into this crazy world of photography, I remember thinking that this career would be fun and exciting if I could actually get the hang if it! I loved the idea of a home office, traveling, meeting new couples and having the ability to be CREATIVE with my work!! However, there is one aspect of this job that I didn’t consider and that was the fact that I was starting my business at the same time that a TON of my best friends were about to be engaged. For some reason, this never CLICKED with me. I never thought “Oh if I could shoot a ton of FRIENDS weddings that would be a huge help for my business!
Maybe that thought didn’t cross my mind because deep down, I didn’t really think they would WANT me to shoot their wedding. I don’t know! I’m weird like that!! I just never want to have high expectations about certain things and then be SHOCKED and offended if they never happen. So when it came to friend’s weddings, I had no expectation…..and I STILL have no expectations… but one by one, I started getting emails and calls. I’m happy to say that over the last 3 and a 1/2 years, I’ve had the amazing privilege of capturing some of my best friend’s big days!
I remember hearing a long time ago that some photographers despise shooting close friend’s weddings because of the stress and the inability to ENJOY their celebration… but for me, it’s just the opposite. When I first started, I didn’t see photography as a GIFT that I HAD or a GIFT that I could GIVE…… I know, I’m not the brightest crayon in the box. I just didn’t see my business that way the Lord did. God has allowed me to use this gift to bless our friends over and over again and I’m THANKFUL!! Apart from Him, I’m ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and so whatever he wants me to do with this business, I’m gonna do it!!! Thankfully, he’s allowed me to be involved in some of the most meaningful, beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever seen. At friend’s weddings, Michael helps me out and we get to serve our friend’s on one of the BIGGEST days of their life and that’s an HONOR! Driving our friends to their first look, fixing a veil, capturing their ceremonies, taking fun bridal party portraits (because we know the WHOLE bridal party!), meeting their sweet families, etc… it’s just wonderful. We have been able to be behind the scenes for several of our friend’s weddings and that’s something we CHERISH. We’ll never forget these memories… ever. I’m just blown away at how God works and weaves our lives together. If someone was to tell me 5 years ago that I would be shooting a ton of our friend’s WEDDINGS, I would have LAUGHED in their face…. I didn’t have dreams that big… and 5 years ago I didn’t have any direction or vision for my career. I’m so thankful for the place that my business is today and I’m even MORE thankful that I get to serve and shoot my friends. (That sounds like an awful phrase but you know that I mean:). So to the friend’s who first booked me…. in 2009 when I didn’t know which end was up…. thank you for trusting me and giving me a chance to show what I could do:)…. And to the friends that continue to allow me to be a part of your day… THANK YOU. I don’t take this responsibility lightly.
Tomorrow I have this opportunity once again and I’m PUMPED!!! I don’t think you understand just how EXCITED I am…. Michael and I ADORE Mandy and Josh. I lived with Mandy in college and we just love these two! It’s going to be an amazing celebration and I’m excited because no matter where they are, what the weather is, what the venue looks like… friend’s weddings are always FABULOUS!!! Enjoy a few shots from some of our close friend’s weddings over the last few years!
And here are the one’s yet to come!
Thanks for reading!
— Katelyn
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