Last November (wow, already TWO months ago!), my best photog friend, Kate, and I packed our bags, headed to the airport to catch our flight to North Carolina, and started a little adventure together as we prepared to open our hearts to all of the goodness that Creative @ Heart has to offer… It was the first C@H for both of us! So, in honor of the next C@H’s details being announced tomorrow, I think it’s the perfect time to share a little look back at Round 8!

The conference week kicked off with a Sunday night welcome party at the beautiful WinMock at Kinderton – friends this venue was gorgeous for the conference! The couples that have wedding days at this venue are the lucky ones, that’s for sure. The welcome party was well, welcoming, yet slightly intimidating for this extroverted introvert! I was so thankful to get to move throughout the room with Kate and meet new creative friends together on night one. After a little mingling and of course some sweets, we traveled back to our adorable AirBNB for a good night’s rest before the jam packed three day conference officially began!

Day one of the conference was great! I remember arriving, grabbing a little breakfast, and feeling in awe as I watched all of the creatives flood in through the doors (out of the rain!) and up the stairs at the venue. Conferences are always a joy because you can come away with so much good information for your life and business, encouragement from other creatives, and yep, new friends! I was eager for what was ahead…

The first keynote and start to day one stuck with me throughout the ENTIRE conference – and it’s still with me each and every day. Talk about impactful! Shay Cochrane was the first keynote that shared from her heart of the mainstage, and I loved her message dearly. Her message and encouragement to own your business AND own your life was inspiring. It deeply resonated with me, and I carry it with me each day as I remind myself that I am in this business to live my life, not the other way around!

As day one continued, I immersed myself in the speakers’ messages (shoutout to one of my new favorites Tyler McCall – the Instagram with intention guru himself!) and took so many notes. One thing I LOVE to do at conferences is keep a note page (or two or three!) of my biggest takeaways or “ah-ha” moments… Creative @ Heart was no exception to this little tradition of mine! And it’s so encouraging to look back on these little notes days, weeks, and even months later.

By the time day one of the conference wrapped up, we were TIRED! Kate and I loved gabbing about the day + what we learned and turned in for the night before day two kicked off.

The second day of the conference was all about breakouts – loved it! It was valuable to have the opportunity to attend breakouts specific to my interests and needs within my life and business. And oh, I cannot forget, I loved spending time with our panel group with Katelyn James, Abby Grace, and Katie McGihon. These ladies were so real and full of life and encouragement. We couldn’t have asked for a better lunchtime panel group!

As day two wrapped up, yep, you guessed it… We were tired once again! But for good reason – we spent the day learning + reigniting our passions within our businesses. And we made a quick stop by the late night snack party, too!

By the time day three rolled around, I was honestly wondering what more could this conference give. I had already learned and immersed myself in so much, that it was almost too good to be true that there was MORE! I enjoyed listening to a couple keynotes, attending a handful of breakouts, and spending one last lunch with our wedding photographer panel group before the conference wrapped up with Katelyn James’ keynote. Friends, the starting keynote and ending keynotes were PERFECT at this conference. I valued each so deeply and continue to carry them with me.

All in all, this conference was fulfilling in many ways for my creative heart. From sharing the conference experience with my dear friend to meeting new creatives to learning from other creatives to even enjoying a few cupcakes… This conference was so good for my soul!