I stood in the back of the church with my brand new Nikon and held my breath. The winter light streaming through the overly yellow stain glass window. All my training and education had brought me to this moment almost accidentally. I’d photographed a variety of things for class before, from benches to fire hydrants, glass elevators to the giant bean downtown, all of it “artistic” or whimsical but never conveying emotion. I loved photography but was bored with my photographs, until that day. As I stood there witnessing two of my amazing friends, full of joy becoming husband and wife I knew that this was what I wanted to capture, this was what I wanted to be a part of. And as my shutter clicked and froze their first kiss I felt full of purpose.

Since that day in February so much has changed. I’ve read books and taken classes, studied, tried new techniques, evaluated and then started the process all over. I’ve started to find my groove and who I want to be as a photographer. I’ve branded, re-branded, and then did it again. I’ve swapped all my gear to Canon and learned off camera lighting. I’ve shot with some great photographers and worked with some who taught me who I didn’t want to be. But through all of it my love for weddings never wavered, I knew that I was supposed to photograph weddings.

So, how does this help you, a bride? You probably don’t care what gear I shoot with, only that I know how to use it. You probably don’t care about the bookkeeping class I sat through, just how much I charge. Well I want you to know it is all for that breath-holding moment, when you are standing across from your almost-husband about to burst with joy. I’ve studied and learned and improved so that I can freeze that moment for you as perfectly as possible. So when you see the image of your first kiss after your first fight you’ll remember everything you felt that day, being surrounded by those you love most. So that when your kids flip through your wedding album and make fun of the hairstyles they will still be able to see the love and dedication you shared. And when they show their kids the framed picture of Grandma and Grandpa on their wedding day, your grand kids will know they came from a place of abundant love. That is why I do what I do. That is why I tear up during the ceremony as I crouch down in the isle waiting for your first kiss. That is why I approach each wedding day with such thought out dedication, because these are your memories. That’s even why I wear all black so I don’t stick out, because this day is about you and your families and the celebration of starting your lives together. And yes, I will try to get every pose you imagine of your wedding day, but more than that I want to tell the story of your commitment to each other and the start of you and him becoming “us”. And that is why I love hearing about your wedding day and the details you are planning to make it uniquely yours, because it is a part of your story and conveys who you are. So, thank you. Thank you for trusting me to follow you around like a crazed paparazzi taking pictures of everything you do from start to finish on your wedding day. Thank you for trusting me with your moments and your memories. Thank you for welcoming me into your families and your lives. I am truly honored to do what I do and can’t think of a better way to spend my weekends.

As wedding season kicks into high gear I am taking a break from my Wedding Wednesday posts, but wanted to leave you with this final word from me. We’ve heard from many different venues, caterers, cupcake makers, DJs, and even a Chocolatier, but I wanted to write to you as a photographer and share with you what an honor it is to be able to give you memories you will have forever. Ones you will share with your family for generations to come. I treasure my job and what I can do for you, and trust me I take it very seriously because I know what a monumental calling it is.

So here’s to 2014’s wedding season and all the memories yet to be made. And just for fun a look back.

Here’s a look at my first wedding ever –

And a few from my most recent wedding –

While I may have learned and grown so much, I love all of these images equally and am proud to have been a part of both of these amazing couples stories. Thank you Erik and Vannae for helping me find my passion. And thank you Dwayne and Wendy for helping me live it everyday. (P.S. Check back this week for more of Dwayne and Wendy’s wedding on the blog!)