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The Reset Conference & Katelyn James

This past weekend, I traveled to Illinois for a photography conference with another wonderful photographer, Kari Bowman of KariMe Photography. We were sold on attending this event when we read one of the key speakers would be Katelyn James. For those of you who do not know who she is, she is by far, one of the most genuine & talented photographers in the Wedding Photography industry & we are kind of obsessed with her. I will get to more about her soon, but first a little about the conference.

Reset was a 1 day conference full of breakout sessions & three sessions with key speakers. Zach & Jody Gray were also there, who are a husband/wife Wedding Photography team. I loved listening to both Katelyn & her husband, Michael, who led morning devotion & the Grays. It was fun being surrounded by so many like-minded people who specialize in the same career as yourself. We met a couple other people throughout the day, but I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Kari better. Thankfully, we live close to one another. Zach & Jody have such an inspiring background and story who taught us the truth to some key principles for the Wedding industry. During their session they handed out a few of their education DVDs & guess who won one?!?!?!THIS GIRL!!! The weird thing was, as they were talking about the content on that DVD, I thought to myself, I HAVE to have that one. I have to better myself in this area to save so much time for me later. I’ll be honest, this conference was inspiring, but at the same time, mentally overwhelming as I thought to myself all the things I need to do & change… So literally as Zach reached into the box to pull the next name out for this DVD, I KNEW my name was going to be called. It sounds weird, but I just knew that I was going to called. It was literally confirmation from the Lord that I am in this & a huge part of my business is my responsibility to use it wisely from the gifts and resources the Lord has provided me with. I even wrote down in my notebook, CONFIRMATION.

As for Katelyn, Kari & I both mentored under her in her personal office in Richmond, Virginia. It was a dream of mine & something to cross off the bucket list. I do not get too hyped up about Hollywood stars or could careless about going to the next big concert, but meeting Katelyn is a different story because we share a similar passion, career, and core beliefs. Not to mention, she is simply amazing at what she does. From the time I stepped out of my car in her driveway for a coaching session, she met me on the front porch with that southern hospitality. She makes you feel like a long-time friend reconnecting – it’s great!!! Spending the day with her during our coaching session and getting to know her husband & business partner, Michael, exceeded all expectations. She is EXACTLY how she appears online & BEYOND! Her heart is so full & so kind. I learned so many things from her that day.

Fast forward to the conference, she was the first speaker of the day & moved many of us to tears. Her passion for her work and service is contagious. Katelyn James Photography exists to serve others well by creating a community and relationships that go beyond the wedding day. She encourages us not to run a transactional business, but a relational business, which is completely up my alley. Katelyn James = Community!! Her brides, known as the #kjbrides, are a part of a community that is much bigger than themselves. Some may wonder how photography could be Kingdom building & Katelyn is helping pave the way to show the rest of us how to love and serve others well through our talents. I genuinely could go on and on about her talent, love for the Lord & speech, but this post would never end. Kari & I had the opportunity to speak with her several times throughout the day & I told her we are not #kjbrides, but we are #kjobsessed & she smiled, but responded, “No, you are #kjfriends”!! I LOVED that because that is simply who this woman is – a friend. She is driven to make a difference & I looked at her before we left & told her, “You are doing what you were called to do & doing it well my friend.” I said that with the most sincere heart too. Very few people act upon their calling, but not this girl. She’s ONE of a kind & I’m beyond thankful to have met her.

isn’t she the cutest?

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