Weddings

Craig + Bev | Part II

filed in:

I think God knew what He was doing when He planned out this wedding season. I’ll be honest, I had moments of feeling tired and stuck in a rut. I had weeks where Friday would come and I didn’t feel excited to leave for another wedding because I was still tired from the one I shot the week prior. However, once November came, I could see the end was in sight and “the end” was Bev and Craig’s wedding. It was perfect.  This was the BEST way to end my 2011 season because Bev and Craig are the type of couple that give me energy and inspire me to finish strong.  They aren’t just an extremely photogenic couple, they are some of our closest friends and to be the one who spent the MOST time with them on their wedding day makes

me feel super special. I was the one driving Bev to the CHURCH!… just minutes before her WEDDING! What an HONOR!!! I love my JOB and I cherish that time with my brides… especially the brides that I’m so close to!

 

Friend’s of ours started playing and singing as the bridesmaids walked down the aisle. One by one, they all made their way to the front of the church. It was then that everyone rose to their feet, the music was building and the back doors of the church opened. As Bev walked down the aisle she held  tight to her dad’s arm, trying to hold back some of the tears.  Craig bit his lip and just smiled as he watched his beautiful bride walk towards him.  I was crying and still trying to make sure my 50mm was focusing at the same time! Luckily I’ve had experience shooting close friends’ weddings before and I’ve gotten really good at recomposing myself after an emotional moment! Their ceremony was amazing. Michael and I actually sang while they did communion so thank you to Katie Beale for filling in for me while I was involved in the ceremony!! I couldn’t have done it without you!

 

Bev and Craig were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Craig Lily and the whole sanctuary erupted in applause!! The cheers and clapping continued as they shared a kiss and made their way down the aisle. It was just a joyful, God-honoring day and I loved every minute of it! After the ceremony, we escaped to an abandoned farm and shot a few extra portraits!…. Then we were off to the party! Perfect. As a photographer, I couldn’t have been happier with what we were able to accomplish  and as a friend, I was just so excited for these two!!! They were finally MARRIED!!! Welcome to the club!! It’s awesome!:)

 

So enjoy Part II of this southern, Tappahanock, VA wedding and I hope you enjoy my last wedding post of the year!!  Bev and Craig, Michael and I adore you guys and can’t wait to hangout and hear about JAMAICA! We love you and we’re praying for ya as you begin your new life together!! xoxoxo Bev you’re the most radiant bride!Love this bridal portrait… SO thankful this ONE tree had some leaves still on it!

About to head down the aisle…. Mr. and Mrs.!!! WOOHOO!!! AHH!!!! MARRIED!!! and REALLY excited about it:) Craig… that shot on the left was EXACTLY what I hoped that pose would look like! NICE! Such models. A new all-time favorite right here…
We were on a time crunch… so we ran to our next location:) Craig please don’t hate me for posting this…. I just think it’s hilarious. yesssssss Bev just stop! You make this seem SO easy!  Beautiful!

One the most WELL DONE candy bars yet! So fun to photograph! Adorable gift table with a handmade quilt! Checking out her boy’s new ring:)

 

Thanks for reading!

— Katelyn

Podcast Art Marriage

54 | How to Talk with Your Spouse About Your Vision with Julia Woods

Have you ever tried to sit down with your spouse to talk about dreams, goals, and vision—only for it to turn into frustration or misalignment? If so, you’re not alone. Vision casting in marriage is hard because it brings up deeper fears, beliefs, and unspoken dynamics that many couples don’t even realize are at play.

READ MORE
The Doing Life Differently Podcast

Success—it’s a word we hear all the time. But what does it really mean? Is it about financial security? Status? Owning a dream home or taking extravagant vacations?

FAITH AND FAMILY PODCAST BLOG
READ MORE

53 | How We’re Redefining Success for Our Family Teaching our kids a different way

The Doing Life Differently Podcast
FAITH AND FAMILY PODCAST BLOG

52 | Viewing Your Business as a Ministry Opportunity and not just a business!

When you think about your business, do you see it as simply a job—or something more? 

READ MORE
The Doing Life Differently Podcast
DLD WELLNESS

51 | The Unexpected Gifts of a Digital Detox It didn't go as planned!

Today, I’m diving into an experience that was nothing like I anticipated: my digital detox in December. If you’ve ever considered taking a break from the noise of the online world, you might relate to my journey—the good, the surprising, and the, well, completely unplanned.

READ MORE
The Doing Life Differently Podcast

The wedding industry has faced unique challenges recently, with inflation affecting budgets and couples cutting costs. If you’re a wedding photographer feeling the pinch, don’t worry—2025 doesn’t have to be a slow year.

book more weddings in 2025
READ MORE

How to Book More Weddings in 2025 5 practical tips to do today

Youtube
DLD WELLNESS

50 | What Alpha Gal Taught Me About Healing & Living Fully

Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? Over the last few months, I’ve been on a medical rollercoaster that I never saw coming.

READ MORE
The Doing Life Differently Podcast

READER FAVORITES

"Best money I have EVER spent on education! ... and I've spent a lot!”

- Kara Abbey, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"I love all the lessons I'm learning from KJ All Access! Thanks Katelyn!”

- Shannon Drummond, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"I find very few educational resources worth it ... this one is!”

- Kate gansneder, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Recently signed up for KJ All Access and it's EVERYTHING!”

- Kassidy Mowery, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Being able to see behind-the-scenes of Katelyn interacting with her clients has been SO impactful!”

- Angie mcpherson, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Recently signed up for KJ All Access and it's EVERYTHING!”

- Kassidy Mowery, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"SO worth it! It's amazing the amount of knowledge you get out of them!”

- Brittany Lowe, ALl ACCESS MEMBER

"I learned just as much in one All Access as I did in a whole course! SO GOOD!"

- Joanna Krueger, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER
10 Steps to Starting Your Photography Business
Helping a friend survive a season of Infant Loss
How to photograph a first look in Harsh Light
OUR KJ COUPLES REUNION
A Lake Como Destination Wedding - Greg and Kate
A Letter to the Go-Getters fearful of Motherhood

The KJ blog
must-reads

The KJ Blog is where you get to know me, where you meet our KJ Couples and see their beautiful wedding days, where I have been building an archive of education for over a decade and where I let you see a peek into our life, our home, and hear about our purpose! 
don't miss the
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ

YOUTUBE

Join 100,000+ others and learn, grow and get connected via our Youtube Channel! This is where I'm constantly sharing new content, talking all things gear, business, tips, tricks and letting you into the behind-the-scenes of our everyday life! 
MORE FREE EDUCATION + CUTE BABIES ON
WATCH NOW

The KJ Learning roadmap

If you're a visual learner, this real-life, behind the scenes training was created just for you!

Create clients who can't help but rave about how you made them feel in front of your camera!

A 4-step educational preset process that will make Lightroom seem like a friend instead of a constant frustation.

The only thing you'll need as a beginner to kick start your photography journey.

The most popular, most transformational KJ Course of them all! Learn how to find great light in any location no matter how challenging!

The course that teaches photographers how to master Lightroom, find their unique style and trasnform their workflow!

Not only can artificial intelligence edit your images in minutes, it can now edit your work exactly the way KJ would if I was editing it myself!

Create polished, scroll-stopping images!  If you’re tired of “normal” and are ready to access the “Next Level”, this course was designed for you! 

"I have invested in all of KJ’s education!

The way she teaches makes so much sense and I’m so grateful for her! My business will be forever changed!"

- Renee Nicolo

"KJ education has been life-changing

 It has elevated my work so I could quit my day job and work from home with our baby boy!"

- joanna k.

"I'VE INVESTED IN SO MANY RESOURCES... 

and none compare to what I get from KJ!"

- LAUREN M.