Almost ten year ago I told my parents I was quitting my job in banking to pursue a career in photography. I had a business degree from the UW and as excited as I was to do what I loved, they were worried that I might be throwing away a good career. The saving grace with my dad was that he worked thirty years at a job he didn’t love. After so many graveyard shifts at a paper mill, I think he understood my desire to risk a better life.

A few years ago we were in the running for “best wedding photographer” at Seattle Bride Magazine and I’ve never seen my dad more excited. After stalking the newsstands, that bridal magazine with our name in it still sits proudly and permanently by his armchair.

A few months a ago, Seattle Metropolitan Bride and Groom let us know our photography would be kicking off their ‘real weddings’ section. Even in an effort to be understated, this is a dream for us. It could be luck or circumstance, but it’s amazing news.

Since editorial decisions can change moments before a magazine goes to press and without getting my hopes up, I mentioned the news to my dad . Then last week, he called from Fred Meyer. Concerned and hiding it well, he let us know he didn’t see us in the magazine and it sounded like he knew what he was talking about.

Jill and I were putting the kids to bed when I told her the disappointing news. I could tell she was worried but I didn’t know she would be at Fred Meyer (in her pajamas) within the next half hour. Thankfully, she found that they didn’t have the current issue. What’s more, when she checked our mail Seattle Met had sent us copies of the current issue, and there we were.

Well, even in August the Seattle weather did not cooperate. Not to be deterred, Sheila and Nels got dolled up again for a shoot last night. They were such experienced models that after the shoot they orchestrated a photo of me!

One of mine:
 
One of theirs: