My morning routine when I sit down at my desk looks like this: sip my cup of coffee, check for important emails that need to be answered first, check the news, browse Facebook, read Amy & Jordan’s blog, check my personal email, start my to-do list. Now for those of you who aren’t photographers, Amy & Jordan are an amazing photographer team based in Arizona and have a huge heart for education. Their blog has inspired me, taught me SO much, and influenced my business in amazing ways over the past two years. So, one morning when they announced on their blog they were coming to Virginia for a night of education with Katelyn James I was so excited.

(promotional graphic from Amy & Jordan’s blog)

I immediately set a reminder for the day tickets went on sale, logged in right at noon and signed up. And after a month of waiting it happened yesterday – and was AMAMZING. First of all, I was able to meet these photographers in person who have shaped and changed me into being a better business owner and person. It was so fun to connect – and also a little weird to meet someone you know a lot about, but have never had a conversation with before :) And the education they provided was spectacular. The Demos’ spoke about social media – but beyond that reminded and challenged me to LOVE PEOPLE well. To serve them and ask “How can this enhance others lives” and not worrying about the likes and shares that we so often get caught up in.

Then Katelyn spoke about blogging – and sharing your story and girl had me on the edge of tears. Her heart to reach people and affect their lives was inspiring and moving. The way God has used her business was so special to hear and reminded me that this business is a privilege. Yes, I get to give you tangible memories from your wedding day to show your children’s children. But beyond that I get to serve and reach people and make a difference in their lives by how I live mine. Whew! What a challenge. And it’s exciting.

On my drive home (at around 1 am!) I had my music blaring on shuffle and a song from the Urbana missions conference I attended in 2006 came on – I didn’t know it was still on my phone! But it took me back to standing in an arena with thousands of people on New Years and committing to serving God and others with my gift. And now almost 9 years later I realized what an amazing opportunity I have to do that – not just as a photographer, but through how I live my life. To say I am inspired is an understatement :)  And I’m looking forward to where this journey and this next year takes me! Get ready to come along for the ride.

And as I start to implement this and all the other practical tips from yesterday the biggest take away is to stop taking pictures on my iPhone – I mean I am sorry for the quality of these! I am never leaving the house with out my Canon again. But here you go – a few highlights from the day! And yes…I got to take a #demossandwich picture! (Seriously, search that hash tag on Instagram!)

Look at this amazing venue!

Jordan, Amy, and Katelyn during Q&A

All the Southwest VA peeps – including a new friend from Richmond who went to Tech so she counts :)

And me in a #demossandwich and with Katelyn!