experience. From the breathtaking venue to our incredible vendors and the amazing attendees, this event was truly something special. We are grateful for every moment and can’t wait to see how the beauty created this year continues to inspire us all.

Want to be part of the magic in 2026? Join the waitlist for upcoming editions of Beyond the HeARTs and stay tuned for more details on how you can be a part of the next unforgettable retreat.