I had the pleasure of attending my first FWE workshop with Eva & Carey two years ago, held in Iceland. My expectations were totally exceeded and I was left wanting more.
So, when I saw that they were hosting a food & styling workshop in Croatia, I jumped at it!
The weeks and days leading up, I was connecting with fellow attendees via social media, and making plans to stay in Croatia to explore once the workshop ended. I was unsure what to expect of Croatia or how this workshop would differ from the previous one I attended but, I was ready for anything!
There is something to say for when you get the opportunity to be in the midst of someone you admire in your field. To spend a few days watching how they work, listening to their advice and soaking up as much information as you possibly can that leaves you feeling blessed.
This is how I felt after attending the First We Eat workshop held by Eva Kosmas Flores.
Upon arriving in Croatia, I met up with 3 other gals at the airport. Our 3 hour drive through the Croatian countryside to Istria county, where the workshop was being held, was filled with laughter and great conversation. A perfect start to an amazing journey.
We were all so excited to learn and be amongst like -minded individuals, creating art and sharing our passion with one another.
Tournant : boutique catering
Driving through Istria County is a treat in itself. It is filled with windy country roads, beautiful trees, rolling hills, and small narrow streets lined with vineyards.
Once we pulled up to the house we all gasped with awe to how stunning and romantic the villa was. Eva & Trisha came out running with a warm welcome and showed us to our rooms. The following few hours were spent meeting with everyone and dining by candle light. We were served with Incredible food prepared by Jaret and Mona -which was the perfect way to end a day of travel.
The next few days were all planned out for us. They were filled with food styling demos, Lightroom overviews, learning social media strategies, eating wonderful food, wine tasting, truffle foraging, exploring, late night chats by fire, and of course- Photography!
Besides the wonderful food & beauty that surrounded me daily I was amongst some of the most amazing ladies. The talent, joy, enthusiasm, passion, and drive that sat around the table daily was the biggest reward of this workshop. Coming from all over the world, with different levels of experience, we came together and shared our passion for Photography.
Lets not forget one of the most important elements of the workshop- FOOD. We were spoiled by the most amazing food prepared from seasonal ingredients by Chefs, Mona and Jaret of Tournant.
These two individuals were simply incredible. Yes, they knew how to cook, but their passion for cooking is what left a lasting impression.
Every meal they prepared had us running for our camera's. Then our forks. Then for seconds.
picnic overlooking town of Motovun
When you sign up for a First We Eat Workshop you are getting a whole experience filled with knowledge, adventure, and inspiration. What goes on behind the scenes is pretty remarkable. On behalf of one of my favorite food photography inspirations, Eva Kosmas Flores from Adventures in Cooking, Trisha Hughes of Eat your beets blog, and Danielle Firle of Tendue, Thank You! Your hand in all of this truly makes the experience special.
local truffles
The lovely Miss Mona
styling food
parting gift
The morning of our departure we decided to stop in the town of Hum.
Hum is located on Istrian peninsula of Croatia and in the Guinness Book of Records as the 'smallest town in the world'. It is recorded to only have 17 people living there. The streets are not drivable but perfect for exploring by foot. And that is just what we did. With hot coffee in hand, we walked around the town of giants and castles.
Then it was goodbye...
Motovun
Our truffle pups
