Vegas.

I’ve been stalling on this post because there truly are no words to describe what was experienced this week. Going into my trip to Vegas, I was afraid. I knew that this trip was going to require boldness, authenticity, and running on very little energy. I knew that those who followed me online, would meet me face to face, and insecurity stepped in in a huge way. I tried to think of every reason not to go. I convinced myself that it could wait… It would be there next year… I wasn’t needed. Quickly after these thoughts came in my head though, I was brought back. I was reminded that this industry is where my heart is. That the people who would be at this event are the ones who believed in me before anyone knew who I was. SO, I took a deep breath, looked at the positives instead of the many odds, and went for it. Little did I know, my life would be revolutionized this week… Here are a few highlights…

1. Photographers Unite: This is an insanely amazing event started by some fellow photographers. The whole point of this night? Lifting the name of Jesus in the middle of… yep… Las Vegas. Seriously, is that not incredible?  Brian Wurzell  led worship alongside my new and just precious friend Katelyn, and Albert Tate brought the word. It was a beautiful night of worshiping God and connecting with other believers. This was the night that God reminded me why I do what I do. When it is all said and done, I love this industry. God has put a special place in my heart for photographers, and He reminded me of this in such a beautiful way this night. 

2. Pursuit 31: Oh man. These girls have my heart. Pursuit 31 is a group of women started by my closest friend, Karen Stott, focused on helping women walk in greatness in honoring God and their families, while running a successful business.Starting only a year ago with 17 members, Pursuit 31 has quickly grown to over 1,800 women. It was so amazing to be able to put faces to names and finally get face time with some of the women I have grown to know and love over the past year…

On Tuesday night, we had a huge Pursuit 31 Soiree in an ahh-mazing penthouse suite. It was unreal to spend time with these ladies. We prayed, laughed, cried, and had an amazing time reflecting on the past year and believing God for new and big things.

As most of you know, the Pursuit 31 Conference is coming up in October. While in Vegas, we knew we had to get all of the speakers together. Karen did an awesome job organizing this meet up, and somehow, we all happen to be free at the same time! I sat in a circle with some of the industry’s greatest, talking about where we are at and what God is doing. The second we walked in the room, the craziness of Vegas left for that short time, and we were able to get real with each other. I seriously stood in awe. Some of these ladies I had known and formed relationships with, but some I had just met that morning, yet something seemed like we knew each other for years. Girls, I am beyond excited and honored to do this together. Here’s a quick pic of us together… Karen, Jody, Mary, Dawn, Jane, Katelyn, and I. (Missing Desirea!) Love you girls.

3. Showit United: If you haven’t heard of Showit yet, you are missing out. This incredible company, created by David Jay, has seriously revolutionized my business. Over the past year, this community and team has impacted my life in a way that words could never express, and for that… I am eternally grateful. These Showiteers have become my family. This year I had the honor of speaking on a panel, alongside Ashley, Christianne, and Matt. Fun times!

5. Amazing friendships: I am just in awe. I knew going into this that I would meet awesome people, but what I did not know is that I would walk away with life-changing relationships that will bless me more than I could ever put into words.

My roomies. Oh man, there are no words. These girls… they blessed me in ways I never thought possible. From the late night cry sessions, to the early morning dance parties, you girls blessed my life. Kristin, Emily, and Chrissy.. I love you!

Karen and Isaac are some of my closest friends, so being on the other side of the country from them is not always easy. In the year that I’ve known them, they’ve become my family in every sense of the word. We take turns traveling across the country to see each other and I’m so thankful I got to spend this trip by their side… K&I, you guys were my safe place, and for that, I am forever grateful. I love you and am so thankful that we are in this thing together!
Promise, Brian, and Jenny: Thank you for an awesome night of laughter, exciting scenarios, and yummy ice cream. You guys are true friends and I am thankful! Although we didn’t get a picture together, I am thankful for amazing time with Jim Davis-Hicks and his precious wife Lara. I’ve heard about these two for a while now, but who knew we would hit it off the way we did. You guys play a huge role in my life already, and I’m excited for what is to come!Last, I just want to say thank you. To my Pursuit 31 ladies. To my Showiteer family. To those who introduced yourselves, and to those who I was able to introduce myself to. You guys are why I am where I am today. You are the reason I haven’t given up. You are the reason I kept going when everything around me told me to stop. You are the reason I have found a new passion and love for where I am and what I do. Thank you.

Now that you’ve heard some of my WPPI/Showit United highlights, I want to know some of yours! What were your top three highlights?