Wow! 2014 may be relatively young, but I think it’s safe to say that last week will definitely be a major highlight of the entire year! We traveled down south to Rome, GA for a Christian marriage retreat designed specifically for husband and wife photography teams…could it be any more niche and perfect? We think not! All week, we were surrounded by about 40 other couples all there for the same reasons, and we left so encouraged, refreshed, and ready to tackle the 2014 wedding season that awaits! Mike and I spent time really dreaming up what this business could look like and reminding ourselves why we choose to photograph weddings, and that is to be a loving example of marriage to our couples! For us, this business is so much more than just taking pretty pictures (although we REALLY enjoy that part), it’s about building relationships with our couples, standing beside them in their marriage, and supporting them in any way we can. Our hope is that their “wedding experience” with us is just the start of our relationship with them!

Some of our favorite quotes from last week..

During the retreat, we heard from some of the most amazing husband and wife teams in the industry (Zack and Jody, Katelyn and Michael, and Julia and Jeff), and we not only learned from them, but we were so encouraged by their vulnerability and openness about their businesses and marriages! Each and every day, Mike and I were challenged to grow deeper in our relationship with the Lord and with each other! We met some amazing new friends and got to reconnect with some that we’ve known a bit longer…and we bonded over ice cream, a campfire, team building activities and more! We are already looking forward to going back next year!

I could honestly go on and on about how much Mike and I love what we get to spend our weekends doing and how this retreat not only brought us closer together but really confirmed for us why we do what we do…BUT we’ve got some pictures to share, so here we go…

Free, unlimited, 24/7 ice cream…

Being surrounded by so many photographers meant lots of impromptu photo sessions…

Three couples that we love so dearly!

Another mini photo session on our last night there…thanks to Amy and Jordan for the photos!

And some more photos from Katelyn James!

That time Mike had to “protect” me from getting hit by flying dodgeballs…

Team Challenge: Balance all 11 members of our team on this massive see-saw…I’m pretty sure this wins for most unique approach.

Tight roping…it was harder than it looks, folks!