Photo by Wonder and Magic

I had the incredible opportunity to participate at one of AMV’s retreats and it was the BEST trip. If you’re not familiar with AMV Retreats, it’s usually exclusively for wedding photographers to participate in luxury styled shoots in various locations around the world as well as engaging in community, networking, and education. This was AMV’s first time opening it up to ALL wedding vendors and I jumped at the chance. Also, it was in the south of France (aka a no brainer, I’m going).

Where We Stayed

For all 3 nights of the retreat we stayed at Chateau Saint Georges in Grasse, France. If you’ve ever dreamed of living like royalty on the French Riviera, Château Saint Georges in Grasse is exactly the place to do it. Nestled in the hills above the Côte d’Azur, this stunning 19th-century château is dripping in elegance, history, and the kind of charm that makes you want to sip champagne all day long.

• Nicknamed “Le Petit Versailles”, Château Saint Georges is a masterpiece of architecture and opulence.

• The interiors? Ornate ceilings, gilded details, and chandeliers that belong in a palace. Every corner feels like something straight out of a fairy tale.

• The views? Unreal. The château overlooks the lush hills of Grasse and the sparkling Mediterranean in the distance. Sunset here? Absolutely magical.

• The property itself is a private oasis, with manicured gardens, a stunning outdoor pool, and a feeling of total tranquility.

• All the meals eaten on site were prepared by the amazing chef Ruth Williams Traiteur. If you’re in the area and haven’t had a chance to taste her cooking, DO IT.

Night Un

The theme: white and gold! My look: a white and gold mini dress with a low neckline, side cutouts, and mini cap sleeves with nude heels. We were all greeted at the Chateau with champagne as all the participants (most of us) met for the first time. The group had a big range of photographers, planners, videographers, a make-up artist, educators and moi. Plus we came from all over the US and Europe! Live pianists played while everyone mingled and waited for dinner to begin. Throughout the night I was sketching everyone in their fab outfits! What a dream to be sketching in France. Interested in having a live illustrator? Click here to inquire.

Day Deux

• Education seminar by photographer Kir Tuben.

• Tour of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: If you ever wanted to step into a postcard-perfect daydream, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is the place to do it. Perched on the stunning Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, this blush-pink Belle Époque mansion is pure elegance, with unreal sea views, lavish gardens, and an interior straight out of a royal fantasy.

• After lunch back at the Chateau, the planners and photographers had their styled shoot while I finished up last night’s sketches.

• Night two’s theme was soft pastels and white! My look: a white off the shoulder pleated ruffle crop top with dusty pink “paper bag” style pants and flats (featuring a bee on one and “happy” on the other).

• Dinner (once again amazing) was accompanied by a wine tasting!

Day Trois

• Education seminars by Be Inspired PR and Amanda Writesman (my amazing biz coach).

• Perfumery Tour at Fragonard Museum: If you’ve ever wondered how luxury perfume is made, a tour of the Fragonard Perfume Museum in Grasse is an absolute must. Grasse is the perfume capital of the world, and Fragonard is one of its most legendary houses, crafting high-end fragrances with centuries-old techniques.

• Tour of Bastide du Roy: If you’re looking for a place that oozes old-world charm and sophistication, Bastide du Roy in Antibes is an absolute dream. This historic estate, once owned by the Grimaldi family and later a retreat for royalty, celebrities, and artists, is the definition of French Riviera luxury—but with a touch of secluded, romantic magic.

• A seaside lunch at Antibes: If there’s one thing the French Riviera does perfectly, it’s seaside dining with a side of effortless charm—and Antibes absolutely delivers. Having a long, lazy lunch by the Mediterranean feels like something straight out of a movie—ocean breeze, rosé flowing, and plates of fresh seafood that taste like sunshine.

• Night three’s theme: disco & martinis! My look: a fitted emerald green tea length sequin dress with thin straps, silver and black choker from India, and nude heels. Our last night was a (indoor) poolside gala and dinner with a DJ, flowing drinks, and even a tattoo artist (surprise!).

Trip Extension

As I was lucky enough to be on a business retreat with my amazing business coach, we stayed for an extra few days in the French Riviera living in a cute AirBnb in St. Maxime. Here’s what we did:

• Walking and beach lunch in Cannes

• St. Maxime:

  • Stroll the Old Town – Cute little streets filled with boutique shops, Provençal markets, and charming cafés.

  • Enjoy the Waterfront Promenade – Lined with palm trees, colorful flowers, and plenty of spots to sit and soak in the view.

• Took a day trip to St. Tropez via the rockiest boat ride of my life:

  • Wander the Outdoor Market (Place des Lices): If you want a true taste of St. Tropez, head to the outdoor market in Place des Lices (Tuesdays & Saturdays). It’s a mix of fresh produce, Provençal goods, handmade crafts, and luxury finds—basically, where locals and visitors alike come to shop for everything from lavender soaps to designer scarves.

  • Explore the St. Tropez Fort (Citadel of St. Tropez): Perched above the town, the Citadel of St. Tropez offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean and a peek into the town’s rich maritime history. It’s a great place to escape the crowds for a bit and soak in the scenery.

  • Enjoy a Classic French Crêpe (my fav!): Strolling through St. Tropez with a buttery, golden crêpe in hand? Absolute perfection. Whether you go for a simple lemon-sugar crêpe or a decadent Nutella-filled one, it’s the ultimate French street food experience.

  • Shop Along Rue François Sibilli: This glamorous shopping street is where you’ll find high-end boutiques, chic cafés, and the kind of effortless fashion that defines the French Riviera. Unfortunately, the majority of the shops were closed as we were there in November, but it was still nice to browse!

  • Check Out the St. Tropez Car Show: St. Tropez is known for attracting some of the most jaw-dropping luxury cars, and if you visit during a car show (or even just walk around the harbor), you’ll see a parade of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and vintage classics that are as much a part of the scene as the yachts. We were lucky it happened to be there when we arrived!

The French Riviera is like a dream you don’t ever want to wake up from. Whether you’re enjoying fine dining with an ocean view, exploring hidden villages, or soaking up the luxury lifestyle, it’s an unforgettable escape that will stay with you long after you leave.

Retreat creds:

Venue | Château Saint Georges | @chateausaintgeorges
Workshop Host | AMV Retreats | @amv_retreats
Wedding Planning, Styling & Design | AMV Weddings | @amv_weddings
Educators | Kir Tuben @kir2ben | Be Inspired PR @beinspiredpr | Amanda Writesman @thebridaltheory
BTS Photography | Thomas Audiffren | @thomasaudiffren
BTS Videography | Wonder & Magic | @wonderandmagicie
Florist | La Blonde et le Barbu Design | @lablondeetlebarbudesign
Caterer | Ruth Williams | @traiteur.ruthwilliams
Cake | K & Kakes | @k_n_kakes
Furniture Rentals | Options Nice | @options_nice Linens | Nuage Designs | @nuagedesignsinc
Stationery | Laura Elizabeth Patrick | @lauraelizabethpatrick
Hair | Karine Brossard | @karinebrossardmakeuphair
Makeup | Kayla Kollection | @kaylakollection
Ring Boxes | The Styling Reserve | @thestylingreserve
Flat Lay Styling | Kir Tuben | @kir2ben

Samantha Shammas, Author

A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.

Paris is one of those cities that feels straight out of a movie—stunning architecture, incredible food, and a certain je ne sais quoi that makes everything feel effortlessly chic (maybe it’s all the beautiful people?). From iconic landmarks to working Couture Fashion Week, my trips to Paris were an unforgettable mix of style, history, and, let’s be real—a LOT of bread, cheese, and wine. To me, Paris felt like the French version of NYC (my favorite US city).

The Landmarks

• Eiffel Tower – Seeing it for the first time? Go at night. The sparkling lights make it one of the most magical things you’ll ever see. Bonus points if you grab a bottle of wine and picnic under it like a true Parisian.

• Arc de Triomphe – Massive. Majestic. Chaotic. (That traffic circle is WILD. Hello 12 lanes of traffic) But climb to the top, and you’ll get one of the best views in the city.

• The Louvre – Home to the Mona Lisa, yes, but honestly, the building itself is just as much of a masterpiece as the art inside. Pro tip: Go early, and get lost in the less crowded halls—there’s so much more to see beyond da Vinci’s smirking lady.

• Lock Bridge – Okay, the original Pont des Arts is no longer covered in love locks (RIP, too much weight), but the tradition lives on at nearby bridges. Cheesy and touristy? Yes. Did I do it anyway? Also yes.

• Notre Dame – I saw it pre-fire, but I’ve heard this Gothic beauty still holds all the charm and history that makes it one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks. The detailing on the exterior alone is mind-blowing.

• Palace of Versailles – Missing this is my #1 regret and I’ll be sure to add it to my next trip. If you’re even remotely into royal drama, gold-covered everything, or the idea of living like an 18th-century king, you HAVE to go.

The Food

• Foie Gras – Look, I feel guilty about it, but it’s SO GOOD. Rich, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Pair it with a glass of French wine, and you’ll forget your moral dilemmas for a few bites. If you haven’t looked up how foie gras is actually made….you probably should.

• Chocolate Baguette – My daily ritual when I was studying abroad. 10 cents for a fresh, warm baguette with mini chocolate chips? Always yes. Paris truly understands my soul. It became my go-to snack while learning couture techniques —because nothing fuels creativity like carbs.

• Wine on the Metro – One of the best parts of Parisian life? You can legally drink wine on the metro. Nothing like sipping a cheap but delicious Bordeaux while heading home from a long day of exploring (plus the metro is expansive and easy to navigate). Pro tip: even the cheapest wine in Paris is delicious!

• Duck (Canard) – The French know how to cook duck to perfection. Whether it’s Duck à l’Orange, crispy duck confit, or a simple seared duck breast, it’s always rich, flavorful, and ridiculously satisfying. If you see it on the menu, order it.

• Do yourself a favor and eat ALL the pastries and desserts. And I do mean all of them. You can shed those 5 extra pounds when you get home.

Fashion Dreams

Paris isn’t just the capital of fashion—it’s a place where fashion is life. My first time there, I had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of taking couture technique classes at the Paris American Academy and working Couture Fashion Week. Seeing the level of craftsmanship up close was unreal—hundreds of hours put into a single dress, tiny hand-sewn details, and fabrics more luxurious than anything I’ve ever touched. It was fashion in its purest form, and I soaked up every second.

Paris is everything you think it will be and more. Whether you’re marveling at history, indulging in buttery pastries, sipping wine on the go, or getting lost in a world of couture, there’s something irresistible about this city. It’s stylish, it’s romantic, and above all—it’s delicious.

Samantha Shammas, Author

A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.