The Lake Erie Building in Cleveland, Ohio, will forever hold a special place in my heart because it’s where so many sweet dreams and WEEKS of hard work came to fruition. Where lifelong friendships were made that I never even knew I needed in my life; where I conquered my fear of speaking and teaching to an entire room of creatives who work in the same exact industry as me; where we broke down walls and solved business problems and grew in grace; where I walked out the doors better than I was when I walked in:

not because of the educational content or stunning portfolio images, but because I’d met people who made me a better human being just by encountering them.

So I am trying to write this post without getting teary, but I’ll be the first to admit that’s next to impossible for a human marshmallow like me. These two days in Cleveland changed my life and my heart, just like I hoped they would. From the very beginning, I knew this conference would be one for the books. I believed so deeply in everything it stood for: kindhearted wedding photographers who desire to serve and love with grace. Courtney and Robert of The Cannons Photography spent months upon months organizing, planning, leading, and praying over this event. I found myself stopping in awe (almost hourly) to just adore their hard work. Every. Last. Detail. was done with precision and extreme excellence. I can’t believe I get to call these humans my friends.

I think I could write for days about how much this conference meant to me, but most of you are here for the pictures. So I suppose I’ll allow them to do the talking. Disclaimer: 95% of these photographs were taken by yours truly, but I do need to thank Courtney Cannon, Jessica Husted, & Courtney Paige Photography for their contributions to this sweet little blog as well! (You know, the images where I’m actually IN the photos for once! They were taken by these sweet ladies!)

So without further ado, here’s my recap from the most magical conference full of beautiful details and even more beautiful people: The Graceful Gathering, Round 1.

We arrived the first morning to these immaculate details. The light pouring through the front windows was absoutely DREAMY. 
Breakout sessions covered everything from styling details to utilizing Instagram stories or taking the dive into full-time photography. These educators are seriously IN-CRED-IBLE. I just love my people!

Day one included a styled shoot for all the attendees. I was lucky enough to hang out at this stunning station for a few hours where I got to know the amazing models (Griff & Christa were gorgeous models and equally wonderful company!)

Watching everyone document this station was so stinkin’ fun! I swear I could watch other photographers work all day. Every artist sees light and creates imagery so differently; I think that’s what makes our industry so incredible!





Some of the attendees asked me to hold the flowers for them for a picture against the blank wall…. then, my sweet friend, Jess, snapped this image of me. Have you ever seen anyone so excited to simply hold flowers? Me neither. I swear I was giddy this whole conference; every second was just that incredible! Helping photographers grow and learn, while also working behind the scenes? SIGN ME UP. I love this stuff!

Below is the man, the myth, the legend: Devin Robinson, of Anchor and Veil Photography. When I say this human is incredible, it’s an extreme understatement. I swear the entire room drops what their doing and listens intently every time he speaks. Not only is he a talented photographer, but his knowledge on just about everything else will absolutely blow your mind. He has been such a gift to my life since we met in June and his friendship is one I cherish so deeply!

They also allowed me to get up in front of the room and speak on Client Experience. That was pretty neat. My favorite part was when it was over. HAHAHA! I’m only kidding!!! I truly was a nervous wreck beforehand, though, and the host of this conference (my sweet friend Courtney) literally laid hands on me and prayed over me before I walked up there. Instant tears. I cried so many freaking times in these two days, but it’s only because I’m continuously amazed by God’s goodness and the people He brings into my life. This whole event was so good for my soul.

Another styled shoot took place for attendees and I literally was too busy saying goodbye to all of my new friends to document most of it. (Typical Hannah move) But let me tell you… It was STUNNING. Above is just a small glimpse of it that I snagged while everyone was wrapping up.

Below are the hooligans I shared an Airbnb with for the trip. I was the youngest in our little apartment of educators and these three never let me live it down. Upon arriving they literally asked if I was old enough to drink. HAHAHA (#flattered) Let’s hope my youthful appearance continues throughout life; I think I’ll enjoy that a lot more one day.

Best two days, EVER. You can see the exhaustion in my eyes from these images. After two 12+ hour days and, maybe, 8 total hours of sleep… I was dragging. But even so, I was nothing but grateful as we wrapped up this conference. Courtney, the sweet lady in the very last picture, is an absolute angel. Her newfound friendship is something I hold close to my heart and never take for granted, especially as a Christian business owner. I cried tears of joy to her COUNTLESS times over the course of these two days and she accepted them with grace and love every single time.

Crossing all my fingers that this is just the beginning of our journey hosting the Graceful Gathering. A huge thank you to all our sponsors, vendors, and the incredible attendees that made this week possible. I am forever thankful for you all!

Feel free to give any of these amazing vendors a follow on Instagram!

[SHOOT DAY ONE]

PLANNER & FLORIST: @sweetpea.weddings

SHOOT HOST: @thecannonsphotography & @thegracefulgathering

INVITATIONS: @berriesandbloomsstudio

DRESSES: @thedressmedina

VIDEOGRAPHER: @ashley_mccomb

VENUE: @lakeeriebuilding

SHOES: @Bellabelleshoes

RING BOXES: @the_mrs_box

RIBBON: @nettle_and_silk

FURNITURE RENTALS:@borrow_currated

COTTON CANDY CART:@artofsource

MAKEUP: @american_beauty_artistry_llc

HAIR: @sarahdelainebrides

MODEL: Christa and Dilshad

RENTALS: @lirentsevents

CAKE: @wildflourbakeryoh

RINGS @annemariesjewlery

STYLING MATS @stileandco

⁣GROOM: @thegroomsmansuit

[SHOOT DAY TWO]

PLANNER: @kirkbrides

SHOOT HOST:@thecannonsphotography & @thegracefulgathering

FLORIST @dietzfloralstudio

INVITATIONS: @pinktomatocreative

DRESSES: @somethingwhitebridalVENUE: @lakeeriebuilding

BRIDESMAIDS DRESS: @thedressmedina

VIDEOGRAPHER: @ashley_mccomb

CALLIGRAPHER: @goldleafcalligraphy

SHOES: @bellabelleshoes

RING BOXES: @the_mrs_box

RIBBON: @nettle_and_silk

FURNITURE RENTALS:@borrow_currated

BUBBLES & BREWS CART: @bubblesandbrewsohio

MAKEUP: @american_beauty_artistry_llc

HAIR: @UrbaneSociety

MODELS: @sirpillasoirees

RENTALS: @lirentsevents

CAKE @lunacakeshop

GROOMSMEN: @thegroomsmansuit

OTHERS FOR THE EVENT

@acupcakeaday

@stemfloralstudio

@pixifi

@poppincleveland

@berriesandbloomsstudio

@onetentertainment