This family’s closeness and their visible care and interest in each other are compelling and moving to me. Janelle called me to arrange a family session as a gift for her dad. A high school student, paying for and organizing a professional family lifestyle session because she knew it would be a meaningful gift for her dad and her family. Wow.
At every turn, there were more happy surprises like that. From the shared family inside jokes to their sense of fun, the undercurrent that each child is valued for their unique selves; to the open-hearted welcome and inclusiveness for the newest family member, Tracey. This is Belonging.
What strikes me 1st is that they are both comfortable in their own skin. . . . at ease being themselves with others.
Everyone should have a friend like Mike. Someone who is open and honest and has your best interests at heart. He’ll tell you what you need to hear, which is often different from what you want to hear. . . . . and when you look back on it, you’re glad he did. Som’s first experience of Mike was like that. Those qualities that raised caution in her early on became the things she loved about him. Truthful and open. Caring. Doing what’s right (vs what’s comfortable).
I watched Som greeting her patients one afternoon (Som and Mike are Naturapathic Doctors). She radiated welcome, caring, friendliness and familiarity. I’d seen all of that in our previous conversation but being an observer was like seeing her turned up 2 notches!
That’s the excitement of engagement and wedding photography for me. 2 people I admire joining and making each person better, stronger, healthier. The power of mutual appreciation, support and inspiration. . . . and a soul mate epitomizes that power of relationships for all of us.
Andrew and Pam are friends with my 1st wedding couple, Jen and Jeff.
These 2 met years ago on the set of a church video production and photo session – where they couldn’t speak to each other – all quiet on the set. A few years later, Pam was training Andrew to replace her in a position at the church. . . . which led to a few dates.
Remember when you were 18, 20, 22 – staying up nights with friends, solving the world’s problems, talking about what really matters? These 2 never stopped, I think. They’re still learning, growing, thinking, striving to be more.
At 30, they are both going all-in to start anew and live by their convictions and ideals – living for meaning and caring for others. They are at the same college, studying and training for ministry.
Pam – those eyes!! . . . . . . I cannot wait to photograph you in your wedding dress! :
I had a small case of nerves before starting their engagement session. . . . . Will I make some connection with them? There’s a social ease that comes with knowing I am on the same page as my couple. . . . . all of us knowing what’s most important to make their wedding experience great. . . . . all of us knowing what’s most important for their photography.
We can’t be strangers or they would never trust me enough to be open, emotional and unselfconscious on their wedding day.
There was no need for me to worry.
Pam and Andrew have a dynamic together and I can picture it in the future with them working together as a team. Andrew is joking and playing and genuinely funny, breaking the ice; making you welcome and comfortable right away. Pam is calm, almost meditative, very perceptive – a listener who is understanding.
Both are caring and personable in such different ways! . . . . and they’re both very aware of those differences and they appreciate each other for them. [that's not normal]
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