Not another styled shoot. Not another networking mixer.
Rooted & Refined is where strategy meets creativity — a three-day experience for wedding and event professionals who want to elevate their craft with systems, storytelling, and soul.
What You'll Gain
Real systems that simplify your business backend
Professional content and brand-building opportunities
Deep, meaningful connections with industry peers
Featured Speakers
Debbie Millman
Branding Keynote
(Debbie Millman)
Branding with Intention
Tue, Jan 27 · 5:00–6:00 PM
Value: Build a brand that lasts: clarify your positioning, cut noisy channels, and design a simple system you can execute consistently
Mike Veny
Mental Health & Entrepreneurship
(Mike Veny)
Thrive & Connect: Mastering Mental Health & Meaningful Networking
Wed, Jan 28 · 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Value: Learn how to manage stress and avoid burnout using simple mental wellness practices—even during event season.
Sabrina Shore
Marketing Keynote
(Influence Digital)
Smarter Marketing for
Modern Creatives
Wed, Jan 28 · 9:00–10:00 AM
Value: Fewer channels, better growth—clarity beats noise in 2026.
Also appears: Panelist, Keynote Conversation
Tue, Jan 27 · 4:00–5:00 PM
Tatiana Valerie
Photographer & Cohost
(Artvesta Studios)
Breaking into the Wedding
Industry as an Immigrant
Wed, Jan 28 · 2:00–3:00 PM
Value: Immigrants bring tenacity and perspective—the industry needs both behind the lens.
Tue, Jan 27 · 4:00–5:00 PM
Daniela VillaRamos
Officiant
(Once Upon a Vow)
Create Authentic Connection
Wed, Jan 28 · 1:00–2:00 PM
Value: Connection is an operating system; rituals and words
are the interface.
Also appears: Panelist, Keynote Conversation
Tue, Jan 27 · 4:00–5:00 PM
Aleetha Clanton
Hair/Makeup Artist
(The Glass Slipper Wedding)
From Bridal Trial to the Aisle: Building a Seamless Bridal Beauty Workflow
Wed, Jan 28 · 2:00–3:00 PM
Value: A seamless bridal beauty workflow starts long before the trial—it’s systems, not guesswork.
Also appears: Panelist, Keynote Conversation
Tue, Jan 27 · 4:00–5:00 PM
Edith Villavicencio
Floral/Design
(Garden of Edith)
Designing with Heart
Wed, Jan 28 · 2:00–3:00 PM
Value: Hands-on session. Flowers hold memory; design is how we invite people to feel it.
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Carl E Reid, CSI
CEO & Founder
(Savvy Intrapreneur)
Booked, Busy & Balanced:
Using AI to Run Your Business
Wed, Jan 28 · 2:00 PM–3:00 PM ·
Value: Learn how to use AI as your virtual assistant (automating tasks, sharpening your calendar, and boosting visibility) so you stay balanced.
Debra Thompson
Wedding Planner
(Weddings by Debra)
Finding Your Tribe
Wed, Jan 28 · 1:00–2:00 PM
Value: Learn a practical framework to attract and book your right-fit couples: refine your message, qualify faster, and build referral
partnerships that align with your values and pricing.
Also appears: Panelist, Keynote Conversation
Tue, Jan 27 · 4:00–5:00 PM
Martine Dardignac
Founder & Cohost
(The Vendor Lab)
Systems, Automations, and Workflows
Wed, Jan 28 · 1:00–2:00 PM
Value: Trade chaos for clarity: practical systems that free your time and grow revenue.
Also appears: Using Data Analytics to Grow Your Wedding Business
Wed, Jan 28 · 2:00–3:00 PM
Cassie Torres
Copywriter for Creatives
(Cassie Torres)
Copy that Captivates
Wed, Jan 28 · 10:00–11:00 AM
Value: Attendees will walk away with real sentences, not just the idea of what to write later.
Heidy Tejeda
Pilates Coach & Owner
(Pilates Unleashed)
Empowering Entrepreneurs with
Work/Life Balance
Wed, Jan 28 · 11:00 AM–12:00 PM ·
Value: Strong core, strong calendar—movement is a productivity tool.
Agenda at a Glance
Tue, Jan 27: Kickoff & Branding
4–5 PM: Keynote Conversation: Why Representation Matters
7–9 PM: Welcome Reception
Wed, Jan 28: Strategy & Systems
9–10 AM: Marketing Keynote (S. Shore)
11 AM–12 PM: Wellness Hour (Mike Veny · Heidy Tejeda)
1–2 PM: Breakouts (Florals, Planning, Social, Data)
2–3 PM: Breakouts (Photo, HMUA, Systems, Officiant)
6–10 PM: Evening Gala
Thu, Jan 29: Creativity & Connection
Investment Options
Early Bird pricing ends November 26, 2025. Payment plans available from $399/month.
Early Bird
$1,197
Full access to all keynotes, breakouts, professional headshots, the welcome reception, and evening gala.
Save $300 by registering early!
Day Pass Options
Day 1: Kickoff & Branding
$495
Debbie Millman keynote, Representation panel, Welcome Reception, swag bag.
Day 2: Strategy & Systems
$495
All Wednesday sessions + lunch + swag bag.
Upgrade to include the Industry gala for $150.
Who It’s For
Rooted & Refined is for you if you’re…
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A wedding pro juggling five roles and ready to scale with sanity
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A creative who’s tired of duct-taping your backend together
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A vendor who craves clarity, connection, and new inspiration
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Ready to grow your business without losing yourself
What to Expect
Workshops. Strategy Labs. Styled Shoots. And room to breathe.
This three-day experience is designed to blend practical business insight with creative inspiration and to leave you feeling energized, not overwhelmed.
Join us in the Hudson Valley for three immersive days dedicated to elevating your craft and business through genuine connection, inspired creativity, and supportive community.
Expert-led sessions by industry pros
who actually get it
Curated styled shoots with pre-built vendor teams
Actionable education for marketing, pricing, systems & brand clarity
Beautiful food, thoughtful swag, and an actual vibe check
Meet Your Hosts
Hosted by Martine Dardignac of Wedding M.D. &
Tatiana Valerie of Artvesta Studios
Martine Dardignac
Founder of The Vendor Lab™
and Wedding M.D.™
Martine is a multicultural wedding expert, speaker, and logistics queen who helps vendors thrive with structure and soul.
Tatiana Valerie
Founder of Artvesta Studios
Tatiana is an international wedding photographer, educator, and creative powerhouse known for elevating visual storytelling and empowering creative pros.