I share so much of my heart when it comes to photography and how much I value not just having your memories made permanent and tangible through being photographed, but about the experience of being photographed, of selecting a photographer whose work makes you feel something…inspired, romanced, connected, and then building a relationship with that photographer. The priceless gift of covering the walls of your home with art that is a reflection of your life and the loving relationships within it.
I’m going to be really honest when I say I’ve felt like a hypocrite for the last year because since our wedding, I haven’t invested in this kind of experience for myself. Being a photographer means that I am so deeply blessed to not only know many talented photographers, but to be able to call some of them my dear friends! I have several images of Matt and I from the last few years that I will always treasure that photographer friends have gifted to us or exchanged for us. But, there is something so incredibly different about seeking out a professional whose work you admire, connecting with them, and literally as a photographer putting your “money where your mouth is” and investing in this type of experience and the images produced from it. For me, it meant truly believing in what I tell my clients is so important.
Matt proposed in Charleston 4 years ago, and we have visited together every year since. It was a dream of mine for us to be photographed together in our favorite southern city, the place where our marriage story began. When my friends and I began planning our Charleston trip, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to make this dream come to fruition. My dear, sweet friend Anna has been experimenting with film, so after talking to her about it, we agreed we would be her first portrait session completely shot on film. The results are breathtaking!
Experiencing a portrait session as a client has been invaluable. I understand how hard it can be to find an outfit you truly love, I understand the nerves, I understand having a “hair emergency” just minutes before your session when it begins pouring down rain and your curls fall out. I also know that I had the sweetest photographer who not only made me feel beautiful, but made me laugh and directed us into intimate poses that made me remember why I fell in love with my husband in the first place.
I can’t wait to share the rest of these images soon! Anna, I love you, and these images, so much. Thank you for giving us such a priceless gift! I was only half kidding about turning them into wallpaper to cover our walls with. 😉
Ahhhh, this is beyond gorgeous and it has me so excited to test out my new film camera very soon! Woo hoo, you guys are gorgeous!
Awww what a great idea and I’m so glad you were able to do this! Such a sweet image!
This is absolutely amazing and so true!