I received my first camera at the age of 13 for Christmas, and I was beyond excited to start taking pictures. I remember unwrapping it, and immediately, my eyes lit up with excitement. Photography quickly became a passion, and I spent hours experimenting, learning, and dreaming about where it could take me.

 

At the time, I was convinced I was going to become a fashion photographer. I made my mom buy me every fashion magazine I could get my hands on, spending hours flipping through the glossy pages, admiring the beautiful models and the way they were portrayed in each image. I studied the poses and the artistic choices behind each shot. Inspired, I recruited all of my friends to be my models, making them pose for what we're probably the most editorially questionable and likely embarrassing photos of them to ever exist. But in those moments, I was completely in my element, creating and capturing what I saw in my mind.

 

Creativity has always been a huge part of who I am. Whether it was random DIY projects, sewing, experimenting with hairstyles (which eventually led me to become a hairdresser), or cooking and baking, I have always thrived on making and designing things. Photography felt like such a natural extension of that creativity, a way to express myself, tell stories, and bring visions to life.

 

Beyond my love for photography, another defining part of my life was meeting my amazing husband when I was just 16. We both worked at the same Bible camp, and from the very start, we shared a strong connection. We dated for six and a half years before we finally tied the knot, building a relationship rooted in love, faith, and friendship. Our journey together has been an incredible adventure, and I’m so grateful for where life has taken us.