"Hey! I know of this beautiful chapel, the Chapel Between Cotton and Gin, about an hour and a half away. I think you'd love it. It's surrounded by cotton fields, which should be in bloom and there is a dusky, but charming abandoned house down the road with some amazing light that I think we could make some photos in too. What do you think?"

When I first met Sydney and Hunter, I knew that wedding photography was important to them. This was not just a checked box on a long list of wedding to-do's for them. It was important to find the right photographer, not just for photographic work but also for the relationship. Not only could I appreciate that, that is part of my creed as a photographer.

I prefer longer engagement sessions. They are more flexible, more fun and in the end produce better photos because everyone has some time to relax and act natural. Plus, a big thing for me is really getting to know my couples and we only have so much time to do so before their weddings, so having a nice long afternoon to do just that is ideal.

In August, I had the opportunity to spend 4 days out in Asheville, NC with 13 of the most wonderful artists and the one and only Parker J. Pfister at workshop entitled, Do The Workshop.

But what touched me the most was just after the ceremony. Tricia and Vince had a happy, loving tearful moment just after the recessional and I was completely taken aback. In all of our interactions and all the time we've spent together, these two have been the epitome of cool and relaxed. I never thought for a second that either of them would be shaken, maybe crack a joke or two - sure, but not a tearful expression. It was beautiful, it was a raw and it was my favorite moment of the day.

There were a myriad of influences that guided me to the realization that a change was needed, from close friends that have been pushing me personally and professionally (you all know who you are, and I thank you...I owe you all beers and hugs) to finally not being afraid to share my own artistic voice which may not be for everyone but I know will suit just the right people for me.