A Creative Retreat in the French Countryside

Today, we’re thrilled to give you a glimpse inside a creative retreat co-hosted by BB Expert Panel member Laetitia Mayor and photographer Chikae O.H. Watch for BB Podcast Episode 13 coming February 5th if you want to hear Laetitia’s story – including more about her personal cutting garden and The Secret Garden retreat mentioned in this post.

Last September, ‘The Secret Garden’ creative retreat took place in the heart of France, in the Champagne region. Co-hosted by photographer and blogger Chikae O.H of The Hikarui Lifestyle and florist Laetitia Mayor of Florésie, the 3-day retreat welcomed participants from Belgium, Germany, Italy, Australia, Korea and the US.

Floral techniques and photography, as well as business and social media management took center stage over the three days. Following daily social media tech breakfasts with delicious croissants, floral classes were taught by Laetitia in her own cutting garden, where the participants got the opportunity to pick their own flowers and combine them with pretty products from local rose farmers.

On the last day, after a picnic at the foot of the epic Donjon de Septmonts, a medieval tower seized in the middle of an authentic old-stone village, a styled shoot naturally themed around ‘The Secret Garden’ was organized, giving the participants an opportunity to both create a large floral installation and then exercise their photography skills while capturing the decor.

Laetitia and Chikae O.H. will be teaming up again this spring to offer a new creative retreat called ‘Blossoms and Céramique’ with Sarah Van Raden of Notary Ceramics.  The retreat dates are April 18-20, 2018. If you’re looking for an intimate gathering hosted by talented artists, you might want to look into this workshop where Laetitia and Sarah will be teaching you all they know about floral design and tablescape styling with unique artisan’s pieces.