Carolina Bride: April-June Cover

"What struck me the most was DJ insisting that one of the most vital things to succeed in this industry is faith. Faith that a business will blossom. Faith in thinking outside the box. Faith that the journey is just as important as the destination. DJ had no clue how close to home his words were hitting. Every sentence pricked my heart because I knew I needed faith more than I needed anything else. I hung onto his words - picking them out of midair and filing them away in the Never Forget file in my brain - and instantly knew it was the sign I was looking for. God used him as my confirmation. I'm going forward full-throttle with photography and I'm faithful I will succeed."
- Jasmine Star

It must have been a year and a half ago that I found myself POURING (as in hours upon end) through the old blog posts that chronicled the humble beginnings of Jasmine Star. If you know anything about Jasmine Star, you know that she writes. A lot. And at that point in my journey toward becoming a wedding photographer, I couldn't get enough of her story.

There are MANY pieces of Jasmine's story that inspire me. But it was the quote above that REALLY rang true with me. So much, in fact, that just as soon as I was finished reading it, I sent it through my printer, cut it out, and pasted it to the inside cover of my photography journal. Having read through her blog telling of her decision to leave law school to pursue photography....and seeing how quickly she perfected her skill and moved straight to the top...all the while not hesitating to give all the credit to God....I was inspired. I was encouraged. I was on fire. And having felt God's blessing, I was ready to take on the world.

There are many days that I feel like I'm the world's worst photographer who should never pick up a camera again in her life. But last Wednesday when I got the call from Carolina Bride magazine telling me that Jessica and Steve's wedding had landed on the cover, I thought maybe, just maybe, we were doing alright at this photography thing. Clearly, we have a long way to go, but to us - this cover is a little nugget covered in BBQ sauce to show us we are moving in the right direction.

Even amongst my mid-week excitement, it wasn't until Sunday - at the end of church while singing "Glory to God" - that I was brought to my knees and humbled before God at just how flipping big He is and how He loves me. And even though I don't even come CLOSE to deserving it, He continually gives me the desires of my heart. He gave me the opportunity to be a part of a church that rocks my world. He gave me a "there-aren't-words-to-describe-how-amazing" husband who loves me more than anyone. He gave me a passion I didn't know I had in me for photography...and has backed it up with a successful business. And most of all, He has given me life in Him....and offers me an unfailing love, comfort, and peace...no matter what happens. And THAT is what really freaks me out in the best way possible. :)

Now, I know to some this may not be anything to make a fuss about. But honestly - to us, we are OVER THE FLIPPING MOON excited. For us, seeing our pictures in Carolina Bride magazine has internally validated our place in this industry, as well as has encouraged us to keep on pushing. Now go on out and get yourself a copy!

And I'm sorry - but how HOT is Jessica on that cover?!

Many thanks to all of Jessica and Steve's vendors!

Wedding Planner: Alyse Woodward of A Perfect Engagement
Ceremony venue:The Atrium at the Design Center of the Carolinas
Reception venue:Byron's at SouthEnd
Catering: Best Impressions
DJ: Split Second Sound
Dress: Dar-Lynn's
Hair/Makeup: Kymm McLean of Who's the Fairest