Have you ever lost someone and thought afterwards of all the things you wish you would have talked to them about when you had the chance?

My grandma died in 2007 shortly after my senior year of high school. As my family was going through her things, we discovered her wedding album. It was the first time I had seen it and I was elated to find this tangible piece of my family’s history. I had never talked to my grandma about her wedding (huge regret!), and I was fascinated to get a glimpse of what her day might have been like.

My grandpa had passed away when I was little so I didn’t have a chance to get to know the two of them together or see much of their relationship.

The grandma I knew was very private, quiet and reserved, and while her wedding photos reflected that, there were a couple gems that showed her coming out of her shell and celebrating joyfully. My favorite photo is the one below- she has the hugest smile on her face and she is pulling along her new husband, excited to start their adventure together.

I let my family know that her wedding album was the only thing I wanted from my grandma after she passed. Everyone agreed I could have it as soon as everything was sorted. Somewhere along the way though, it went missing. Family members spent years searching for it and couldn’t find it. I was heartbroken. It drove me crazy not knowing what happened to it. I missed the connection it gave me to my grandma.

Fast forward to 2017…

One season was particularly hard for Tony and myself. We were struggling with our lives and the way we’re living them. We’re always so busy. Sometimes I’m not even sure what we’re so busy with.

We talked about whether or not we’re spending enough time on things that matter in life. Are we spending enough quality time with each other and with the people who matter most to us? Are we helping and serving our community to our fullest potential?

During this discussion, my photography business came up. Tony gently asked some hard questions that I had been thinking myself, but I had been too afraid to ask them out loud.

He asked why. Why am I even doing this photography thing? I invest so much of my own time, money and energy into it. He asked if it was worth it to keep going. Not because he doubts me or doesn’t support my business. He’s my biggest advocate, but he wanted to check in and make sure I am happy with how things are going.

I told him that I know it’s hard. It’s hard for both of us, and we need to be intentional about prioritizing quality time for us to spend together. The time and energy I spend on photography could be spent on many other things.

Our weeknights could be filled with cooking gourmet meals together instead of making whatever’s quickest and so there is time for client emails, editing and blogging. I work a full time day job so my weekdays are spoken for, leaving evenings and weekends to run a growing business.

But I told him I want to keep going. I’m passionate about making it work.

Just a few weeks ago, almost 10 years after my grandma passed away we rediscovered my her wedding album. Nobody can explain it. It was in a box that was searched before by a couple different people. The joy of finding this family heirloom was overwhelming. I couldn’t believe it.

It reminded me of why I do what I do. I’m grateful that my grandparents hired a photographer for their day. And not just someone who took posed, formal shots but someone who took candid photos throughout the day that told their story. I feel connected to my grandparents every time I look through their album. It’s a pull-out-of-a-burning-house heirloom for me.

It’s why I am committed to making this photography business work. Why I want to shoot as many weddings as possible.

Not just because I enjoy taking photos. I could take photos of anything. But because I want to provide my clients with the best possible wedding experience. I want them to focus on what matters most for their wedding day and keep them from getting caught up in all of the crap of the wedding industry.

I want them to have an awesome time getting their photos taken. I want them to feel confident and like the best version of themselves in front of the camera.

And most importantly, I want to tell stories of their relationship and wedding day that can be passed down through generations. So their grandkids will happily discover their album someday and learn about their family history and about how much their grandparents loved each other.

The mission of Lumos Images is-

To enable my clients to have a joyful wedding experience.

To give my clients authentic documentation of their love stories to pass down through the generations.

To show that love never gives up, never looses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love never fails.

Customized leather Story Books are included in all of my collections. Hopefully now you can see why I am passionate about having a visual and tangible replica of your day to keep on your coffee table and remind you of the love you felt for each other on that first day of your marriage. On next week’s blog, I’ll take you through the process of getting your Story Book so you can see just how easy it is to create this heirloom!

Feeling stressed and need a reminder of your “why” for planning a wedding? Click the link below. This blog might help.