Oh friends, it feels so surreal to be writing this post! As many of you know, the illume retreat is an intimate retreat for creatives that’s been on my heart for almost two years now. Earlier this year, I launched this little retreat in hopes of creating a space for creatives to come together, step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and truly invest in building more purposeful, intentional businesses. Through productive rest, digging deep, and actionable goal setting, it’s my hope to create a space where true change – not just in business but also in life – takes place. This year was our inaugural event, and I could not have been more humbled by the outcome! 

Nestled in the rolling hills of Austin, seven speakers and 12 attendees came together for a time of learning, rest and community. Together, we dove into what it means to build an authentic business, what that looks like, and how we practically can utilize our businesses, our art and our work to bless others. We all came together at the end of October for two days of admitting that we don’t have it all together, but that we’re willing to help one another conquer our fears and press on towards a life well-lived. There were sore sides from all the belly laughs, tears from digging deep, and eyes gleaming with hope as we dared each other to dream bigger. It was beautiful, friends. And humbling. Almost a month later and I’m still trying to process this incredible retreat that could not have been possible if it weren’t for the faith, support and encouragement of my incredible speaker lineup.

Today, I’m so excited to share with y’all some of the photos from our time together! I’ll be sharing each day individually, starting with our gorgeous, simple welcome dinner. I wanted to create a clean, bright and feminine space where our attendees and speakers could mingle, get to know one another and feel absolutely welcomed. Bristol Lane Florals sponsored the most luxe arrangements, which were absolutely the highlight of our tablescape! Our brand palette consists of grey, blush, white and pops of copper, which I wanted to incorporate through an individual copper mug at each place setting. Attendees were able to find their place thanks to organic linen ribbon with breathtaking calligraphy by Parris Chic Boutique tied around each mug handle! We had a Moscow Mule station set up for attendees to fill their cup with something tasty, and spent the beginning of our evening gathered around the courtyard chatting and laughing.

Our venue, Travaasa, needed little additional decor to make it shine. This incredible outdoor courtyard space totally reminded me of an evening in Italy, and what better way to spend a beautiful Texas evening than with some of the sweetest, bravest women around!

We were spoiled by scrumptious farm-to-table eats our entire time at Travaasa, and our welcome dinner was no exception. We laughed, broke bread and raised our mugs for the next two days of education, encouragement and edification.

Our official retreat photographer (and speaker!), Shalyn Nelson of Love, The Nelsons Photography captured this evening so perfectly. I can’t wait to share her additional images with y’all over the next few days!

If you’re feeling a little blue that you missed this retreat and are wondering what’s in store for 2016, I’ve got some exciting news for you! Yes, I’ll be hosting another retreat oh-so-soon, and am actually announcing our Spring retreat dates tomorrow morning at 10am CST! Our newsletter subscribers will be the first to know, so be sure to sign up for updates and details about this sweet, intimate event. You can rest assured that I’m making some big changes and fun additions to our retreat experience, and I can’t wait to share more!

Styling: Dear Sweetheart Events & b is for bonnie design | Centerpieces: Bristol Lane Florals | Calligraphy: Parris Chic Boutique | Photography: Love, the Nelsons | Venue: Travaasa Austin