In Spring 2024 Matthew (my lover and Ultraviolet Backdrops mastermind) curated a custom collection of backdrops (more on this collaboration in THIS post) in collaboration with Nicole Chapman Design. Nicole is the queen of attention to detail, bringing multi-sensory through to their utmost. Matthew and I love working with her and it was a for sure hell yes when Nicole invited us to join her and her team, workshop attendees, and collaborators for a workshop weekend in Joshua Tree.
The weekend was a continuous brimming of what Nicole offers freely: hard work and luxury. Every detail, from multi-course nightly meals overlooking the Mojave desert dripping with visual and symbolic mystery (truly these were some of the best meals of my life) to the dense and valuable information and openness of Nicole’s teaching style was intentional and elevating. We use words like these a lot on the event industry but Nicole doesn’t need to say them- she lives them.
While Matthew was busy installing painted parachutes and backdrops, I created a gallery of behind the scenes images that document the fast-paced mechanics, process, styling, and photoshoots.
For the building, creating, and instructional images I shot 35mm b&w (HP5) on the Pentax K1000. For completed installs, wearables, and photoshoots I shot medium format (Kodak Gold 200) on the Rolleiflex 6001. These mediums tell the story of the luxury florist. Alway working in a team sharing a vision, engineering a flow, pivoting, and troubleshooting their processes and environment to create an ephemeral experience and image
Nicole integrated these behind the scene images into her sites beautifully. The mix of gritty process and polished editorial shots layered with Nicole’s affinity for textures are evocative of her style, the high key dry desert place, and the mood of her luxury retreat workshop.
The screen grabs of her site pages shared here really don’t cut it- visit her sites, Nicole Chapman Design and Amphora, to experience the moving story.
L: Custom designed Lisa Geue vessels gifted to each attendee | R: Nicole perfects the mechanics and design of a foam-free installation.
Nicole Chapman Design & Amphora Education
Workshop Vendors and Collaborators:
VENUE: LE CHACUEL
BACKDROPS & PAINTINGS: ULTRAVIOLET BACKDROPS
PRIVATE CHEF: RANDI SOOS
STATIONERY AND PAPER GOODS: EPOCH DESIGN
CUSTOM VESSEL: LISA GEUE
MAKEUP: MICHELLE
HAIR: AMANDA ELAINE
STYLIST: ALYSIA COLE STYLING
MODELS: @laurenh.park @RYANIMANI @M_KENZIE
NCD TEAM: @molly.in.the.sky @charmflorals @infullbloomfloralstudio @antheia.floralanddesign @monica.alise.87
CONTENT PHOTOGRAPHY: Anya Kernes
VIDEO: @POEMOF.US
CONTENT CREATION: @CUPIDCONTENTCO
ATTENDEES:@Lovingheart_floral @float.flora @amywestfloral @boyblume @suncanyonflorals @KellyMarkFlorals @ashleyamrit @studio.bloem.co @roamessco
FILM NOTES: B&W 35 MM HP5+2 | COLOR KODAK GOLD 200+1 | SCAN AND DEV THE FIND LAB
Photo of yours truly by Anya Kernes