the retreat
Welcome to the Something New Retreat—a retreat created for wedding photographers looking to grow their skillset, international portfolio, and photo community. This retreat has been carefully planned and designed to ensure each attendee leaves with their own “Something New”—just like the wedding-day tradition that inspired its name. Whether it’s a new mindset that revolutionizes the way you run your business, new techniques for creating beautiful compositions in your photos, a new photographer friend (or eight!) to connect with, or a new stamp in your passport, this retreat will be a time filled with learning, growth, and connection.
I hope you’ll join me on this journey of discovering your “something new” today!
Amalfi Coast, Italy
September 23rd-27th, 2024
Positano, Italy
The 2024 Something New Retreat will take place September 23rd-27th on the beautiful Amalfi Coast in Positano, Italy. Highly regarded as one of the top luxury destination-wedding locations in the world, Positano is a dream location for wedding photographers and traveler-lovers alike.
This will be an unforgettable experience that should feel like a cross between a photo workshop and a much-deserved vacation with a new group of friends. During this retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to attend three styled shoots and receive education, while also getting TONS of time to relax + enjoy Italy.
Sound like something you want to be a part of!?
WHAT TO EXPECT
styled shoots
For our Italy retreat, the three styled shoots will be designed to emulate an entire destination wedding weekend. We’ll be shooting our couple at a styled rehearsal dinner, wedding day, and next-day pool/beach party.
Between the stunning views of Positano and the Italian elements throughout each, the three shoots will be thoughtfully designed + planned and sure to wow.
relax + explore
While this retreat will have an element of education, my top two priorities are for all the attendees to get some epic portfolio content AND to fully enjoy their time in Italy. Between our styled shoots, there will be a couple hours of education at the villa, but more importantly, there will be lots of time to hang out by the pool, go to the beach, explore Positano, and get to know all your new photographer friends.
Upon returning to our respective homes after the retreat, each attendee will get a 1 hour one-on-one mentor session call with Marissa.
excursion
On our last day together, we'll celebrate all that we've learned and experienced as a group by setting sail on a boat excursion. We'll spend the day sailing around the Amalfi Coast and you can opt to stay on the boat or jump in for a swim or snorkel! It will be the perfect way to cap off our time together with some well-deserved fun and relaxation!!
-the itinerary
SEPTEMBER 23rdEveryone arrives to the villa
Welcome drinks and watch the sun set!!!
Welcome dinner and get to know each other at the villa
SEPTEMBER 24thMorning “Pool Party” Styled Shoot
Coffee + breakfast at the villa
Pool day
Lunch
Evening Wedding Styled Shoot
Dinner out in Positano
SEPTEMBER 25thCoffee + breakfast
Morning education and Q&A
Beach day in Positano
“Rehearsal Dinner” Styled Shoot
SEPTEMBER 26thBreakfast at the villa
Boat excursion!!!
Dinner out and about
SEPTEMBER 27thCoffee + breakfast
Goodbyes!
your host
Hi, Marissa here! I’m a wedding photographer based in Chicago, and I’m so happy you’re here and considering joining me for an adventure in Italy!!! This retreat is going to combine so many things I love most in this world (and I hope you feel the same way): photographing couples in love, beautiful places, good company, delicious food and drinks, and sharing my knowledge about photography with other wedding photographers to help them bring their businesses to the next level.
Traveling to new places (abroad and domestically) is one of my favorite things. Internationally, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to England, France, Germany, India, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, Greece, Italy, Costa Rica, and Chile—and I can’t wait to add another Italy stamp to my passport in September!!
Apart from taking photos of couples in love and planning my next trip with 20-deck slideshows, I like to spend my free time trying new recipes (mostly pasta dishes or anything with lots of sugar or garlic), checking out new restaurants around Chicago, and waiting for One Direction to get back together.
Check out some of my work here!