This is definitely one of those posts where I think, “Where do I even begin?” So, I guess I’ll begin in the most logical place–the end. It was 10:30pm this past Sunday night when my new friend, Kristin and I finally left Justin and Mary’s home in New Haven, CT. We were the last of the Walk Through A Wedding workshop attendees to leave. We didn’t want to leave, we wanted to soak in all that Justin and Mary had to share with us. They on the other hand were done…over it, you could tell…they were sick all weekend and it took everything in them to give us the workshop they had promised…one filled with detailed technical advice; inspiring and well-researched knowledge on how to stand out in this totally saturated wedding photography industry; all while opening their home to 18 earnest and hard-working professional photographers.
As we gathered our things and made our way to the front door, I made some small talk about how I hoped they had a great time this next week in Las Vegas at WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International) where they will be speaking again this year. But, what I wanted to say was,
“Justin and Mary, you have made a choice in your life to become the best you can be at your craft. You have dedicated yourselves these past few years to being the best in the industry and you are. But you didn’t do it for yourselves, even if you sometimes think you did. You did it for your clients. You did it because you knew that if you could hone your skills and put your whole self into this, you would come out on top because that’s what your clients deserve. But you didn’t stop there. You took all of your skills and you decided…”other people could benefit from what we know” …and you were right. I came away from this weekend learning actual, actionable, specific knowledge that I can put to use immediately. You didn’t mince words. You were real. You made me want to be better…not for myself, but for my clients. Just saying, “thank you” doesn’t feel like it’s enough. But, by putting into action what you made the choice to share with me this weekend, I hope that will show you how thankful I am for you.”
I didn’t say that of course, cause saying those kinds of things in person can be hard. And, well…I’m pretty long winded, so we would have been there all night.
I learned something from each and every person that attended the workshop as well. Each of these amazing individuals has such a big heart and they shared it this weekend. I am so grateful for them! I flew into Boston to visit my friend Beth, her husband and their 1-year old…Lucas, whom I visited last year just after he was born..remember this guy?
So, I was lucky enough to bum a ride from attendee Kristin! I loved getting to know her and bounce ideas off of, especially on the way home, when we were both brimming with new ideas and the post-workshop high!
It’s an intense feeling and I must remember that I won’t necessarily feel this excited, or energetic, or inspired all the time…but at least I know now that when I need someone to talk to, I have 17 new friends who have been there and will support me as I go through it.
We spent most of Saturday shooting our “Buckles & Burberry” themed wedding and here are some of the images that came out of the day…
Spring and Silas, our models are a real engaged couple who will be married in July and guess who’s photographing their wedding? Yep, Justin&Mary!
The event was at: Chamard Vineyards
Hair and makeup by: Lindsey & Karie from Like Flutter For Lashes
Flowers by: Market Flowers
styling was by Julia, Justin & Mary’s amazing team member
with props by: Heirloom Exchange
{my heart is full}
Kathryn
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