In our wildest dreams we couldn’t have imagined how life would bring us together, or where it would take us…and our dreams are pretty wild!  Mekina and I met in college, in the same photography class in fact!   We were always friendly, but I don’t think either of us would have considered each other a best friend.  That all changed when we moved from North Carolina to New York City.  Not knowing many people, Mekina and I started scheduling fun days in the city with one another. We did everything, from snacking on sushi at Sushi Samba, to laughing until we cried in the front row of the Comedy Cellar.  Our friendship grew, and pretty soon, we were spending almost every weekend together.

One weekend in particular sticks out in my mind.  Mekina and I were walking by the river in Hoboken, soaking in the warm summer sun and cooling off with a delicious Rita’s italian ice.  We found ourselves dreaming, big, ginormous dreams, about what our perfect lives would look like.  We boldly shared our hopes for the future with one another.  I wanted to be a wedding photographer, and Mekina wanted to plan weddings.  We mapped out the steps we would need to take to reach our goals, and let ourselves imagine what it would be like if all our dreams came true.

While Mekina and I dreamed big two years ago, I don’t think either of us were able to picture what our lives would actually look like today.   In John 10:10 Jesus says, “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”  While Mekina and I both took small steps in faith, God directed our paths, weaving them together to in a way that brought us more joy and happiness than we could have ever imagined possible.   “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proberbs 16:9”. This year, Mekina has the pleasure of  planning and coordinating weddings for brides and grooms getting married on Hornblower’s amazing yachts, and I am extremely honored to have 30 wonderful couples who have trusted me to capture their wedding!  What is even more incredible is the fact that God has given me the blessing of being able to work with one of my best friends!  Mekina has become my FABULOUS second shooter, joining me to photograph my sweet couples love for each other, and of course, their adorable details!  Her images and energy are a perfect compliment to mine, and together, we make one amazing team.

Mekina Saylor, thank you for always being there for me, personally and professionally.  Thank you for bringing sunshine with your smile, for lifting me up when I need a boost, and for  being confident, carefree, caring, incredibly strong, and relatable…all at the same time!    Most importantly, thank you for just being YOU!  I love you Mekikira.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!