Living in a small town of 3,000 people in Florida, we were surrounded by a bigger, seemingly better city hailed as one of the best places to live in the US. Despite the allure of the neighboring city, we chose to cherish our little community, embracing its charm and warmth. We lived, worked, and played in this close-knit town, finding joy in the simple moments.
As fate would have it, my husband became involved with the local High School as a volunteer, where he had the privilege of working closely with a remarkable group of young kids. The bond they formed was special, and even after we moved away, we made sure to stay in touch with a few of them, cherishing the connections we had made.
One day, a message from Mikenlyn, one of the exceptional youths he had mentored, popped up.
She wanted me to capture her engagement session and without a second thought, I said YES.
She drove all the way to Nashville just for this special moment, and I was honored to play a small role in her love story. As the session unfolded, I sought to capture their love in every frame, in the only way I knew how:
Infusing the photographs with an abundance of light, affection, and magic.
As a photographer, there is no greater gift than witnessing genuine affection and trust between two people. Their chemistry was palpable, and it guided me. With every click of the camera, I strived to portray their love story honestly, allowing their unique bond to shine through the photographs.
In that moment, it dawned on me that life's most extraordinary moments often come from embracing the genuine connections we make along the way. Our decision to cherish our little town had led us to this touching experience, where the bonds we formed in a small community had a lasting impact on the lives of others.
The love story of Mikenlyn and Austin stands as a testament to the power of community and the magic that can be found in the most unexpected places. It reminds us to appreciate the beauty of the present, the value of genuine connections, and the joy of contributing to the love stories that shape our lives.
In the end, the little town we lived in might not be the grand city that everyone talks about, but it holds a unique place in our hearts, where love and community intertwine to create something truly special.
And for that, we will forever be grateful.
Documented with a mix of film & digital cameras
including a Polaroid.
If you want to get in front of my lens next, contact me.
