The Best Decision I’ve Made For My Wedding Business: The AMV Retreats Experience

Over the last four years, one of the very best decisions I’ve made for my wedding photography business has been saying “yes” to the AMV Retreats.

This experience has transformed my approach to wedding photography and enriched my creativity.

Not once. Not twice. Almost six times.

And I know that sounds dramatic, but I mean it in the most grounded, real-life way: these retreats have genuinely helped shape the way my brand looks, the way I photograph, the way I see weddings, and the way I show up as a creative business owner. Every time I come home, I feel like someone turned the lights on a little brighter inside my brain and my heart. I leave inspired, motivated, and honestly… a little high from the beauty of it all.

What is a “retreat”?

If you’re newer to the idea, AMV Retreats are luxury workshops/retreats created for photographers and videographers—built around education, portfolio-building, and community, in some of the most stunning destinations in the world. And I’m not saying “stunning” like a generic adjective. I mean: the kind of places you dream about photographing when you first start imagining what a destination wedding career could look like.

I’ve flown to incredible locations because of AMV. Santorini. Tuscany. The Cotswolds. Paris. Each one different, each one unforgettable, and each one somehow better than the last.

The Locations

What makes these retreats so special isn’t just the locations (even though… wow). It’s the level of intention behind them. The experience feels curated, elevated, thoughtful. It’s the kind of environment where everything you’re surrounded by—design, light, architecture, florals, fashion, tablescapes—pushes you to create work that’s more refined. More editorial. More you, but upgraded.

All about Amanda

A huge part of that is Amanda Virga—the owner, lead designer, and creator behind AMV Retreats. I’ve loved working with Amanda over the years because she is truly an expert in her craft, and she cares deeply about the experience her guests have. That matters. You can feel it in the way the days flow, the way the details are layered, the way the education is balanced with creativity, and the way you’re welcomed into community instead of treated like a number.

Amanda has an incredible eye and a very specific taste level (the kind you can’t fake). She’s also built AMV Retreats in a way that’s meant to support creatives not just artistically, but professionally—helping you build a brand that’s intentional and sustainable. That combination is rare.

The people

One of my favorite things about these retreats is the people. I’ve met so many amazing wedding photographers—people who are wildly talented, kind, generous, and passionate about growing. Some of those connections have turned into friendships, collaborations, referrals, and the kind of supportive community that makes this industry feel a lot less lonely. AMV Retreats even talks openly about community being a core part of what they’re building, and that absolutely tracks with my experience.

Education

And then there’s the learning. It’s not “sit in a chair all day and take notes until your brain melts.” It’s education that feels relevant—marketing, storytelling, refining your aesthetic, business development, building a brand that attracts the kind of clients you actually want. It’s the kind of education that has a ripple effect. You don’t just come home with pretty images—you come home thinking differently about your work and your business.

From a practical standpoint, these retreats have elevated my brand look in a very real way. My portfolio got stronger. My eye got sharper. My confidence grew. And when your work reflects a more elevated, luxury experience, it naturally attracts clients who are looking for that same feeling. That’s been a huge piece of my own growth over the last few years.

I also want to say this gently, because I know investing in yourself can feel scary (trust me!): I understand that retreats are a commitment. Time, money, travel, energy. But for me, AMV has been one of those rare investments that pays you back in more than just business. It pays you back in inspiration. In friendships. In belief. In momentum. In that “oh my gosh, I remember why I love this” feeling.

And that feeling matters. Because the truth is, the wedding industry can be demanding. Busy seasons can feel like a sprint. And it’s easy to forget how magical this work is when you’re deep in logistics, timelines, galleries, and emails. AMV Retreats pulls you out of the grind for a moment and drops you into beauty, creativity, and possibility. It reminds you what you’re building.

If you’re a photographer reading this and you’ve been curious, you can explore AMV Retreats.

And if you’re a couple reading this and wondering why any of this matters for your wedding photography experience, here’s the simplest version: I’m always investing in becoming better—for my clients. Better eye. Better artistry. Better storytelling. Better experience. Getting to learn from world-class creatives and photograph in places like Santorini, Tuscany, the Cotswolds, and Paris stretches me in the best way… and that growth comes home with me to every single wedding I photograph.

If you’re planning a destination wedding (or dreaming about one) and you want photography that feels elevated, emotional, intentional, and true to you, I’d love to hear what you’re planning. Send me a message through my contact form and tell me where you’re getting married, what you’re envisioning, and what matters most to you in photos.