Hello and welcome to the blog! We are Cheyenne and Geoff Schultz and are wedding photographers in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you'd like to contact us about our photography, please e-mail me at cheyenne@lovetheschultzes.com with a subject line "The Schultzes". You can also check out our website at http://www.lovetheschultzes.com

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

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

40 comments:

ClairKnox said...

Congrats Cheyenne!!! We others can only hope, ha ha!

CB + RP said...

Congratulations!! You are MORE than deserving of this great life you are living, I am SO proud of you!

Amanda Suanne said...

Congratulations! That is awesome :)

Jessica L Sack said...

If I have said it once, I have said it a million times: I LOVE Y'ALL!!! We were so fortunate to have found you and we're so glad that you landed the cover... Never doubt yourselves! Have faith in your work and how happy you make each other and those around you!

SJB Weddings & Events said...

Congrats! I can say I knew you when... :)

Abbi said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is so stinkin' awesome!!! Glad to know you and call you 'friend'. :)

kristin said...

Congrats Cheyenne & Geoff... it looks amazing! I'm so excited for you guys. Never doubt... you guys are amazing photographers!

Kelsy Nielson said...

If I could purchase Carolina Bride in Alberta, I would! Way to GO!!

meg{moir} said...

What awesome news. Isn't it great how God always gives you what you need, when you need it? I can't imagine you feeling like the 'worst photographer ever' due to your amazing and undeniable talent. But there is proof that you are doing your thing, just like you are supposed to be. Your future is big and bright girl.

Read and See said...

Whoohoo, congrats! I told you you were awesome. Jasmine's story inspires me so much too, but so do you!

Tish said...

that's awesome! Congrats!

Candice said...

FINALLY!!!!!!!! YAY! Congrats! You so deserve it friend!

{http://www.thebeautifulmess.com/blog}

Holly B said...

I am squealing in my seat for all of you!!! What an amazing thing! Cheyenne & Geoff - you guys are such a gift! and what a great birthday present for Jessica! So beautiful!!!

Mary Lowrance said...

Congratulations Cheyenne!

Sadly, I missed my niece's wedding. I can't express how deeply your photos captured the essence of this special day for me. Even from many miles away, I was able to share in the joy and celebration of Jessica and Steve as they began their new journey.

Thank you for bringing that joy to me...

regina holder said...

Congratulations, Cheyenne! I am super thrilled for you! YAY! Looking forward to watching your business skyrocket!

Caroline Ghetes said...

Yaaaaay! Good for you guys! Man I can relate with you on constantly doubting myself as a photographer and just know you are probably not alone in thinking that. You guys are awesome and definitely deserved that cover! GOOD FOR YOU! God has truly blessed you both ; )

Lauren Kaczmarski said...

congratulations cheyenne! i am so proud of you! I knew this would happen ;)

Jasmine said...

Why am I teary-eyed?! My gosh...I'm over the moon thrilled for you!!!
xoxo
j*

Melissa Kay said...

How fabulous! Congratulations, Cheyenne.

smitten photography said...

unreal AWESOME!!! congrats friend :)

Tracy (Serendipity Images) said...

Congratulations Cheyenne!!! I'm so excited for you! =)

Anonymous said...

Congrats Geoff and Cheyenne!!!

Leah Bowman said...

AAAHHHHH!!!!!!! That's AMAZING!!!!! Congrats!!!! I am so excited for you!! :)

Katherine B. said...

A little nugget covered in BBQ sauce? This is more like a filet mignon dinner, girl!!! hehe! CONGRATS!!!!!! :D

Kim Kalyn said...

I too have gained so much inspiration from Jasmine Star and her incredible talent and story, and other photographers like her ... including yourself !! A huge congratulations to you on the well deserved cover shot :)

Jesse Fender said...

I feel so honored to of had YOU as my photography at our wedding. Don't forgot all of us when you become famous! :) Congrats!!!

Elizabeth Gale said...

That is so wonderful! I have no doubt that your God given talent will continue to grow. Congratulations!

All The Right Grooves said...

Congratulations to the both of you! It couldn't have happened to two better people! You have come so far so quickly, and you deserve every bit of it. Again, congrats Schultz family!!!

Reida said...

CONGRATS!!! It's so awesome to see you and Geoff get the accolades you so richly deserve. I'm sure there will be many more in the future! We're so happy for you both!

Unknown said...

Cheyenne, You go Girl! congrats!

Jeannie said...

Congrats, Cheyenne! You're very talented and an inspiration for others as well.

Kristy Powell said...

wow. congratz. so happy for you! and that cover photo is so captivating. i have looked at it so many times just hoping for some photo to come out just that jamming on our wedding day. she rocked it, you caught it. you are the jam.

Lauren Kinsey said...

Cheyenne I can't tell you how much this encourages me, just today I was having one of "those" moments where I just feel like I am floundering, wondering where my place is in the industry. I started doing my blog checking and I saw this entry, and I can tell you that I know that God's timing is 100% perfect. I read this at just the time I needed to.
Congratulations, that is awesome for you!
Lauren

Emily T Photography said...

Congrats to you, Cheyenne! I understand how HUGE this is for you and Geoff and I can only hope to achieve the same success. I read the very same post by Jasmine Star many many months ago and it was wonderful reading it then and wonderful and appropriate for me to read it now. Thanks for posting!!

Unknown said...

WHAT A GREAT BIRTHDAY GIFT, CHEYENNE!

I HOPE EVERYONE WISHES CHEYENNE A BELATED BIRTHDAY!

KAREN.....LOVE YOU CHEYENNE! AND HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!

Matthew Hammett said...

Good for y'all!! I am so happy for you guys!!

Steph said...

I remember reading that quote! Congrats again ;)

bridechic said...

Love these images

ChristanP Photography said...

This is officially my favorite post.....ever.

Monica said...

I'm THRILLED for you!!
you certaintly deserve it!!