I have to be honest with you guys; when I first started photography, I didn’t want to shoot weddings. Crazy, right? I was so nervous that I would screw it up somehow. This is someone’s BIG day; it’s a huge deal and they usually only get married once. Having that weight on my shoulders just felt too much for me at the time. A couple months later, I took a chance and started second shooting for another local photographer- Leah Adkins Photography.
After my first wedding, I was hooked! I didn’t even take any pictures; I spent the whole day merely shadowing Leah. I was excited by the possibility that I could serve people in this special way of turning their memories into beautiful art for them. I love being able to capture a couple’s emotions throughout their wedding day. These are photos they and their family will be looking back on for years to come!
I enjoy the same moments of every wedding I shoot, such as the first look and cutting the cake, but my favorite part to photograph is the ceremony itself. It’s so special to be able to promise to love each other forever while you’re surrounded by friends and family. I am honored to get to capture the look on the groom’s face as he sees his bride walking down the aisle or parents and grandparents crying because they’re so happy.
I try to take away something from every ceremony I photograph and apply it to my own marriage. I was assisting Leah at a wedding at Peacock Ridge in North Lawrence and this couple was awesome! During the ceremony, their pastor spoke about how everyone cringes at the verse that the wife must serve her husband. He said that if both parties have the mindset of “I serve you” instead of “You serve me” that they will have a happier and long-lasting marriage. I try to have that mindset every day. You don’t have to do anything huge- it’s little things like making sure their favorite beverage is in the fridge or filling their tank that really show you care.
Weddings are beautiful, but they almost never go exactly the way they’re supposed to. The unplanned moments are what make every wedding unique, like the flower girl carrying the rings instead of her bucket or Grandpa breaking out the dance moves. I genuinely enjoy every wedding I photograph, and I think of my couples as friends, not just clients.
Thank you to all the couples that have hired me this year; it’s because of you that I’m living my dream! I love telling your stories and will continue to do so to the best of my ability. I’m excited to continue this journey and photograph even more amazing weddings!