fresh focus
The Sixpence and The Lang Co. hosted a Visual Arts and Event Aesthetics-Focused workshop, mini styled shoot, brunch and networking. and it was a good time.
visit a scene
"Overall, I loved the event and will recommend to any photographer, regardless of experience. The relationships I’ve built from that day have continued to help me build my business!"
a note from the designer
"I wanted to blend soft and sharp elements to create something both unique and elegant. This meant that every element had a counterpart to balance it out. For example, I created a contrast between delicate silk linens and rugged-edged stones that struck the perfect balance. I opted for deep brown tones instead of black which added a sense of dark without being too intense. This was balanced by the light greens and creams that gave a feeling of light. The flowers were dainty and beautiful but were also balanced by the tall pointed branches. Creating balance between all the materials was so fun to play with!"
- shelby vance of The sixpence and foundations
in-house sixpence planner
designer of "stone luxe"
What was your favorite setup?
photographer reviews
"My favorite set-up was a tie between the Stone Luxe and the Plum & Blue. I love working with a simple/organic canvas because it pushes you to be more creative with your model styling and working with the angles. The Stone Luxe was especially great because it was a very evergreen layout which gives it that classic vibe and helps keep my portfolio updated."
a note from the designer
"The Vegas-inspired set up was all about playfulness in color, textures, shapes, and energy. It's a reminder that unconventional color and casino iconography can still have a bright, beautiful, and elegant feel for wedding day. We were inspired by a young Priscilla Presley for our bridal styling, playing off of the colors of our favorite liquor bottles, and a delightful blend of visuals with our vintage typewriter and mega disco ball."
- Brooks daigle of The sixpence
designer of "vegas-inspired"
What was the most valuable thing you gained during the styled shoot portion?
photographer reviews
"The most valuable thing I think I got out of the styled shoot was probably to not be afraid to try something new and to get out of my normal go to prompts and also seeing how other photographers approached the same setting as me. I think that's my favorite part about styled shoots with groups like this is just seeing how everyone has the same "canvas" and then seeing how we all make it our own!"
a note from the designer
"My creative approach for this set up was simple yet minimalistic, with a touch of fun through color. The Sixpence provides the perfect backdrop for this kind of design, with its stunning architecture and natural beauty. By opting for minimal décor, we were able to highlight the venue’s charm while keeping the design fresh and modern. Plus, minimalism doesn’t just create a sleek and elegant look—it’s also a smart way to stay within budget, proving that less truly can be more!"
- christine foster of christine & co.
preferred sixpence vendor &
designer of "plum & blue"
What was your favorite part of the education portion of the day?
photographer reviews
"I think I speak for a lot of photographers when I say this but the biggest struggle I have in my photography journey is the social media aspect. I really liked Brooks' Creative Chat session about how to find trends and how to make your experience unique to your viewers. I think The Sixpence really sets the bar when it comes to finding that niche and going with it! I think y'all have figured out the algorithm and I hope to one day figure it out as well."
What was your creative approach to your Fresh Focus setup?
a note from the designer
"The creative approach was to truly allow each expert involved the chance to showcase what they do best after the foundation was set for the look. The creative process was met with a lot of long conversation between experts and many adjustments/edits along the way. Collaboration was key in bringing the desired look to life and providing the quality we wanted to achieve for the creatives shooting our setup. We cared about their experience and wanted to ensure they felt we had curated something special for them to shoot. As if they were walking into a high end bridal shoot in the studio for the day."
- Annie Niccolai
preferred sixpence vendor & designer of fresh focus moment "lightplay"
What setup was the most challenging, and for what reason?
photographer reviews
"The lightplay was honestly the most challenging for me because that fashion/high-end photography is something that I am not used to photographing. All that being said, I absolutely loved getting out of my comfort zone and playing around with all of the different tools provided. The model we had was no stranger to being behind the lens so I think that was very helpful. I was able to focus on the mechanical aspect of photographing her and not having to give much direction!"
- christine foster of christine & co.
preferred sixpence vendor & designer of fresh focus moment "plum & blue"
What trends are currently exciting you?
a word from our talented designer planners
"The wedding trends that are currently exciting are that couples are focusing on making the wedding experience more engaging for guests. I'm seeing more interactive photo booths, live art, and gourmet food stations. These personalized experiences allow guests to interact with the theme of the wedding and are also becoming popular."
- shelby vance of the sixpence and foundations in-house planning
& designer of fresh focus moment "stone luxe"
a word from our talented designer planners
"Lots of draping and creative ways to use fabric throughout the design!"
What trends are currently exciting you?
a word from our talented designer planners
"1. Aim for a look that fits the environment and feels authentic
2. Sometimes one strong statement piece can be more effective than a bunch of small ones.
3. Intentionally using negative space in a design can create balance."
Tip for couples looking for outstanding design on wedding day?
- Annie Niccolai
preferred sixpence vendor & designer of fresh focus moment "lightplay"
- shelby vance of the sixpence and foundations in-house planning
& designer of fresh focus moment "stone luxe"
"Hire a wedding planner that specializes in the design style you prefer. They are the experts that will bring your vision to life!"
a word from our talented designer planners
recommendations for couples seeking outstanding design for their wedding day?
"Start with a clear vision, and incorporate personal elements - Whether it’s through family heirlooms, meaningful quotes, or nods to your shared interests, infuse elements that reflect your relationship."
recommendations for couples seeking outstanding design for their wedding day?
a word from our talented designer planners
- christine foster of christine & co.
preferred sixpence vendor & designer of fresh focus moment "plum & blue"
"Work with a skilled Planner; A talented planner can help bring your vision to life. We know how to blend colors, textures, and materials to create a beautiful and functional design."
recommendations for couples seeking outstanding design for their wedding day?
a word from our talented designer planners
- christine foster of christine & co.
preferred sixpence vendor & designer of fresh focus moment "plum & blue"
"Choose a consistent color palette; One of the most impactful design choices is your color palette. Pick 2-3 primary colors and a couple of accent hues."
recommendations for couples seeking outstanding design for their wedding day?
a word from our talented designer planners
- christine foster of christine & co.
preferred sixpence vendor & designer of fresh focus moment "plum & blue"
"My clients stories and personal connections, the venue, the season, collabing with other creatives/vendors, and trends with a twist."
what inspires your creativity as a professional planner?
a word from our talented designer planners
- christine foster of christine & co.
preferred sixpence vendor & designer of fresh focus moment "plum & blue"
"I often am inspired by other modes of art and I love bringing that into the wedding industry. I love going to art museums, spending time looking at architecture, watching fashion shows, practicing with interior design trends in my own home - just getting inspiration from other designers and other artists outside of the wedding industry."
what inspires your creativity as a professional planner?
a word from our talented designer planners
- shelby vance of the sixpence and foundations in-house planning
& designer of fresh focus moment "stone luxe"
the creative chats and industry panel
we Talked business strategy, perfecting your creative approach, and targeting your ideal client with thought leaders in the industry.
meet the panel
kayla lang
As one half of the brilliant and dynamic husband-and-wife team The Lang Co., Kayla Lang brings contagious enthusiasm and unparalleled artistry to her work. With over a decade of experience and more than 250 weddings behind the lens, Kayla’s approach to photography remains as fresh and vibrant as ever—a testament to her passion for capturing life’s most cherished moments.
At Fresh Focus, Kayla will share her expertise in artful photography, including strategies for stunning captures, guiding model posing, editing techniques, and business advice. Full-day Creative Pass holders will have the chance to connect with her during an intimate brunch Q&A, where no question is off the table. As co-leader of the Creative Panel alongside Shelby, Kayla will also capture fresh headshots during networking time, ensuring attendees leave with both inspiration and practical takeaways.
host
"I always tell my clients that if they want to know what is trending or want to gather inspo, that they should follow what The Sixpence is doing in terms of the wedding industry. You saw what was missing in our industry and you have capitalized on it and y'all are slaying the game. I always walk away refreshed and inspired when I leave a styled shoot."
Shelby Dempsey is the co-owner of The Sixpence Wedding + Event Space and its highly anticipated sister venue, Westwood Vowery and Estate. With a background in wedding photography and videography, Shelby has infused her creative expertise into the visual and experiential identity of her brands. Her vision centers on designing venue spaces that serve both clients and industry professionals, blending functionality with striking aesthetics to create unforgettable experiences.
At Fresh Focus, Shelby will connect with Full Creative Pass holders during an exclusive morning coffee and an intimate brunch Q&A, answering questions on business strategy, creative voice, and brand identity. As co-leader of the Creative Panel alongside Kayla, Shelby will also share her insights on crafting powerful brands with distinct voices in the creative industry.
shelby dempsey
the creative chats
host
Talk business strategy, perfecting your creative approach, and targeting your ideal client with thought leaders in the industry.
"I always tell my clients that if they want to know what is trending or want to gather inspo, that they should follow what The Sixpence is doing in terms of the wedding industry. You saw what was missing in our industry and you have capitalized on it and y'all are slaying the game. I always walk away refreshed and inspired when I leave a styled shoot."
Courtney Shea Smith is the visionary founder behind Ninety Three Creative and Courtney S. Studios, where she specializes in fine art film wedding photography and empowering studio portraits. With a profound passion for capturing raw and authentic moments, Courtney’s work celebrates the strength, vulnerability, and love that mirror her core values of honesty, teamwork, loyalty, and hard work.
A former collegiate athlete and wife to a professional athlete, Courtney brings a unique perspective to her craft, understanding the power of connection, dedication, and resilience. Her art reflects a deep appreciation for storytelling, creating timeless images that resonate with emotion and purpose.
We’re honored to welcome Courtney to the Fresh Focus panel, where she’ll share her insights on authenticity, creative resilience, and the art of meaningful photography.
courtney shea smith
creative panel
the creative chats
Talk business strategy, perfecting your creative approach, and targeting your ideal client with thought leaders in the industry.
"I always tell my clients that if they want to know what is trending or want to gather inspo, that they should follow what The Sixpence is doing in terms of the wedding industry. You saw what was missing in our industry and you have capitalized on it and y'all are slaying the game. I always walk away refreshed and inspired when I leave a styled shoot."
Meagan Green is a self-taught artist and a true creative force with a multitude of titles: model, graphic designer, stylist, makeup artist, editor, PR director, and more. Her one-woman show of artistry delves into trends, aesthetics, and styles, all explored through her distinctive and ever-evolving lens.
Meagan’s work is a captivating study of current culture, vintage fashion, and surreal touches, brought to life through visually enticing portraits—many of which feature herself as the subject. Her platform is a vibrant mosaic of self-expression and creative exploration, inspiring others to embrace their own artistic voice.
We’re excited to have Meagan join the Fresh Focus panel to share her perspective on individuality, artistry, and staying inspired in a fast-paced, trend-driven world.
meagan green
creative panel
the creative chats
Talk business strategy, perfecting your creative approach, and targeting your ideal client with thought leaders in the industry.
"I always tell my clients that if they want to know what is trending or want to gather inspo, that they should follow what The Sixpence is doing in terms of the wedding industry. You saw what was missing in our industry and you have capitalized on it and y'all are slaying the game. I always walk away refreshed and inspired when I leave a styled shoot."
Shay McCoy is the owner and creative mind behind City of Shay, a beloved city guide and influential platform for young 20- and 30-somethings in Indianapolis. Known for her thoughtful, practical, and authentic content, Shay offers insider recommendations on lifestyle, local culture, and affordability. From the hottest new cocktail spots to must-attend events and the latest restaurant openings, her page is the go-to resource for locals and visitors alike who want to experience the city while living within their means.
Shay’s ability to connect with her audience and foster genuine community ties makes her a standout voice in the local scene. We’re thrilled to welcome Shay to the Fresh Focus panel, where she’ll share her insights on community building and the art of curating memorable urban experiences.
shay mccoy
creative panel
the creative chats
Talk business strategy, perfecting your creative approach, and targeting your ideal client with thought leaders in the industry.
"I always tell my clients that if they want to know what is trending or want to gather inspo, that they should follow what The Sixpence is doing in terms of the wedding industry. You saw what was missing in our industry and you have capitalized on it and y'all are slaying the game. I always walk away refreshed and inspired when I leave a styled shoot."
Julia K Crist is a prominent social media content creator and entrepreneur from Northeast Indiana, with a dedicated audience of over half a million followers across her platforms. She is best known for her engaging YouTube channel, where she blends tech and lifestyle content to inspire her audience. From MacBook customization tips and Apple product unboxings to wedding planning advice and college vlogs, Julia has built a diverse content portfolio that has garnered over 62 million total views on YouTube alone. In addition to YouTube, she connects with her followers on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms, continuously sharing her passion for both technology and everyday life.
At Fresh Focus, Julia will share her insights on content creation, personal branding, and the intersection of technology and lifestyle. Attendees can look forward to her expertise in building an online presence, engaging audiences, and creating compelling digital content.
We’re excited to have Julia join the Fresh Focus panel, where her experience and innovative approach will provide valuable perspectives for all participants
julia k crist bartrom
creative panel
the creative chats
Talk business strategy, perfecting your creative approach, and targeting your ideal client with thought leaders in the industry.
"I always tell my clients that if they want to know what is trending or want to gather inspo, that they should follow what The Sixpence is doing in terms of the wedding industry. You saw what was missing in our industry and you have capitalized on it and y'all are slaying the game. I always walk away refreshed and inspired when I leave a styled shoot."
Fred Lockett, professionally known as DJ Lockstar, is a premier DJ and entertainment expert specializing in bespoke, upscale wedding celebrations. Renowned as one of the Midwest's top DJ personalities, DJ Lockstar embodies exclusivity, reliability, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. His approach is simple yet impactful: delivering outcomes that elevate events from ordinary to extraordinary.
With extensive experience spanning music production, event hosting, wedding consultations, coordination, and radio broadcasting, Fred offers unparalleled DJ, MC, and music coordination services. His dedication to excellence and attention to detail have made him a trusted name in luxury event entertainment.
As the official DJ for Fresh Focus, DJ Lockstar will bring his signature style and expertise to set the perfect tone for the day, ensuring an elevated and inspiring experience for all attendees.
dj lockstar
DJ
the creative chats
Talk business strategy, perfecting your creative approach, and targeting your ideal client with thought leaders in the industry.
"I always tell my clients that if they want to know what is trending or want to gather inspo, that they should follow what The Sixpence is doing in terms of the wedding industry. You saw what was missing in our industry and you have capitalized on it and y'all are slaying the game. I always walk away refreshed and inspired when I leave a styled shoot."
As the Director of Marketing and Advancement for The Sixpence Wedding + Event Space and its sister venue Westwood Vowery & Estate, Brooks brings a distinctive perspective to the wedding and events industry. Drawing from her background in luxury retail and hospitality, she combines strategic marketing insight with a deep understanding of service and collaboration.
At Fresh Focus, Brooks will share her expertise on fostering effective partnerships and crafting aesthetically cohesive event concepts. Her talk promises to inspire creative professionals with actionable strategies to elevate their approach to marketing and client engagement in the events world.
brooks daigle
speaker
the creative chats
Talk business strategy, perfecting your creative approach, and targeting your ideal client with thought leaders in the industry.
"I always tell my clients that if they want to know what is trending or want to gather inspo, that they should follow what The Sixpence is doing in terms of the wedding industry. You saw what was missing in our industry and you have capitalized on it and y'all are slaying the game. I always walk away refreshed and inspired when I leave a styled shoot."
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