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Tuesday, April 21, 2015

How my man joined my dream.

Growing up, I had a lot of dreams. I legitimately wanted to be a successful chef with her own cooking show. Emeril Lagasse was my hero. In 6th grade my mom bought me a rolling pin, a huge chefs hat, and my very own apron. I was in heaven. However, I almost never cooked. I wanted the reward without ever having to practice/work towards it. That dream faded after a while, which is unfortunate because my husband would be reaping the benefits (aka not eating grilled cheese every night) these days, had I not dropped that dream.

High school hit and my passion for photography ignited. I never invested in a DSLR because my high school photography class was a joke and I already had a couple point-and-shoots. I knew though, that it was my dream. I'd buy magazines on top of magazines with my paychecks, just day dreaming about the lighting these photographers had, the equipment, and the eye that they had for their craft. It inspired me. I couldn't get enough. I stalked numerous fashion photographers, but really fell in LOVE with lifestyle photography.

Fast forward a few years when Caleb and I began to date. Some of you may know this already, but it was Caleb (along w/ my mom) who gifted me my very first camera for my 20th birthday. There were so many tears. I truly felt like it was finally happening. It quickly became my number one goal to one day run my a photography business and work side by side with my husband...cause there's just something marketable about a husband and wife duo, AND we'd get to work together. However, I truly didn't think Caleb would ever go for it. He wasn't exactly into "the arts", so I kind of let that dream fade, too.

Then our honeymoon hit and he slowly began to play with my camera and all its settings. When we came home and reality set back in, I told him he should come along with me to an upcoming wedding I had on the books, you know, just for fun. He thought it sounded like a decent idea, so he borrowed a camera from a family member and the rest is history.

That very summer we got hired with our amazing wedding photographers and the dream I had dreamed of for so long really became a real thing. Caleb and I quickly booked dozens of weddings and everything was happening so fast. I look back and can't even remember a time we WEREN'T shooting weddings together.

We have the best time shooting together. Like I said the other day, we truly treat them like date nights. We get free dinner, free cake, unlimited dancing, AND get to take pictures? It's unreal. Some days, I complain... cause lets be honest, it's hard mixing your passion with business - because then it becomes work. Yet it still challenges me, it still excites me, and still scares me every single day...and I'll continue to do this until I'm too comfortable (which I don't see happening anytime soon).
I can't believe the way things worked out. Two years ago, had someone told me we'd be shooting 30 weddings this year? I'd laugh in their face and call them crazy pants. Well, that's exactly whats happening and I'm loving every second. Sure it can be hectic, and crazy, and tiring, and emotional, and scary...but its my favorite thing in the whole world and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I'm just thankful I have my husband next to me for all of it. I am one lucky gal. I have so many drafts in my blogger on various topics about wedding photography, as well as me just trying to document more of my passion. I don't think I do that enough and I'm excited to talk about it more. I get a LOT of questions in this business, and I'm still learning a lot...and I think it'll be really neat to look back years from now and see how much I've grown! Happy Tuesday, friends!

How are you making your dreams into a reality?!

14 comments:

  1. I love that ya'll can share a wonderful dream and passion together!

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  2. A husband/wife team really is the best. Y'all are amazing. I'm so glad it still excites you and that you have fun with it (despite it being a ton of work!) And ps...I still want a "Kayla cooking show".

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  3. That is so wonderful that you both are able to work together and enjoy what you do!! We had a husband and wife team shoot our wedding as well! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  4. I love this! While there can be some tough moments, working with your spouse can be amazing! That is how Mic and I met, and then 14 years later we own our own business together and work together every day. He is truly my best friend and wouldn't want to do this with anyone else! It is a dream job for me? No. But I know he loves what he does so it makes me happy knowing that :)

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  5. How neat that your hubby gave you the first camera. Who knew where it would take y'all! You are so talented!!!

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  6. Not only do you have the coolest job, it's ten times better you get to do it with your hubby! It would be so fun even if it did get a little overwhelming sometimes. I'm super jealous!

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  7. such good timing! i am spazzing all over the internet looking for a photographer already because you know.. 2 days after being engaged all decisions MUST BE MADE! i hope i find someone who seems to have as much passion and have as much fun doing it as you.. but i bit closer to home. :)

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  8. That is such a gift that you can work with your husband on something you both LOVE! Wheat and I both love sports journalism, but the jobs are so hard to come by that if one of us lands a gig, the other one has to settle for something else while continuing to look around. I love when you talk about/share the pictures from the weddings you shoot!

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  9. You guys just make me smile...more every time I read a new post....so happy you have been able to follow your passion and make it come to life....even better that Caleb is right next to you on this journey!! I want to see more of your weddings and work...post it...be proud...if your clients let you! ;)

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  10. I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it, I love that y'all get to work TOGETHER doing something that you BOTH enjoy...such a huge blessing!! I love seeing your work!! And like she said up there ^ post more (if clients let you) I love seeing y'all's work. You are talented, friend!!

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  11. this is too cute! always great when you can work with the one you love!

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  12. You two are such a power couple! I'm so amazed at your success but not at all surprised because I know how hard you've both worked for it. Cheers to making your dreams come true!

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  13. This is SUCH an inspiring post!!! That's so awesome you and your husband are fulfilling your dreams - together :) Do you think you'd both ever quit your jobs and only do photography?! Could be fun :)

    My husband and I are both self-employed as well but we don't work together :( I'm a freelance writer/blogger and he owns a handyman business. We're both getting our real estate licenses soon and are going to venture into that (together!) once the time is right (we have two little ones at home) and honestly, I can't wait!! :)

    Thanks for the inspiration girly!!

    -Sarah www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com

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Thanks for your comments, I read and respond to every single one of them! :) Excited to get to know you!