Linden Clover : The Workshop | Sunchaser Edition

video : Stories Told By Film

Once again we find ourselves sitting in front of a keyboard with the impossible mission of summing up another Linden Clover Workshop experience. It really is crazy how these workshops just get better every time, but the truth of the matter is that each workshop is made what it is by the people who contribute -- both the vendors who bring our vision to life and the girls who give more of their hearts than they might have expected. And this time around was no exception.

This year we had 14 girls from all over California gather at Flying Caballos Ranch for 3 days they (and we) would never forget. We learned to paint, had our taste buds spoiled rotten with delicious eats, drank all the wine, laughed till our faces hurt, soaked in a hot tub, did some yoga, ate some donuts, chased the sun, took a BUNCH of photos, had a dance party, cried more than we thought we would, and most importantly of all - formed lifelong friendships with fellow creatives. 

We never could have seen what transpired between this group coming. And it wouldn’t have happened if they hadn’t shown up with open hearts and hungry souls. We never cease to be blown away by the sense of community that bleeds into every corner of our workshops. Between the vendors/friends who show up and say “HEY, I believe in your dream too. Let’s make it happen.” to the attendees who give themselves permission to arrive with no agenda or expectations, but to just BE. That is truly everything that Linden Clover has always been about, and will continue to chase after for each and every creative we come in contact with until our dying day. 

Without further ado, we give you the team that showed up for us in a HUGE way:
(And we have to call out one of these peeps with an extra loud THANK YOU -- without Kacey/Spark + Sparkle Events running the show, we wouldn’t have been able to be so intensely present with our group of girlbosses. She pretty much dropped her whole life for 3 days to come be a behind-the-scenes wizard bringing all the magic to existence.) 

Venue: Flying Caballos Ranch
Photographers: Linden Clover 
Cinematography: Stories Told By Film 
Design & Planning: Spark + Sparkle Events
Rentals: Avenue Twelve 
Rentals: All About Events
Linens: Blush Fine Linens 
Florals: Adornments Flowers & Finery
Stationer & Calligraphy: Fete & Quill 
Newspaper Design: Bourbon Blue Cards 
Portrait Shoot Attire: Blackwater
Bridal Gown: Moondance Bridal
Bridal Jewelry: Sweet Bella Jewelry
Suit: Hey Gorgeous Formalwear
Tie & Pocket Square: Stag Handmade 
Hair & Makeup Artists: Dani Cepeda & Candace Miller
Catering: Flora & Fauna Fine Foods
Olives: Fusano Olives
Coffee: Spearhead Coffee
Wine: Allegretto Winery
Cocktails: Copper & Crystal
Donuts: SLO DoCo
Ice Cream Truck:
Candles: Fable Soap Co. 
Painting Instructor: Heather Millenaar
Yoga: Kaylen Gleason
Guest Speakers: Austyn Elizabeth & Michelle Roller

Linden Clover: The Workshop | Tribe Edition

You know when you show up to a party without your significant other, and the first thing EVERYONE says to you is, “Hey! Good to see you! Where’s your other half?” That happens to us. All the time. “Hey Sarah! Where’s Lindsey?” … “Hey Lindsey! Where’s Sarah?” Our relationship is something outside the realm of “friends” and FAR gone from “colleagues,” in fact, we have recently adopted the term “work-wife.” Which is exactly how Linden Clover was born. In a world that is constantly pitting us against one another, you NEED a creative soul-mate — someone you can bounce your ideas off of, someone you can call mid-panic-attack when your memory card is defective, someone who understands that part of your life in a way no one else ever will. And thus it became our dream to create a space where fellow dreamers could come, leave the other pieces of their life at the door, and enter into a world where their hearts took priority and imaginations could run wild. This particular workshop we’re about to share with you was our 3rd workshop, but the 1st of it’s kind — this time we really wanted to steal people away from their lives, their responsibilities, for a creative retreat that would last 3 days and 2 nights. And so, after 6 months of non-stop planning and scheming, Linden Clover {the TRIBE edition} came to life. This video just scratches the surface of the magic that unfolded, but thanks to our dear friend Dustin Ensign, you can almost feel like you were there.

It all began as 8 girls from all different places arrived to the Alta Colina tasting room, where we gathered in the barrel room for an introductory cheers. Maggie (Alta Colina Winery) and Jaime (Tinker Tin Trailer Co.) shared the story of how The Trailer Pond came to be, and how their girl-boss partnership/friendship was born.

We then caravanned through the hills and rolled up to where we would call home for the next 3 days: a little oasis set back in the vine-covered hills of Paso Robles, 5 boutique trailers cozied up next to a pond reflecting a cloudless sky. One by one, the girls discovered their sleeping arrangements by a black sign hanging on the trailer window with their spirit animal elegantly scripted in gold ink (the handiwork of Salt & Stag Creative). Inside their trailers they would find the signature Linden Clover tote bag, stocked full of Tribe Edition goodies (swag of such epic proportions made entirely possibly by Salt & Stag Creative).

Spirits were high as we called everyone over to the far side of the pond where they would find a 30 foot table, standing close to the ground upon vintage rugs, surrounded by comfy poufs and blankets (all perfectly arranged by Greer of Scout Rental Co.) This table was a masterpiece designed specifically for our workshop by none other than Janine of If You Give a Girl a Saw, whom we fondly named “Moira” (greek for destiny, share, fate) as she would be ground zero for many meals and heart-to-heart conversations.

We each grabbed a pouf and took a seat as the first of many delicious specimens was brought out by our official Tribe Edition chefs, Tami & Heidi of Floral & Fauna Fine Food.  Words cannot even describe the immense piece of our puzzle these two women came to be. Every time we met, we instantly felt a wave of “everything is going to be AMAZING,” which came to be crucial in the final days before the workshop. We can’t imagine how different the workshop would have been without them, thank goodness we don’t have to. Every single morsel they created was not only pleasing to the taste buds, but to the eyes as well. So be warned: if you find yourself drooling while scrolling through this post, rest assured it is completely normal. And yes, it was even more delicious than it looks.

After feasting on Flora & Fauna’s signature “Chomp Board,” we made the hike to the top of the hill for a special treat: wine spritzers and foot massages by the VinoTherapy team.

The sun disappeared into the hills, as we made our way back down to Moira for dinner. The candles were lit, the table was set, the atmosphere was perfect (all thanks to Nena of VinoTherapy), and the florals were otherworldly (thanks to Katie Noonan). Dinner was served: a soup and salad meal made by our culinary goddesses. Wine was poured, laughter was had, and bellies were happy.

With that, day one ended. And day two came all too quickly, as we had arranged for “sunrise yoga in the vines.” But mother nature had other plans: she decided we should have “frigid, rain yoga in the fog” instead. Despite the less than ideal conditions, our beloved yoga instructor, Kait from Wildeheart Boutique, managed to guide us through a warming yoga and meditation sequence. We couldn’t feel our fingers, our teeth wouldn’t stop chattering, and we probably looked like a herd of pathetic, soaking wet cats — but we powered through nonetheless.

In hopes of regaining feeling in our extremities, we opted to skip an outdoor breakfast and all piled into a trailer instead. This moment is perhaps one of our fondest memories of the entire retreat.

The sun eventually burned through the fog, just in time for us to gather back around Moira for some heart-to-heart conversation. We even had the pleasure of listening to local author, Mary Weber, as she inspired us with her story of following a dream she didn’t even know she had and things she’s learned along the way. Our hearts were filled, and our bellies were about to follow suit. Lunch arrived in the form of mason jar salads, fried chicken filled picnic baskets, and portobello sliders.

Next came our Bride Tribe Photoshoot. And instead of telling you about it, we’re just going to show you. But before we do, we must shout our thanks from the rooftops to all the amazing artists and vendors who made these looks possible: a bride wouldn’t be a bride without a knock-out gown, provided by Moondance Bridal; believe it or not, our models didn’t wake up looking like that, so Amanda Olson worked her hair & makeup magic; each bride was carefully styled with accessories from Len Collective; everyone has seen a bouquet before, but have you ever seen a necklace made entirely of flowers? or a headpiece of such incredible floral proportions? each and every bloom you see in any of these photos is the botanical genius of Katie Noonan of Noonans Designs.

We shot until the light left the sky, and then headed back to the pond for dinner. This wasn’t just any dinner, NO. From day one of planning this workshop, we have had the undying support and encouragement of an incredible Tribe of creatives, and this retreat wouldn’t have existed without them. Even though we will never be able to say “Thank You” enough times to properly show them how much they mean to us and our Linden Clover endeavors, we desperately wanted to have them all around one table and feed them a meal they might never forget (because what says “I love you” more than food?). With twinkle lights sparkling above our heads and the Supermoon reflecting off the black pond water, we shared the meal of a lifetime around yet another idyllic tablescape (set for royalty by Nena of VinoTherapy, Chelsea and Ashlee of Salt & Stag Creative with dishware generously given by Scout Rental Co. and All About Events).

With that, Day Two came to an end. Our tribe of artists and collaborators took their leave, and we found ourselves whittled down to just us and our 8 girls, toasting marshmallows around a fire pit, reliving the day.

Sleepily, we blinked our eyes open to the 3rd and final day. After learning our lesson the previous morning, we opted for yoga inside the Alta Colina barn instead of braving the elements. It was a very, very good choice.

In the weeks that have passed since the workshop ended, we’ve been asked by several people “How did it go!?!” and we find ourselves at a loss for words with tears stinging the backs of our eyes. We honestly cannot say, we can only feel. Which, hopefully, tells you the insane caliber of magic that WAS Linden Clover: The Workshop | Tribe Edition.

Until next time.
Follow your bliss, always. 
Sarah & Lindsey

P.S. if you now find yourself at the end of this blog post wishing you could attend a creativity retreat such as this -- be sure to visit our CONTACT page and send us a note, and we'll add you to the mailing list for updates on our next workshop!!!

Linden Clover The Workshop >> Wonderland Edition <<

“We found Wonderland. 

You and I got lost in it. 

We pretended it could last forever.”

Taylor Swift

As we sat down to go through all the photos from the Linden Clover Workshop, we were instantly transported back to a perfect day that we never wanted to end. After months and months of cafe dream-meetings, lengthy text message conversations, and late night epiphanies -- Linden Clover | The Wonderland Edition was brought to life. The whole experience was everything we dreamed of and more. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, tastier food, or a more inspiring group of women and artists. Whether you were there or not, we hope this colorful story of the day is able to inspire you the way it did us.

The fun began the eve before the workshop, where we gathered at Spearhead Coffee in downtown Paso Robles for a Sip & Greet. If you haven’t had a chance to visit Spearhead, you’re missing out on something amazing. The space is inviting, the coffee is spectacular, and the people behind the bar are just plain-old GOOD human beings. Since we were bringing together 7 girls who had never met before in their lives, along with ourselves and several of the Wonderland Team-members -- we had no idea what to expect. But a perfect stranger looking in would have thought every person in the room had been best friends forever. Especially when everyone was gathered around a table making floral head crowns with the beautiful April from April Flowers -- ear-to-ear smiles for days.

One by one, the girls arrived Saturday morning to The Grace Maralyn Estate & Gardens -- a beautiful local wedding venue which quickly became our own personal Wonderland for the day. As they wandered through the door marked by a stunningly freehanded sign (by Sign, Sealed & Delivered), they were told to grab a mysteriously unmarked box. What was inside you ask? Only the cutest coffee mugs you’ve ever seen (designed and provided by The Free Woman, a blog dedicated to empowering women to live their dreams and change the world). After feasting on coffee (provided by Spearhead, of course) and donuts (proved by SLO Donut Co), we got started. 

Not only did the girls get to witness our hearts being poured out into the room, but we also got the opportunity to listen to and chat with two beautifully prestigious Wedding Bloggers: Lauren of Every Last Detail and Megan of Glamour & Grace. They were such a treasure chest full of knowledge and advice, it was so fun getting to pick their brains through the miracle of modern technology.

Afterwards, we headed outside for some hands-on photo fun. Styled shoot number one was truly Wonderland come to life — a farm house table & chairs (provided by All About Events) set for 6, styled to perfection (by Kacey of Spark & Sparkle Events) with unique linens (from La Tavola) colored glasses, copper details, wild florals (by the flower queen herself, April Flowers), and quirky details; a dessert-scape stacked tall with delectable donuts (from SLO Donut Company, of course) upon a vintage buffet (one of the many stunning pieces from Embellish Vintage Rentals); a full stationary suite, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before (created by the one and only Kerry of Olive & Emerald); the scene was made complete by a bride who looked as though she might have just wandered off the pages of a Vogue Magazine (a look that wouldn’t have existed without the incredible Amy of The Blushed Company).

All that gorgeousness was sure to give us quite the appetite, so you can imagine our excitement when our lunch arrived in the form of The Pairing Knife food truck!!! After ordering from a specially designed menu, we sat down to a charming picnic scene and enjoyed a delicious meal, inspired conversation, and lots of Vitamin D.

The weather was just too perfect to go back indoors, so once lunch was over we moved to the shade for a demonstration of all things post-processing. Right before we threw each lovely lady in FRONT of the camera for a valuable lesson in what it feels like....

As the sun began to sink towards the hills, we made a small trip up the hill to a view overlooking the green hills and valleys of Atascadero for styled shoot number two — a beautifully styled couple, head over heels in love. We were instantly obsessed with our model’s 2nd look which was styled by H&G Boutique with edgy jewelry and another perfect Wonderland dress by For Love & Lemons. It was so fun and inspiring to watch each and every photographer put what they’d learned into action and bring their own unique creative visions to life as we traipsed all over the hillside, cameras in hand. We hoped the sun would never set, because that would mean our day in Wonderland had come to an end.

Where else could we possibly finish such an dreamy day but gathered around a cozy corner table at Odyssey World Cafe downtown Paso Robles? We wanted for nothing — culinary delights, amazing local wine, and more belly-laughs than we could even handle.  

What a day. WHAT A DAY. 
We couldn’t have handpicked a better collective of dreamers to attend our workshop. 
We couldn’t have imagined a better team of vendors & sponsors to bring our Wonderland vision to life. 
We couldn’t have asked for a greater adventure. 
It was perfect. 
A dream come true. 
And we already can’t WAIT to do it again. 

We hope to see you next year at Linden Clover {The Workshop}.