The Gemza Family

It all started with in Reisterstown, Stephanie and I knew each other from Sacred Heart Church, a small town and her cousin Rachel. Fast forward a few years, to Mercy High School, when I was a junior just starting the new school year. At Mercy, we had "Big & Little Sister" program where upper class-man helped the incoming freshman get acquainted to the school and learn the ropes, per say. I remember walking into my advisor's office and getting that little piece of white paper. The paper that said who your "little sister" was.  Stephanie Dambeck. Yes!! I was so relieved when I learned that Stephanie was going to be my little sister, but even more excited to know that for the next 2 years (and lifetime) that I was going to be her "big sister", the one wrapping her locker for her birthday, helping her with classes and pinning her on her Sophomore year. But now my not so "little (anymore) sister" is a not only a wife, but a mommy to two adorable kids. She is wrapping their presents, helping with their classwork and tying shoes. 

I was so ecstatic, once again, when Stephanie invited me to meet her family and spend the afternoon catching up on lost time. Her two adorable kiddos are so much fun and have awesome personalities. Her hubby D.J. is so sweet and a perfect match to Stephanie. We enjoyed a cloudy afternoon at the park and got enough giggles and pictures before the rain came. Just look at the fun we had while trying to convince Madison, their daughter, that Mickey Mouse lived in my lens. 

Now, I am luck enough to call this cute family my "neighbors"! Congratulations on your new home Gemzas! Looking forward to watching your family grow and prosper in all your new journeys. 

My "Why?"

Big glass doors. White walls. White couches carefully decorated with fancy pillows sat neatly in the corner of the room. Big windows lined the walls letting in the soft Arizona light. The Clayton on the Park was so tranquil, yet warm and inviting. I walked across the room in awe of my surroundings to a gentleman, with open arms and smiling. Neatly dressed in soft pastels and the cutest tan loafers, Jordan stood greeting everyone, giving welcome hugs. Behind him on this modern white stool was a beautifully petite lady, whose black and white outfit with a peachy pink jacket, perfectly accented her pedestal. These people were Amy & Jordan. The Amy & Jordan splashed over highly regarded Bridal Blogs. The Amy & Jordan  featured in one of the most prestigious magazines, PEOPLE. It was AMY & JORDAN. It was a moment so surreal, similar to being starstruck. Perhaps, I was starstruck.  

Day 1 of the workshop was everything I could have imagined! We tackled the nitty gritty of the Photography Bible: Amy & Jordan's Playbook, (Watch out silver linings playbook!) honed in on our photography skills, and watched Amy & Jordan Photography in action. It was fast paced, chaotic and ever so beautiful. I watched as our simple modern classroom turned into a romantic classic atmosphere, preparing us all for one of our biggest sessions ever.  But those details my friends, I will save those for another day. 

Day 2 of the workshop was a photography retreat. It was a bonding experience with a bunch of new friends. We cried, laughed, and discussed the topics that are so near and dear to our hearts: our children, families & clients. The more we discussed, the more we cried. Then as Amy sat on her white chair in her denim outfit with adorable necklaces (seriously these statement necklaces adorned everyone's neck that day) she started to talk about "Heather". Tears streamed our faces as Amy cried with pride about "Heather".  It was a story that is special and holds extreme value to Amy & Jordan's hearts. It was the story of their WHY. 

This discussion got me to thinking. What is my WHY? I sat there in my own head questioning if I knew the answer to that question. I didn't know the answer. I had no idea why I do photography; no idea for my passion. As Amy continued to speak to my heart, my WHY started to form in my head. Amy & Jordan have a way of pulling your heartstrings, pulling the deepest thoughts and feelings out from within your soul. All of a sudden my lightbulb turned on (like Joey in Friends).  The people in the next building over, those same people who flew with me to Arizona on this adventure, they were my WHY. My family, my passion for family, the depth of my love, my story, our story. These are all of aspects of my why. They are my "Heather". 

You see being married to a firefighter isn't the easiest thing. It's a job in itself.  Worrying when the bell rings, praying when those sirens blare, always hoping he will walk through the door at the end of the shift. It all takes a toll on you. It's a stressor. But I take relief and joy in capturing moments of my family, my girls with their dad. It's a reassurance that he is here in person, that he came home from the end of the shift. He is here to see their first words, loose teeth, and every milestone along the way. I create memories that become tangible keepsakes for him  and us to look at when the job gets tough, when he comes home and kisses us a little longer and holds us a little tighter, or when he is away from us for 36+ hours. But my husband and family aren't the only ones. A lot of my clients are police, EMS, Fire dept and military. They know all too well those same feelings. For some it's just a memory, no longer a reality. But they have those photos. Photos of the good times just frozen for whenever or whatever reason, to cherish to keep a memory alive, or to use to just get through the day. That's why I do photography.

I shoot to capture those memories that people miss, or need to get them through the rough spots in life. I shoot to capture the memories the head forgets and to remember what once was because life is full of ups & downs, and when you're down you need to get back up. Let those memories lift you up. That is why. That is my WHY! 

Amy & Jordan, Thank You! Thank you for helping me realize the reason for my calling. Thank you for reassuring me that I was called to do this to leave my small yet remarkable mark on the world. I cannot express to you the amount of gratitude I have for you both. 

In closing I  will tell you that besides my WHY, I learned three amazing and simple little words that I will use in fulfilling my WHY. It's simply the virtue of the #demoseducation. 

Love And Serve. My husband, friends, family and clients follow the saying Protect and Serve. As for me I will love them, follow in the footsteps of Amy & Jordan, and I will Love and Serve!

Kristen & Tim

Love was in the air, when I walked into the house Saturday afternoon to capture the bridal preparations for Kristen. Flowers laid against the wall just waiting for their turn to shine. Family, friends and bridesmaids bustled through the house, in and out of rooms & down hallways. When I finally saw Kristen, she was all smiles. Calm. Collected. Smiling. It was that moment I sensed her excitement to meet her best friend at the end of the church aisle. Once the preparations concluded, we took a short drive to the best little spot on the water and enjoyed Kristen's last hour as a Miss, before becoming MRS. Before we knew it we were at the church filled with more friends and family, decked with pink & grey details and tiny bouquets of baby's breath, watching Tim & Kristen say their "I do's" and jumping into the limo as husband and wife. 
Martin's East was dazzling in intimate decor of personalized craft brews and catchy chalkboard signs. Tables were adorned with flowers, floating candles and touches of pinks and greys. It was beautiful, yet fun. Guests were dancing, drinks were flowing and there were smiles everywhere. The love in the air was contagious. Mr. & Mrs. Baker were smitten with each other. One look at them together and you knew they were meant for each other. They completed each other.... and I was there to capture it. All of it. 
Kristen and Tim, thank you for being an amazing couple! You two love birds (O's biggest fans) are so sweet and genuine. It was such an honor and blessing  to be a part of your day and witness your love for each other, your friends, and family first hand.