Two experiences side by side, in the same place, at the same time: imagery creators (photographers, videographers and content creators), mentored by Sam and Rayana Sacramento, and wedding planners & decorators mentored by Kellen Lauxen.
Build a luxury Italian portfolio: two editorials, a complete Wedding Day Experience and the business of the international luxury market, guided by Sam and Rayana Sacramento.
Explore the photo experienceEnter the Italian destination market with Kellen Lauxen: vendor relationships, destination logistics and wedding design, sharing the same days, the same dinners, the same shoots.
Explore the planner experienceWe’ve welcomed dozens of wedding professionals from around the globe. We’re not just mentors. We’re active professionals in the wedding market, always learning, always growing. Every edition brings something new.
IWE was born in 2018 from Sam and Rayana’s own journey: years of attending immersions around the world and watching each one transform their career. The purpose: give wedding professionals a real opportunity to live, learn and create in an international setting, with accommodation, meals and local transportation included, so you focus only on creating and evolving.
In 2023, wedding planner Kellen Lauxen joined the project, expanding IWE into planning, décor and floral design. Imagery professionals began to understand the planner’s perspective, and planners learned to value the image, the collaboration that defines the IWE method.
Today IWE runs in two languages, Portuguese and English, and brings together professionals from every corner of the wedding industry. More than a course, it’s a journey that transforms portfolios, mindsets, relationships and careers.
Sam, Rayana and Kellen lead IWE together: imagery, business and planning & design, side by side, at the same table.
Named top 5 wedding photographer in the world. WPC Team Gold 2020, SWPP #2 Photographer of the Year 2022, BIFA Gold, multiple WPI Golds.
The strategic mind behind IWE. Built the business model and the network with European luxury planners over two decades in Europe.
Renowned wedding planner based in Italy. Designed celebrity weddings featured in Vogue, Caras, Bride and Tonic, Carats and Cake.
Hear from professionals who lived the immersion.
“An experience that transformed our work.”
“I truly believe that everyone living this experience leaves entirely different, with so much growth, than when we arrived.”
“Being here is an incredible experience. I’ve learned so much. They think of every little detail.”
“It was something truly unique, exceeding all my expectations. I hope to return many more times.”
Before registration, we conduct a careful review of your professional profile, whether you are a photographer, wedding planner, or a partner in the wedding industry. Our goal is to ensure that the experience aligns with your current career stage and that you have the foundation, maturity, and genuine interest to grow within the international luxury segment. If there is alignment, we proceed with the seat reservation.
The editions are organized according to the destination and the audience: some take place in Portuguese, others in English, or in a bilingual format. All language information is always clearly communicated on the official pages of each edition. If you are interested in participating in an edition where the primary language is different from yours, IWE may provide simultaneous interpretation with headphones to ensure full understanding and enjoyment of the experience.
Not necessarily. What we look for is: • professionals with a solid technical foundation (for photographers), • a minimum professional structure (for planners and partners), • and a genuine interest in the global luxury market. IWE is an immersion for those who want to elevate their level, reposition their careers, and expand global opportunities.
IWE always takes place in carefully selected international destinations. In addition to exclusive accommodations, each edition features distinct locations for editorials, hands-on classes, and a full wedding day, everything thoughtfully planned to deliver real experiences, refined aesthetics, and authentic settings.
Yes. Accommodation is arranged for all participants throughout the immersion days, ensuring comfort, convenience, and the shared experience that is part of the essence of IWE.
Yes. Each edition offers its own format, but it generally includes daily breakfast and special dinners, such as the welcome dinner and the closing dinner.
Yes, in some editions, but always check the specific edition page for confirmation regarding the transfer.
Yes. We offer options for companions who wish to experience the destination with us, even without participating in the technical activities.
As this is an exclusive experience with limited availability, refunds are not offered. In cases of force majeure, we allow participants to reschedule for a future edition or transfer their spot to another person.
It depends on your field: • Photographers: camera, lenses, flash, flash trigger, and computer. • Wedding planners and partners: useful materials for notes, documentation, and integration with the production team; no specific technical equipment is required. © All rights reserved.
Makeup artists, stationery designers, musicians, jewelry designers, dress ateliers. We are always open to vendor collaborations. This year the experience welcomes makeup and stationery partners, and there is room for more.
If you want to be part of the next edition, tell us what you create.
Contact us