Photographer Love: Jen and John in Stonington Connecticut

You know what’s making my heart pitter patter tonight?

16 years.

Married 16 years with 2 beautiful sons and working side by side, Jen and John knock my socks off. Do you believe in fate? I do. I believe that people come into your life when you least expect it, when you aren’t looking for it, and make lasting impressions. Fate had plans for me last March when I walked into the CTPPA conference to hear Jasmine Star speak. I was nervous. I had never been to a photo conference before. I drove up to Hartford a flurry of snow, uncertain of what was ahead of me. I felt like the new kid in town. Would people talk to me? Would I make friends? What does one even wear to a photo conference? I sat down and tried to look busy searching through my purse since I was ill prepared and didn’t have a notepad in my lap or a camera strapped around my neck. A couple sat down next to me and we struck up a conversation. Nervously wary of egos and being a “newb”, I was struck by their kindness and instantly felt at ease. That’s just how it is with them. Easy.

Jen and John are funny, sweet, and amazing at what they do. I put a message out in September looking for headshots to be done, and Jen and John offered to do a photo swap. Pics of me for pics of them, an opportunity to get together and chat and learn and practice on each other. Jen mentioned that they didn’t have many pictures together other than their wedding photos. It always amazes me that photographers never seem to have pictures of themselves. But that’s how it goes, I suppose.

It was the most beautiful Saturday in October, in possibly the prettiest town in Connecticut. Stonington has that small town New England charm that I love so much. If I ever win the lottery, I will buy a house near the water and plant flowers and walk my bernese mountain dog and wear dresses and hats every day. Did I mentioned recently that I’m a dreamer? But on that day we simply walked and talked and took pictures and I saw this awesome spark between these two that just makes that heart of mine pitter patter. I get to photograph and witness beautiful weddings and see “the beginning”. I often think about my couples after their wedding day, hoping they’re enjoying married life, and hoping that 16 years from now, they’re more in love than ever before. Because I see that with Jen and John. I hope for that with Sean. To find someone to live with and laugh with and grow in love over the years is something remarkable.