the journal

Over the past 6 months, I have REALLY been working on my business and REALLY thinking about where I want it to go. I feel like a lot of times in life, we can just get complacent and not try to figure out where we want to be in 5 years or even 1 year. We get caught going through the motions instead of continually working towards something more. I know this has definitely happened to me. But the past 6 months, I have had a perspective shift which you can read more about HERE. I’ve realized that if I really want what I say I do, I have to work for it and struggle for it. And it’s been hard. I constantly feel like I’m not making progress and my dreams are being pushed further and further away from me. But working in my business and getting to meet amazing people and create beautiful images and weddings keeps me going. I love being a wedding photographer and wedding planner because I get to immerse myself in love all the time! And this selfless love inspires me!

There is nothing better than seeing a couple who loves each other with all they have. And who would do anything for one another. At every wedding I’m a part of, whether I’m the photographer, the planner or even if I’m a second shooter or if it’s a styled shoot, there’s one thing that’s always the same. And that’s selfless love. And I see it all the time. I see it when the groom see’s his bride in her wedding dress for the first time. I see it in the bride’s eyes that light up when her groom makes her laugh. I see it when the bride’s dad gives her away. I see it when the bride and groom share their first kiss and first dance as husband and wife. I see it in the groom when he offers his bride water, food, a chair, anything. I see it in the vendors that selflessly serve to make your day easier. I see it in the parents of the bride and groom who are doing everything they can to make the day run smoothly. And I see it in every guest and every participant that’s there for your big day.

This selfless love inspires me. It strengthens me. And it never ceases to amaze me. Everyone wants to feel loved and like they belong. And I am so lucky that I get to witness this love on wedding days. The kind of love that reminds you to enjoy every moment and to live every day to the fullest. The kind of love that reminds you of the love you have for the special people in your life. The kind of love that makes you realize the love others have for you. The kind of love that makes you hold those you care about just a little bit closer. And the kind of love that you feel when you belong.

So, when I say I love love, it’s not just a cheesy notion. It’s real. Because I see it everyday. And I’m blessed by it everyday. And that is what keeps me going. Knowing that I get to serve couples that are IN LOVE! That would do anything for each other and that know their love is strong. And that it can guide them through anything. Because this is the kind of love that makes the world a better place. That inspires change and growth and dreams. And that inspires me and keeps me going when days are hard and the struggle is real. … What inspires you?