Returning to Where It All Began: Our 5-Year Anniversary Creative Retreat in Tuscany, Italy

NOVEMBER 1-5, 2026

Join luxury destination wedding planner Amanda Virga of AMV Weddings and 4 of Europe’s most celebrated fine-art photographers—Greg Finck, Audrey Neracoulis, Lilly Red, and Andreas Georgiou - for an unforgettable retreat in the heart of Tuscany at the iconic Villa Cetinale, one of the world’s most exclusive wedding venues.

This 4-day immersive retreat marks the 5-year anniversary of our celebrated retreat series—returning to where it all began, on the very same date, at the enchanting Villa Cetinale. What started as a vision to bring like-minded creatives together has evolved into a globally recognized experience for those seeking depth, clarity, and artistic refinement.

Curated for fine-art photographers, videographers, and select industry creatives, this experience blends hands-on editorials with intentional classroom sessions centered around:

  • Business growth and strategic branding

  • Artistic direction and visual identity

  • Portfolio curation and elevated storytelling

  • Building a resilient, profitable creative business

The retreat is open to digital, hybrid, and film photographers, as well as videographers. On a case-by-case basis, we also welcome content creators, wedding planners, and select industry creatives whose work aligns with the retreat’s vision. It is designed to reignite your passion, elevate your craft, and connect you with a global community that shares your drive for excellence.

An inspiring experience that will allow you to unwind, reconnect to your purpose and revamp your brand

2

luxurious editorial shoots with real model couples, top industry suppliers, high fashion & the breathtaking settings at the most luxurious and iconic venues of Morocco

Curate an inspiring portfolio that elevates your brand & attracts your ideal client

Develop clarity of aesthetic direction & position yourself powerfully within the market

4

days of interactive workshops, classroom time & networking experiences.

Receive invaluable tools & guidance from 3 globally-renowned photographers

Discover confidence in your photographic voice and completely transform your business

Connect with an intimate group of 20 peers (max).

Topics Covered

Brand & business coaching / Tapping into the luxury market & reaching your ideal client / Feeling more confident & empowered to bring your business to the next level / Posing & capturing emotion / Fine art film photography & Hybrid photography / Building a successful photography brand / Pricing in a way that serves your clients / Defining your style / Destination weddings / Getting your work featured / Working with wedding planners / Creating your own shoots & building a beautifully curated portfolio with high-end images that attract clients & planners / Luxury Weddings in Italy & Europe

What’s Included

  • 3 high-end, luxury styled editorial shoots with bride & groom models at Amanjena, Palais Namaskar, & Be Agafay Desert Camp

    *4 fashion oriented editorial capsule looks with female models

  • 5 days of classroom time, interactive workshops & networking experiences

  • 3 nights accommodation at Atlas Palace Riad & 1 night accommodation at Be Agafay Desert Camp

    • All meals and beverages for the duration of your stay (Monday evening - Friday morning)

  • Camel Ride in the Agafay Desert

  • Transport from Marrakech to Agafay

    *Accommodation at Be Agafay Camp will be Shared Tents, limited Private Upgrades are available upon Request. Rooms at Atlas Palace Riad can be booked on a Shared or Private Basis.

    *Assistance coordinating transport to/from airport available upon request (additional cost applies)


Our previous attendees have been featured in Vogue, Style Me Pretty, Magnolia Rouge, WedLuxe, Wedding Chicks, Wedding Sparrow and many more notable publications


The Location


Villa Cetinale

HOST LOCATION

Commanding more than 12 acres of pristine seclusion, tranquil lakes and inspiring panoramas, Palais Namaskar explores new dimensions in hospitality – indulging guests with unrivaled spaciousness, personal freedom and majestic grandeur to create an undeniably unique experience.

Palais Namaskar hosts a total of 41 units, comprising of rooms, suites, villas and palaces. The décor is a vibrant combination of Eastern-inspired architecture infusing Feng Shui principles with contemporary interior design. Set against the eternal magnificence of the Atlas Mountains, the mysterious Djebilet Hills and nearly four acres of lakes, Palais Namaskar creates the perfect setting for exclusive celebrations and memorable receptions.


Amanjena

SHOOT Location #2

Inspired by the rose-hued buildings of old Marrakech palatial Amanjena, a luxury 5 star resort, is close to the fabled Red City, set in its own expanse of gardens and grand open spaces. Shaded courtyards with fountains lead to the central basin, bordered by spacious standalone Pavilions & Maisons, many with private pools. Views stretch across the olive groves and palms of the oasis, extending to the High Atlas Mountains on the horizon.

Situated within an oasis of palm and olive trees, Amanjena (‘peaceful paradise’) lies just minutes from Morocco’s famous Djemaa el-Fna Square and the Unesco-protected medina of Marrakech and a twenty minutes drive from the Marrakech Menara Airport. 

Amanjena offers a serene escape amidst the historic medina, with its luxurious setting it's ideal for marking life's milestones. From intimate courtyard dinners to elaborate wedding banquets, every private celebration at Amanjena is instilled with the traditions of North Africa while menus abound with the fragrant spices of this exotic land.

Florence Capsule Shoot (optional)

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 6th
Additional Fee: $950

Friday Morning after our Farewell breakfast at Be Agafay, our participants will have the option to travel back to Marrakech for a capsule shoot in the bustling Medina of the city! We will arrange an optional group souk tour and dinner following the shoot, and you will be able to book the accommodation of your choice that evening.

*Cost of Transport to the Medina from the camp is included.

The cost of meals and accommodations are not included.

Meet The Host & Educators

Amanda Virga

Founder of AMV Retreats, Worldwide Wedding Planner

Amanda Virga is a worldwide wedding planner who has over a decade of experience in the event industry, executing nearly 500 weddings during her career and 14 successful retreats to date. While based between NYC and London, she has also worked on weddings across the globe, over 4 continents from Spain and Tuscany to Thailand and Bali. Her approach is unique, not only does she have a passion for creating flawless events but she is also committed to creating valuable experiences that bring industry professionals together, collaborating with some of the best in the industry, and designing breathtaking editorial projects. Her weddings and editorial work have been featured on Good Morning America, Vogue, BRIDES, Style Me Pretty, WedLuxe, The Knot, Junebug, Wedding Chicks, and more.

Amanda is an avid traveler having visited 62 countries, she also spent an entire year traveling the world in 2018 while immersing herself into the wedding industry in each of her destinations. Her adventurous and worldly spirit is what inspired the creation of AMV retreats, a one of a kind experience connecting wedding creatives across the globe. When not traveling or planning events, she is usually found snuggling up with her chihuahua, enjoying a glass of prosecco or practicing yoga. She is a firm believer that achieving a good life balance is the ultimate key to success.

Greg Finck

global destination Wedding photographer, paris based

Over the past 15 years, Greg Finck has specialized in documenting some of the most exceptional weddings and events across the globe. Aside from weddings, Greg has developed his craft in travel and fashion photography, working for renowned brands such as Elie Saab, Balenciaga or Rime Arodaky.

Greg’s work is elegant, natural and timeless, and captures the subjects under their most honest side. Strongly influenced by fashion photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino or Patrick Demarchelier, Greg always challenges the status quo. Greg travels to some of the most beautiful locations across the world, with a true love for the South of France, Italy and California. 

Greg has been names one of the Top Wedding Photographers in the World by Harper's Bazaar and has been published in world-acclaimed publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, The New York Times or Martha Stewart Weddings.


Lilly Red

ITALY Based Destination Wedding Photographer

Lilly Red is an international wedding photographer who has built a career around storytelling, design, and visual artistry. Featured in top publications like Vogue, Elle, and Brides, she specializes in destination weddings, particularly in iconic locations like Lake Como, where her work captures more than just moments, it creates a visual narrative.

Through social media, Lilly crafted a personal brand that propelled her into the role of educator and podcast host of Say Cheese!, where she shares her journey and creative insights. With expertise in both digital and film photography, Lilly approaches each project like a director, crafting images that are as much about artistry as they are about connection.

Lilly and Vic are the husband-and-wife duo behind Lilly Red, bringing a mix of style and strategy to the wedding photography world. Lilly leads the creative vision, blending fashion and editorial influences, while Vic keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Their story started in 2011 when Lilly left her small Italian hometown to explore the world, eventually crossing paths with Vic, an American from San Francisco, in Qatar. Since then, they’ve traveled the globe, working with couples who want more than just pretty pictures—they want images that feel stylish and alive. Their work has been featured in Vogue, Elle, and Brides, but their real passion is in the moments that matter most to their clients.

Beyond photography, they’re educators, sharing everything they’ve learned through Say Cheese! and Lilly Red Academy—helping other photographers grow their brands and build businesses that give them creative freedom. Now based in Lake Como, they’ve built a life and business around capturing not just weddings, but the energy, movement, and emotion behind them.


Audrey

Founder of AMV Retreats, Worldwide Wedding Planner

Amanda Virga is a worldwide wedding planner who has over a decade of experience in the event industry, executing nearly 500 weddings during her career and 14 successful retreats to date. While based between NYC and London, she has also worked on weddings across the globe, over 4 continents from Spain and Tuscany to Thailand and Bali. Her approach is unique, not only does she have a passion for creating flawless events but she is also committed to creating valuable experiences that bring industry professionals together, collaborating with some of the best in the industry, and designing breathtaking editorial projects. Her weddings and editorial work have been featured on Good Morning America, Vogue, BRIDES, Style Me Pretty, WedLuxe, The Knot, Junebug, Wedding Chicks, and more.

Amanda is an avid traveler having visited 62 countries, she also spent an entire year traveling the world in 2018 while immersing herself into the wedding industry in each of her destinations. Her adventurous and worldly spirit is what inspired the creation of AMV retreats, a one of a kind experience connecting wedding creatives across the globe. When not traveling or planning events, she is usually found snuggling up with her chihuahua, enjoying a glass of prosecco or practicing yoga. She is a firm believer that achieving a good life balance is the ultimate key to success.

Andreas K. Georgiou

 cyrpus Based Destination Wedding Photographer

Rebecca Carpenter is a destination wedding photographer and educator with seven years of experience in the wedding industry. Specializing in destination weddings, she has captured beautiful moments around the globe.

Rebecca's style is editorial, modern, and joyful. Her unique approach to behind-the-scenes content creation at weddings has set her apart in the industry and inspired many through her educational platform. She also runs a successful YouTube channel where she shares her expertise and insights with a wider audience.

Her work has been featured in major publications such as Brides, USA Today, Style Me Pretty, Junebug Weddings, and The Knot.

Known for her outgoing, fun-loving, and positive personality, Rebecca is an adventurer at heart and has been recognized as one of the top 50 wedding photographers in the UK for four consecutive years.

When she's not working or traveling, Rebecca loves to embark on adventures with her husband Jon and their daughter Winnie.

Retreat Schedule

*Subject to change

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1st

Arrival/Check-in (from 4pm)

Welcome Dinner (from 6:30pm)

MONDAY NOVEMBER 2ND

8-9am Breakfast

9-10am Morning Classroom Session

11-4:30pm Editorial Shoot at Villa Cetinale

 (Break for Lunch 1-2:30pm)

4:30-7pm Break/Leisure Time at Villa Cetinale

from 7pm Dinner/Evening Networking

TUESDAY NOVEMBER  3rd

8-10am Breakfast

10-11am Morning Classroom Session

11:30am-4pm: Offsite for Wine Tour and Siena Lunch

4-6:30pm Break/Leisure Time at Villa Cetinale

from 6:30pm Dinner/Evening Networking

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 4th

8-9am Breakfast

9-10am Morning Classroom Session

11-4:30pm Editorial Shoot at Villa Cetinale

 (Break for Lunch 1-2:30pm)

4:30-7pm Break/Leisure Time at Villa Cetinale

from 7pm Finale Dinner & Entertainment

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 5th

8-10am: Farewell Breakfast

10am: Departures

10am: Optional Transfer to Florence for Sunrise Shoot on Friday Nov. 6th

6:30pm: Optional Group Dinner in Florence

Frequently Asked Questions


DO I NEED TO BE A FILM OR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER TO ATTEND?

Both digital and film photographers as well as videographers are welcome at this workshop! Our host photographers specialize in multiple mediums! Techniques & topics on both digital and film will be covered.

HOW WILL THE STYLED SHOOTS WORK?

The styled shoots will be designed with over-the-top floral installations, featuring luxury brands and professional bride & groom models. The shoots will be split into 3 groups that will work in shifts with the models, and each set-up to ensure a small group atmosphere with one-on-one attention and a very smooth shooting process. The host photographers will be available during the shoots to guide you and assist with techniques/ hands on learning.

WILL I BE ABLE TO SUBMIT THE SHOOTS TO BLOGS?

Absolutely. We will provide you with tips and best practice guidelines to help you get published. As is standard practice to respect the editing process and those shooting on film, we ask you to wait 4 weeks to submit to any blogs. After that you are free to submit wherever you’d like! Our attendees have been featured in endless publications including Vogue, Style Me Pretty, WedLuxe, and Wedding Chicks.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS I NEED TO CONSIDER?

The only costs not included are your flight and airport transport, however Atlas Palace Riad is located less than 20 minutes from the Marrakech airport and Agafay is less than an hour away. We will assist in coordinating group transport to/from the airport (additional fees apply). Everything else is all inclusive from the time you arrive Monday evening to the time you depart Friday morning!

ARE PLUS ONES ALLOWED?

We always welcome plus ones on our retreat so you can experience this beautiful country with your loved ones and possibly extend your trip to include further travel in the region! There are reduced rates available for your guest to join us for just the accommodation and meal portion of the retreat. Please inquire directly for more information.

IS THERE A REDUCED COST FOR A ROOM SHARE?

Accommodation is offered on a Shared or Private Basis (Price differences apply as notated in the Investment section below). Room types are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis upon booking. Please inquire directly for more information.

Investment

FULL SHARE (SHARED BEDROOM & SHARED BATHROOM): $7,750
BATH SHARE (PRIVATE BEDROOM & SHARED BATHROOM): $7,950
PRIVATE ROOM (PRIVATE BEDROOM & BATHROOM): $8,250

Optional Florence Capsule Shoot: $950

  • $1,750 to reserve your spot followed by your choice of monthly or bimonthly payments leading up to the event

*4 nights accommodation at Villa Cetinale and it’s sister villas as well as all meals and beverages for the duration of your stay are included in the investment cost

* All payments are non-refundable. Pricing is inclusive of all taxes and fees.

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 Photography by: Andreas Georgiou, Irene Fucci, Courtney Bowlden, Redamancy Photo & Film