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NYC
NOV 5, 2025
RECONNECT. UNWIND. ELEVATE
At Cultivate Retreats, we are passionate creatives dedicated to curating transformative experiences for photographers. We know first hand the demands of working in the fast-paced world of weddings, and our retreats offer a sanctuary to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with the heart of your craft. Your why.
Our retreats are thoughtfully designed to combine cultural exploration with meticulously styled wedding editorials, providing you with the creative space to elevate your portfolio. We believe in nurturing creativity and fostering community, creating an environment where you can relax, be inspired, and explore your artistic vision without the pressures of expectation.
At Cultivate, you’ll experience more than a styled shoot—you’ll discover a space to feel cared for, celebrated, and empowered.
Come join us and rediscover your why while surrounded by the hustle and bustle of NYC.
a Destination Wedding Photography Retreat in New York City
Make Magic with Us
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WHO'S IT FOR?
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
- 2 Full Wedding Day Editorials
- Catered Lunch Provided
- Headshots for each attendee
- Luxury Design
- BTS Content
Who: Photographers & Videographers
What: A cultural content retreat for photographers and videographers that want to adventure somewhere magical and unique.
Where: Sound River Studios, LIC NYC
When: Wednesday Nov 5, 2025
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
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SHOOT & LOCATIONS:
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- Flying into LaGuardia (LGA ) or John F Kennedy (JFK) Airports
- Shoot will be 2pm-7pm (1pm for those opting in for a headshot)
Sound River Studios -Long Island City, Queens NYC
Where Bold luxury Meets
The CITY
An immersive, adventurous experience in true NYC culture.
LOCATION
Sound River Studios
Long Island City NYC
Sound River Studios is a modern, industrial event space located on the Long Island City waterfront in NYC. With stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, high ceilings, and an open-concept design, this versatile venue is perfect for weddings, corporate events, and creative productions. Its minimalist aesthetic and abundant natural light provide a blank canvas for bespoke event designs, making it a sought-after location for stylish and sophisticated gatherings.
The Vibes
Editorial One
Editorial Two
FAQ
How many photographers & videographers will be able to come?
Why do I have to apply? Why can’t I just buy a ticket?
Max 14 individuals -- we like to keep things intimate and manageable. Therefore we will be allowing 14 spots for photographers and videographers. This allows us to split everyone up into 4 groups with 3-4 photographers and 1 videographer per group.
It is very important to us to have not only a diverse group of people but a well-rounded group who will all be kind, and welcoming, work as a team and foster a positive experience. Therefore we will be reviewing applications and choosing from there. We will however review applications on a first-come first serve basis. Therefore if the first 10 look like a great group together then we’ll go with the first 10.
Can I bring a plus 1?
Does it matter what my experience level is?
Unfortunately, we are not allowing plus ones for this retreat. While we may consider plus ones for future retreats, we want to keep things small & manageable allowing everyone to focus on connections, culture, & content.
It does not matter your experience level however we want to make sure that no matter what level you are at, that you are comfortable enough with posing, directing and speaking up if there is a shot you’d like to get. We also want to make sure you are able to balance teamwork allowing others to get their shots as well.
AVONNÉ
Meet your HOsts-NYC
We are Avonne Photography and Ever Be Creatives. A planner, and photographer duo giving you epic locations to build your destination wedding portfolio. We provide an honest, and intentional experience to not only give you epic content for your portfolio, but to unlock new adventures and opportunities for the future you!
These retreats are carefully planned and cultivated by us, so you'll have epic and amazingly original content!
CECI
Hello. I am Cecilia (Ceci), the Founder and Creative Director of EverBe Creatives. I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in Fashion Design and Fibers (textile design). With a passion for creativity and design, I strive for excellence in my work. I am a lover of all things fashion, beauty, design, and weddings. My purpose is to create with intention and to bring visions to life. In addition, I started EverBe Creatives in mid-2020 with the philosophy to bring visions to life. I strongly believe that no two people are the same, so no two events should be the same. My favorite part of the job is seeing the vision come to life. And on my off days, I like to read, hike, and watch Korean dramas.
Her works:
