To start this post, I’ve decided that I’m going to try really hard to blog more–not just things about photography, I promise! But also real-life things, personal posts + pictures, etc. : )!! So this is my public commitment to do so!! Hehe. I want you guys to know what’s going on with both MMP + our personal lives!!

You may have seen my post on FB a few days ago about the CONNECT marriage retreat that Caleb + I will be going to in a little under two weeks! Eeek : ) This decision was definitely last-minute + a little bit “spur-of-the-moment” but definitely, DEFINITELY divinely orchestrated!!

I had first heard of the CONNECT retreat last year from a few “big name” photographers who I follow + frankly, just look up to SO MUCH. The retreat just seemed so amazing–and something that I someday definitely wanted to go to! Jesus … photography … the warm south … some of my favorite well-known photographers … I mean, YES PLEASE!! But at that point, I wasn’t even engaged! Ha! Bring us to this year, CONNECT was, again, being talked about in the photography industry, but due to our financial situation (new business, planning a wedding, starting a life together!!!), we knew it wasn’t super feasible this year so it simply became a thought in passing for Caleb + I.

Jump up to last week. Some friends of ours–also in the industry here in WI–emailed me letting us know that 5 spots opened up for CONNECT + that we should strongly reconsider our decision to go. This couple (Chad & Amber Langhoff of Langhoff Creative) ventured south last year for the retreat + could not say enough good things about it! To sum things up: it changed their LIFE + marriage. After praying for us, encouraging us, + helping us apply for a scholarship (that we so generously received) from the CONNECT founders Zach & Jody Gray … WE. ARE. GOING!! And we are carpooling down with Chad + Amber! God works in amazing ways to provide such GREAT gifts for His children.

As we–an engaged + rather inexperienced photography couple–prepare for marriage + for what God has in store for this business, our business, we can’t think of a better way to seek wise counsel, be poured into, make new friends who TOTALLY understand where we’re coming from, + most importantly, meet with + hear from our King Jesus. We will definitely document the adventure + can’t wait to share all we learn + experience! Feeling extra thankful today : ) -M

The retreat is in Rome, GA at the Winshape Retreat Center. These images are from last year’s retreat (http://connectretreat.com/#/home/).