Why.

Why do we do this? WHY are we wedding photographers? To create beautiful images? To capture once-in-a-lifetime, split-second, fleeting moments that might otherwise be forgotten? To provide for our family? To be artistic? I would be lying to say that none of these things play a factor in why we are wedding photographers. But the truth is, they are not THE “why”. They are not the driving force behind our business.

You see, photography is our profession. Marriage is our passion.

MARRIAGE is our WHY.

Before we even met each other, marriage was something that Caleb + I both took very seriously. We both knew that one day, whenever we met “the one”–that person we knew we wanted to marry–it would be forever. It was a choice that be both put a lot of thought + prayer into because it was a commitment that we wanted to make sure we could sustain. Forever!! A commitment to forever love, LIKE, + pursue the other person. To put their needs above our own, to seek ways to help them become a better person, to encourage them, to challenge them, + to always, always date them.

No matter what.

This is why Caleb told me that he wasn’t going to tell me he loved my unless he was down on one knee. Love was a choice + a commitment. He wanted to be committed to me for the rest of his life before he said those words! (Okay, this was SO TOUGH!!! But it was perfect for us because it helped us keep our emotions in check while we were dating. It’s definitely not for everyone, but for us, I am SO glad we waited to say those words until Caleb proposed on November 29, 2013!!!)

During our engagement, of course, people were SO excited + happy for us!! However, I cannot tell you how many times we heard things like, “Oh boy, better live it up while you can!!” or “Get ready … it’s a ball + chain from here on out!” … you know, those negative “jokes” about marriage that we hear all too often. To be honest, it was really discouraging. 

Please don’t think I’m being super naive in writing these things–I KNOW marriage is a lifestyle change that not everyone wants. I also know it can be REALLY difficult. We are opening ourselves up to someone in the most intimate + vulnerable way possible + with that, there is always potential for great hurt. And unfortunately, people DO get hurt. But the challenging times that marriage brings … those times, they can change us. Just like any hardship in life. In marriage oftentimes, they are opportunities for us to CHOOSE to forgive. To choose selflessness + sacrifice. To let down our pride + not have to “get even.” You know, things like that.

For us, when we said yes to marriage, we were saying yes to commitment, forever, no matter what comes our way. To choosing to WORK HARD + work through the challenges that life brings us both individually + together.

So where am I going with all of this?

Marriage is our WHY. We believe in it SO strongly. We believe in the commitment + the unmatchable feeling that comes with knowing someone will ALWAYS be there for you.

We love it. WE LOVE MARRIAGE. That’s our anthem.

We want to be that positive voice to all of our couples as they prepare for the journey of marriage. We want to encourage them + share OUR marriage with them + tell them that, “You know what!? Marriage is AWESOME!! We LOVE it!! You SHOULD be so excited about it!!!!” Those people. The cheerleaders.

THIS is why we have chosen to be wedding photographers. Or rather, I think, why we have been called to be wedding photographers. This profession combines our two greatest passions in life: MARRIAGE + photography.

We’re so happy to have you along for the ride : ) If you plan to stay, be expecting a lot more about marriage–OURS + those of our couples. Real stuff. Real people : ) And, of course, beautiful photos <3 Thanks for stopping today : )

xoxo, M