In September of 2023, I found myself in a café in Paris, feeling deflated after an editorial styled photoshoot that wasn’t going as expected. Despite all of the vendors pouring our hearts into the project, something was missing—production details, education, and growth were lacking. As I sat there sipping on a latte, it hit me: I can do better. I envisioned an elevated retreat that would provide the education, networking, and immersive experience creatives needed to thrive.
After sitting with this idea for a while, I knew the timing was right. With the ROQUE team strong and balanced, I decided that January 2025 would be the time to launch La Perle Retreats.
La Perle was born from my desire to create a transformative space for creatives to hone their craft, build relationships with top-tier vendors, and feel inspired. It’s not just about stunning shoots; it’s about impactful education, lasting connections, and experiences that change the way we approach our work and our lives.
I’m beyond excited to launch this vision, where it’s not just about the photos we capture—it’s about the stories we create and the connections that transform our futures.
This photo was taken on that very day — the moment it all began
Raquel
"One of the many reasons I love working with Raquel is her impeccable eye for design."
- Haley roberts, wild horse design co.
"Raquel's keen eye for detail and her creative vision elevate the wedding photography process, resulting in stunning images that feel like a dream."
- LoGAN alexander, LOGAN ALEXANDER CO.
As a wedding planner and designer for over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless couples, curating beautiful and unforgettable experiences. But throughout my career, I found myself asking how to truly excel in the luxury wedding market. How do I structure my business, my Instagram, my website, and my pricing to stand out and attract high-end clients? It often felt like there was a secret to success that was just out of reach.
After years of asking these questions and striving for answers, I realized I wasn’t alone. Many creatives—photographers, videographers, content creators, and wedding designers—were facing the same challenges. That’s when the vision for La Perle Retreats began to take shape. I wanted to create a space where we could all come together, share knowledge, and find the tools to elevate our brands. A place to unlock the answers to the questions we all have, and create meaningful growth in our businesses.
This retreat isn’t just about photography and design; it’s about creating a transformative experience that helps you build a sustainable business in the luxury wedding industry. We aim to provide clarity and structure, so you can confidently showcase your talent and attract the clients you deserve. Together, we will unlock the answers, elevate our brands, and grow in ways we’ve always dreamed of.
"Working with Raquel and her team is always very exciting and a true delight. Her designs and vision are the perfect blend of class, artistry, and uniqueness, bringing each event to life in a way that’s both elevated and memorable."
- Alex richardson, Love Tribe
La Perle Retreats is brought to life by the talented team behind ROQUE Events—Raquel Bickford, Kristen Chavez, and Claire Glynn. With over a decade of experience in luxury event planning and design, Raquel leads the charge, combining creativity and expertise to help creatives elevate their brands. Kristen, with her extensive background in high-end wedding planning, ensures every retreat runs seamlessly, while Claire brings her refined design eye to inspire attendees. Together, we’re passionate about empowering photographers, videographers, and wedding designers to grow their businesses and thrive in the luxury wedding industry.
the
View More
Join us for our inaugural La Perle Retreat on April 30th, 2025, in Napa Valley, CA, for a one-day experience featuring luxury wedding design, an elevated-styled shoot, and expert-led workshops.
View More
Join us for the La Perle Retreat in the Loire Valley, France, from July 15th-17th, 2025, for a transformative 3-day experience featuring luxury wedding design, exclusive styled shoots, and expert-led workshops in a breathtaking chateau setting.