It all started with an invitation
I never imagined how one spontaneous invitation would lead to one of the most unforgettable creative experiences of my life.
On March 16th, 2025 I flew to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend the WPPI 2025 (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International). When I arrived one of my colleagues mentioned that we were going to be invited to a VIP private event hosted by Kayla Douglas. I thought it was going to be just another networking or social gathering. Nothing out of the ordinary. Little did I knew I was about to have my mind blown.
As the event date approached, I thought it might not happen at all because we never mentioned it again; but—literally ten minutes before it was supposed to start—my friend walks in and says, “We have ten minutes to get ready.” No time to think. I rushed to get dressed, and soon enough, I was in a car, headed to this mysterious event. When we pulled up... I was left without words. The mansion was insane—massive, elegant, and totally surreal and, I had no idea what awaited for me inside of the house.
As soon as we stepped in, I realized this was no ordinary event. The house was buzzing with creativity—multiple models, several themed stations, and professional photographers capturing magic from every angle. My jaw literally dropped. But then reality hit me…
I didn’t bring my camera. I thought "Carola you are at a photographers event!" I definitely expected more from myself.
I had no idea it would be a full-on photography experience, and I felt my heart sink a little. I even debated going back to the hotel just to grab my camera. But the photography community showed up for me that night—Marcos, a fellow photographer I had just met, kindly offered to lend me one of his cameras. I’m still incredibly grateful to him. Without his generosity, I wouldn’t have been able to capture this masterpiece of an event.
There were different creation stations, each offering its own unique vibe and energy. Here’s are some descriptions of the rooms:
The Staircase — Right at the main entrance, this space was elegant and dramatic with a huge chandelier and gold intricate decorations. I was able to photograph a stunning model in a fierce red feather dress. Instant statement pieces.
The Red Room — Sultry, moody, and unapologetically bold. Two powerful models in deep red gowns completely owned the space—it was pure visual drama.
The Bar Room — Warm tones, vintage vibes, and the perfect moody ambiance. It felt like stepping into an old film set, ideal for editorial-style portraits.
The Buddha Room — One of my absolute favorites. This boudoir session felt raw, elegant, and deeply empowering. The model’s confidence lit up the entire room—it was a powerful reminder of beauty and presence.
The Kitchen — Yes, the kitchen! Styled in the most unexpected way, featuring a model in a gold feather gown sitting on a bird cage chair. It was quirky and, glamorous.
The Renaissance Room — That’s what I’m calling it. Classic and romantic—like stepping into a timeless painting. Every detail, from the styling to the ambiance, radiated elegance.
Top 3 Spaces That Completely Blew Me Away
The Buddha Room
The moment you step into it, the atmosphere feels raw, intimate, and empowering. Mixing the elements of nature with sensuality.
The Staircase
Dramatic in every sense of the word. As you step onto this set, you’re immediately met with a powerful contrast of light and shadow.
The Red Room
Unapologetically bold and, fierce. The details, from the styling to the chandelier and, the colors made a statement.
This event was an eye opener for me.
Looking back, this spontaneous adventure in Las Vegas is something I’ll never forget. I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to be part of something so creatively rich and inspiring. Each room, each model, and each shot was a new opportunity to explore, experiment, and connect. I’m incredibly grateful for the people I met along the way—and a special thanks to Kayla Douglas, the mastermind behind it all. Not only did she conceptualize the entire experience, but she also designed each and every gown with such intention and artistry. Her talent brought these spaces to life in ways that words can hardly describe. This experience taught me the true value of traveling to photography events—you never know when an unexpected opportunity will come knocking.
Special Thanks to