Northern star retreat
October 12-14, 2026 | Jenner, California
Rediscover your why, Find your people, refill your cup.
All-inclusive retreat tickets starting at $550. Styled shoot only tickets starting at $250.
where the pines meet the sea
An invitation back to why you started creating
northern california creative retreat
There’s a version of you that fell in love with this work before it became a business. Before the deadlines, the deliverables, the endless to-do lists.
This retreat is an invitation back to her — your personal northern star.
Three days beneath the trees, next to the ocean. Space to slow down, create without pressure, and remember the stories, ideas, and values that called you here in the first place.
coastal + evergreen
the styled shoots
october 13th | coastal + evergreen
The Coastal Styled Shoot | Right on the beach – sand, salty air, and fog. There will be a simple but beautiful ceremony set up, along with a flat lay and a variety of locations for photos with our stunning model couple.
The Evergreen Styled Shoot | Moody and magical, tucked among the trees. Think a long table reception set up, a full ceremony setup, a stunning flat lay, and our gorgeous model couple bringing it all to life.
our retreat home
driftwood lodge
the heart of our retreat
Jenner is a true hidden gem: about 1 hour 45 minutes from San Francisco, or 2 hours 15 minutes from Sacramento. Flying in from further away? SFO and Oakland airports are both about an hour from the lodge, so you can fly in and drive the rest of the way. Coming from Reno/Tahoe, it’s a scenic 4-hour drive up and over.
Driftwood Lodge is the heart of the retreat — where you’ll gather for workshops, meals, styled shoots, and evening time together under the stars.
Retreat attendees will stay just down the road at Fort Ross Lodge.
tickets + pricing
In order to secure your spot, you will need to pay 50% of your chosen ticket. After that, we set up a flexible payment plan to make things easy! We will also send over a simple agreement outlining cancellation policy, transferring your ticket, etc. Happy to answer any questions!
The full retreat
$800
The complete experience — three days to slow down, create, and connect.
Check out styled shoot concepts HERE.
What It Includes:
- 2 night lodging at Fort Ross Lodge
- Dinner + breakfast your entire stay
- Both styled shoots - Evergreen + Coastal
- Both workshops + yoga session
- Access to the property: hot tub, hiking trails, farm animals
- Evening games + community time
- Welcome basket with local goodies
One Night Experience
$550
A taste of the full experience. Arriving Oct 12, checkout Oct 13
This is for those who are curious about the retreat and want to join but can’t commit to the full 3 days.
What it Includes:
- One night at Fort Ross Lodge
- One styled shoot - Coastal
- Dinner + breakfast bar
- Yoga + mindfulness session
- Evening games & community time
- Welcome basket with local goodies
Styled Shoot only | Oct 13
$250 per shoot
If you’d like to join us for just a styled shoot, we’d love to have you! Check out styled shoot concepts HERE.
October 13th – Coastal will be in the morning, Evergreen will be in the evening
This option does not include meals, lodging, or access to yoga/wellness classes.
our why
To remember
Somewhere between deadlines and deliverables, timelines and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget why we started creating in the first place. This retreat is an invitation to return to that place — your personal northern star.
To slow down
Being in the wedding industry means you are always trying to give 100% for your clients on their most important day. Going all in all the time is exhausting. This retreat will offer a space to breathe, through yoga and mindfulness sessions.
To gather
There’s something different about sitting around a table with women who understand the exact weight of this work. This retreat is a chance to gather with people who get it, and remember the stories, ideas, and values that first called you here.
what to expect
01
Arrival & Welcome
Check in to Fort Ross Lodge, find your welcome basket, and gather at Driftwood Lodge for drinks and mingling before a laid-back BBQ dinner together.
02
The Why Behind the Work
Our opening workshop, led by Brie and Lauren — a chance to slow down and reconnect with what brought you to this industry in the first place.
03
Mornings of Stillness
Start each day with a breakfast bar, coffee, and a guided yoga and mindfulness session before the day unfolds.
04
Styled Shoots
Both the Coastal and the Evergreen shoot have been planned with so much detail and thought, we can’t wait for you to experience them both.
05
Wellness & Conversation
An evening discussion on burnout and balance, followed by good food, dessert, laughs, games, and time to unwind in the hot tub under the stars.
06
New headshot & Farewell
Join us for a closing group activity and goodbyes, including a brand new professional headshot!
Brie & Lauren
meet your hosts
The ones behind the retreat
Hi, I’m Brie — a wife, a mom, a friend, a sister, a daughter, and a wedding planner and business owner. I’ve struggled at times to balance everything I’m passionate about, but I’ve realized I’m not the only one who feels this way. Out of that realization came this retreat, a true dream of mine — a space for everyone who comes to leave feeling rejuvenated and reconnected with their why. Follow on Instagram!
Hi, I’m Lauren — a wedding photographer and content creator. Like so many women, I know what it’s like when work, relationships, creativity, and everyday life all pull at once. I’ve learned that when burnout creeps in, it’s time to slow down and pour back into yourself. That’s the heart behind this retreat: time by the ocean, space to reconnect with yourself, and room to create something just for you. Follow on Instagram!
Common Questions
Where is it hosted?
We’re based at the Driftwood Lodge for workshops, meals, and shoots — you’ll stay just down the street at the Fort Ross Lodge.
Who is this for?
Photographers, videographers, and content creators in the wedding industry looking to slow down, create, and connect. You can be at any stage of your business – beginner or experienced!
What's included in meals?
Dinner and a breakfast bar are provided each day. Lunch is on your own (there are some yummy places nearby we will probably go explore!).
Is there a payment plan option?
Yes! While we do require 50% up front to lock in your spot, we are flexible on how the remaining 50% is paid. It just needs to be completely paid in full no longer than 30 days before the retreat starts.
How do I book?
Fill out the form HERE! Your name will be added to our “interested” list. When it’s time to book officially, we will contact you via email. And then a deposit holds your spot, with the remaining balance split into a simple payment plan. Once your deposit is in, we’ll send over all the details.
What's there to do on the property?
A hot tub, hiking trails, and even some farm animals to say hi to — plus the workshops and shoots on the schedule. The ocean is only minutes away!
Who will I meet?
A group of like-minded creatives in the wedding industry — real conversations, new friendships, and people who get it.
What's the cancellation policy?
Your 50% deposit locks in your spot and is non-refundable — once it’s in, we’ve reserved your place and started planning around it, so we’re not able to return it if plans change.
That said, life happens! If you need to cancel, you’re welcome to transfer your spot to someone else (a friend, a colleague — anyone who’d love to come in your place) at no extra cost. Just let us know who’s stepping in so we can get their info on file.
If you can’t find someone to transfer to, reach out and we’ll see what we can do but please plan on your deposit being locked in either way.
northern star retreat
we can't wait to meet you
Have questions about the retreat or want to learn more before booking? We’d love to hear from you! Fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with answers, additional details, or anything else you need to help you decide if this retreat is the right fit for you.
northern star
retreat
Got questions?
