Hello, I'm
I’m a hybrid wedding photographer with an unquenchable love for all things French, and I can't wait for you to join us!
Based just outside Washington, DC with my college sweetheart Matt, we’re a husband & wife team for the old-school chic bride & groom. I’ve been a photographer for eight years now, shooting frequently across the US & Europe. One of the biggest advantages of my background in Communication & PR is the window I've been given into the interpersonal side of my job- an insight & intuition that's assisted in my coming to be known as a leader in the profession!
In addition to photography, educating creative small business owners is my JOY! I've had the honor of sharing on stages across the country, and nothing fuels me like late-night business conversation filled with transparency, truth, and a glass of pinot blanc.
My first trip to France was life- and career-altering for me, and my BEST work is done when I'm completely immersed in everything France has to offer. I love it all- the people, the culture, the tastes and smells, and I can't wait to share more of this incredible country with our intimate group!
ABBY GRACE
Abby's background in Communication & PR paired with eight years of profitable business ownership make her an authority for creatives looking to serve high-end clientele
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"I was particularly impressed with Abby's willingness to share it all - even sharing her exact pricing structure and numbers in hopes that we would gain insight and grow from that information. Abby and Katherine were both knowledgeable, encouraging and welcoming.
The perfect workshop duo!'
- Katie McGihon
round 1 attendee
Hello, I'm
I’m a designer, and watercolor illustrator who fell in love with France and all of it’s charm when I moved there 10 years ago. I simply cannot wait to welcome you with a glass of bubbly to our charming chateau this summer!
Now based just outside of New York City, where I live with my dashingly handsome French husband (I really did fall in love with allll of the charm!) and our 3 bilingual littles, I spend my days designing custom bridal gowns and handmade lingerie for the classically elegant bride enchanted with delicate lace and intimate weddings.
My educational background in the design industry provides me with a unique perspective on brand concepting and visual design strategy in a luxury market, and there’s nothing I love more than pouring that knowledge into other creative entrepreneurs.
I still remember the first time I stepped out of the train station into Paris, dragging my suitcase behind me, ready to live there for the next year. Few of my memories are as clear as that moment; the colors, the sounds, the style, the confidence. Those souvenirs have become the inspiration for the iconic style I have curated over the years.
katherine bignon
Katherine’s background in visual design and experience in the luxury bridal market provides a unique perspective for growing creatives
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Ashlyn writes well-appointed words for creative women as a copywriter & calligrapher. She left her job as a publicist to go full-time with her calligraphy biz for brides--and realized there were lots of creatives fumbling with their message and sales copy (you can take the girl out of the PR agency ... ).
Trading clients like Delta Air Lines and Chick-fil-A to write conversion website copy and launch copy for creative industry dreamies like Jenna Kutcher, Local Milk Blog, Desiree Hartsock Bridal, Katelyn James, Heather Crabtree, Hilary Rushford, Abby Grace Photography, Shay Cochrane, and Justin & Mary Marantz is just the bee's knees. Her calligraphy has been featured in Style Me Pretty, Southern Weddings, and The Knot. When not writing about herself in third person, she’s usually trying to scratch the ink off her fingernails or grabbing margs and tacos with her husband.
Guest speaker
Ashlyn carter
Talk- Copy for the Luxe Set:
High-End Service Copy that
Nurtures & Closes the Sale
When we first met, we initially bonded over was an adoration of all things French; Abby, in part because she's been a self-professed Francophile for years, and Katherine, in part because she and her French husband Guillaume met in Paris while she was living in the city for a year. The idea of classic French lifestyle, of Parisian colors and skylines and fashion, we've both been inspired by those individually!
We've had the opportunity to work together quite a few times over the last three years, each one better than the last. While shooting Katherine's new line of gowns in Manhattan in 2015, we discovered something; we're both inspired by one another's work, and that because of our mutual love of all things classic, French, and feminine, when we come together? The resulting magic is even better than what we could have produced alone!
France was the obvious choice when we decided upon doing a workshop together. It's the place we're both drawn to, the one that's served to inspire countless dreams, shoots, designs, and ideas. Our best work is done as a result of our time spent in France, and we knew there's no better place in the world to teach on inspiration than the place where it began for us both.
Our first France workshop in 2017 was an incredible success, with photographers joining us from both Europe and all across the United States! We're taking things to the next level with our second workshop, and hope that you'll join us for everything we have in store- we cannot wait to share a jam-packed week of education and a slice of French life with you!
- Abby & Katherine
Why France?
In addition to a love for the visual & brand aesthetic, there's also a mutual adoration for French life, which is what we're so excited to share with our intimate group of attendees! Throughout our time together, you'll be exposed to classic French cuisine, family-style dinners that are so common in French homes, and insight into French style and tradition that's difficult to find in standard photography workshops.
Our first France workshop in 2017 was an incredible success, with photographers joining us from both Europe and all across the United States! We're elevating things even further for our second workshop, and hope that you'll join us for everything we have in store for you!
- Abby & Katherine
Why France?