Looking Back: Beyond the heARTs Workshop Retreat 2024

From June 5th to 7th, 2024, the elegant Manoir Maplewood in Waterloo, Quebec, became a sanctuary for connection, inspiration, and growth. This year’s Beyond the heARTs Workshop & Retreat, guided by Kerstin Hahn and Myriam Menard, welcomed wedding photographers and filmmakers eager to elevate their artistry and business skills.

This year’s retreat wasn’t just about technical skills, it was about building lasting relationships with like-minded creative entrepreneurs, discovering individual artistic voices, and building brands rooted in authenticity and lasting impact.

Beyond the Hearts represents a journey into the deeper elements of artistic and professional growth for creatives in the wedding industry. The name suggests looking beyond the surface—the beauty and romance often associated with weddings—and instead focusing on the artist’s inner motivations, distinct voice, and connection with clients.

The 3-day workshop retreat was thoughtfully crafted to unlock artistic potential and elevate business practices through a blend of hands-on learning and carefully curated editorial photo shoots. The workshop delved into personal branding where students discovered and refined their unique artistic voices to stand out in a competitive market authentically. We explored marketing strategies that reflect each artist’s purpose, emphasizing genuine connections with clients. Creative exploration was encouraged to push artistic boundaries, refining skills for intentional, artful imagery. Lastly, we focused on client connection, sharing strategies to build trust, foster rapport, and create heart-centered services that leave a lasting impact on clients.

The shoots were more than just aesthetics – they were expressions of personal journeys in finding and refining their creative style.

The participants were given full access to Manoir Maplewood, a venue that radiates elegance and sophistication in the heart of Eastern Townships, Quebec. The workshop featured two carefully styled editorial shoots, giving everyone the chance to capture stunning portfolio images that speak to each of their ideal clients. With a creative powerhouse of wedding professionals, our attendees were able to capture elevated moments. Let’s give a shoutout to the talented team that made this event possible!

• Kerstin Hahn, internationally recognized and published in VOGUE and The Knot, brought her extensive expertise to the retreat. With a career rooted in the fashion industry and over 15 years in luxury marketing, Kerstin is a trailblazer in wedding photography, known for her contemporary editorial style. At the retreat, she inspired attendees by emphasizing the importance of building personal brands that reflect individual values, vision, and authenticity.
• Myriam Ménard, a rangefinder “30 Rising Stars” honoree and British Vogue published photographer, infused the retreat with her cinematic, Old Hollywood-inspired style. Her hospitality background and emotional intelligence allow her to create deeply empathetic, narrative-driven imagery. Myriam shared her expertise with attendees, empowering them to tap into their creativity and elevate their artistry.
• Paulina & Co. ensured that the workshop ran seamlessly, from planning to execution. Renowned for their exceptional hospitality and event coordination, they designed every moment with intention and care, creating an inspiring and stress-free environment for attendees to thrive.
• Agence Aurea together with Paulina & Co., brought her refined artistry and expertise in luxury wedding planning to the retreat. Known for crafting modern and daring events, Morgane’s thoughtful design and attention to detail elevated the workshop’s styled shoots and overall aesthetic.
• Cristina Kisil, a floral designer specializing in bespoke, nature-inspired arrangements, added an ethereal touch to the retreat. Her seasonal designs showcased the wild beauty of flowers, blending elegance with modern refinement to create breathtaking floral displays for styled shoots.
• Narges Sheed, an internationally acclaimed makeup artist known for her work on Germany’s Next Topmodel and fashion editorials, brought her bridal artistry to the retreat. Her calming presence and skillful techniques enhanced the beauty of every styled shoot, perfectly embodying timeless elegance.
• Films by Jinbon, a visionary filmmaker, documented the retreat with his signature cinematic style. Known for capturing raw, authentic moments, his behind-the-scenes videography preserved the creative energy and collaborative spirit of the workshop, providing attendees with memories to cherish.
• Kim Archambault, the workshop retreat’s behind-the-scenes photographer, skillfully captured authentic moments and the artistry behind every session. Her storytelling approach documented the essence of the workshop, showcasing the connections, creativity, and magic of the event.
• Sarah Alouache Bridal showcased her thoughtfully designed gowns, perfect for the modern romantic bride. Centered around beauty, femininity, and bold fashion-forward style, Sarah’s creations added elegance and sophistication to the retreat’s editorial shoots.
• Château de la Mariée Nadia contributed their exclusive, one-of-a-kind bridal gowns to the retreat’s styled shoots as well. As one of Quebec’s leading bridal boutiques, their carefully curated pieces elevated the editorial sessions with timeless sophistication and elegance.
• Blandin & Delloye provided bespoke, impeccably tailored suits for the groom’s styling at the retreat. Their dedication to craftsmanship and refined elegance ensured each look complemented the workshop’s luxurious aesthetic.
• White Willow Paper Co. designed handcrafted, romantic stationery that added a timeless touch to the retreat. From menus to invitations, their meticulously crafted pieces enhanced the styled shoots with elegance and charm.
• Le Traiteur Archer enriched the culinary experience at the retreat with their artfully prepared dishes. Their passion for gourmet excellence created a memorable dining atmosphere, adding vibrancy and flavor to the event.
• Locations Chic enhanced the retreat with their extensive collection of furniture and décor rentals. With over 10 years of experience, they provided stylish pieces that perfectly complemented the aesthetic of the workshop.
• Simply Beautiful Decor contributed luxurious rental items that added sophistication to the retreat’s styled shoots. Their elegant designs elevated the event’s visual storytelling, creating polished and stunning editorial setups.

A journey beyond the surface

At Beyond the heARTs, we encourage every participant to step outside their comfort zone and reconnect with the essence of their work. This year, we focused on more than just photography techniques; we explored the inner motivations, values, and unique voices that make each artist stand out.

One attendee captured this beautifully and shared,

"I came to Beyond the heARTs to get out of my comfort zone and to bring back the fire I had lost since burning out in 2023… and that is exactly what happened! It got my creative (and business!) juices flowing again. This experience reignited my passion and gave me tools I didn’t even realize I needed."

Beyond technical skills, Beyond the Hearts emphasizes the importance of mindset and boundaries for sustainable creativity.

Participants get to explore methods to balance work with well-being, manage creative energy, and develop strategies for long-term growth. By addressing these aspects of professional life, we provided tools to cultivate a healthier approach to business that doesn’t sacrifice personal or artistic fulfillment. More than anything, we are deeply grateful to our students for bringing open minds, boundless enthusiasm, and a courageous willingness to embrace vulnerability.

The feedback we received from our students warmed our hearts and attested to the success of the retreat. One shared,

“I wholeheartedly recommend the Beyond the Hearts workshop. It offers an incredible experience, encompassing valuable insights into the photography business, practical tips for capturing unique and beautiful photos, and the opportunity to connect with fellow photographers and vendors. This workshop is an excellent way to broaden your horizons and deepen your passion for photography.”

With a carefully curated schedule that includes wine tastings and gourmet dining, the workshop offered opportunities to unwind, network, and build connections with fellow creatives. The retreat’s intimate atmosphere fosters a sense of community where photographers and filmmakers can share experiences, gain insights, and develop lasting professional relationships.

Looking ahead,  Beyond the heARTs is more than a workshop – it is a movement toward creating meaningful, intentional work that resonates deeply. Everyone left the workshop with a renewed purpose, a clearer vision, and the tools to align their artistry with their values. We can’t wait to welcome the next group of creatives to join this transformative journey in 2025.

If you’re ready to reignite your passion, refine your craft, and connect with a supportive community, we’d love to see you next year.

For more details, visit Beyond the heARTs Workshop 2024.