This is OUR story.

Last night, I was reading a marketing book, trying to gain more insight because that’s not my specialty. My degree is in Interior Design, so I didn’t have to take classes regarding marketing. I wish I would have. Maybe a business minor would help me now, but I digress. My mind was absorbing all the information and wandering (because really, how fun can a marketing book be?!) I realized I’d never blogged about our story. I’m not talking about the story of how we met. The one about our wedding photos.

Dustyn and I were married five and a half years ago. We got married in the small town Dustyn grew up in. There are so many details I don’t remember well about that day because really, everything does go by entirely too quickly. We hired a photographer and did all of the large group shots before and after the ceremony, got the cake cutting, the rings, and first dance at the reception. I didn’t question anything. The photographer was the professional and I wanted to enjoy our special day.

When we got our proof book back weeks after the wedding, the feeling of excitement rushed through my body. By the time we turned the last page and closed the book, disappointment had completely overcome the excitement. Five and a half years later, I have not ordered a single wedding photo. Prints were included in my package and it’s never happened.

I’m telling you this because I want you to understand why I’m passionate about wedding photography. Why I want to connect with you and understand your wedding, to know what’s most important to you. Why I want to give you pictures that will melt your heart because so many great memories have been captured, not because you’re devastated. I’m not speaking as a photographer right now, but as someone who genuinely wants you to weigh how important your wedding photos are to you. Research photographers. Sit down and talk with them. Don’t email for pricing and book without ever meeting with them to discuss what you want. Tell them your ideas and what means the most to you. Share your heart with them. Your wedding is ONE day. One chance to get what you want.

Thinking about this really brings back that feeling. It makes me want to cry. I want a re-do at my wedding photography.

Dustyn and I have… packed on some pounds since we got married (to say it nicely). One of the things we’re trying to do is get in the gym more so I can wear my wedding dress again. I don’t know that I’ll ever have a daughter so doing a trash-the-dress session sounds perfect. Remember in this post I discussed dedication? I’m really working hard on not getting overwhelmed by having more than a few things on my plate. I’m working on being dedicated to working out (that kinda sounds weird.)

I’m going to start looking at photographers to find someone I’d like to photograph us. We’re going to the gym at noon today. Here’s to day one of working toward that goal.

(It’s now February and I’m sharing our personal Christmas card with you. We rarely take pictures together because I’m always behind the camera. Posts are better with a picture though… even if they are Christmas in February.)