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Nathan of Nathan Kavlie Photography , signed on for a mentoring session and we spent the better part of an afternoon walking through some digital work flow practices as well as some gear talk.  Nathan is in the beginning stages of creating his business and brings a cultured yet eccentric eye for storytelling along with a hearty laugh and zest for life to his vocation.  We met three years ago when I documented his wedding.

He is shooting a wedding later this month and will be back in my office for a full wedding critique session.  It is my plan to give him some concrete feedback that will help him see more than just what is in front of him to make images that are compelling and tell the authentic story.

I couldn’t help but make a few images while we were meeting in my home office:

He is a trained, licensed, and part time practicing attorney.  He is smart as a whip!

I live in a  rural town on a dirt road.  One of the highlights of my day is heading into town to retrieve my mail at the Post Office.  So, last month I open my mailbox and there nestled in my mail there are TWO “ bring tears to my eyes” thank you notes from recent wedding clients.  It was a blessing bonanza for me!

The first one is a post card from Saint Lucia from Karianne and Jason :

Verna,

A million thanks is not enough for the ways you made our day so amazingly special.    While on St. Lucia we realized all of our memories of our day included you and the fun, yet real story of us you captured.  We couldn’t have hired a photographer who was a better fit for us and with that; we are so thankful you do what you love.  We would absolutely love to continue on in life with you as you’ve blessed us incredibly and we are so very appreciative to you and the art you create through God’s giftings.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Jason and Karianne

With tears streaming down my face,  I open my other piece of mail.  It’s ANOTHER thank you note from Samantha and Joe whose wedding we photographed on the North Shore.

Verna and Paul,

Like I kept telling our guests all weekend; If you hadn’t been photographing our wedding, I would’ve invited you anyways!  Your personalities, quick smiles, fun attitudes, giving spirits, and kind natures helped us and our guests be present, open and connected.  I don’t need to even see your work to know you’ve helped create and capture the most beautiful experience of our lives.  Your commitment, energy, time, and passion is more than I can every thank you for.  Here’s to more celebrations together!  With eternal gratitude,

Samantha and Joe

I was a blubbering puddle after reading these beautiful notes.  They came at a time when my workload was pressing down on me and these precious words lifted me up and gave clarity to the purpose of my vocation:  To create images that are testimony to my couple’s magnificent love stories.