I could feel the blood draining from my face. Cold and hot at the same time—like chills. The feeling you get when something really terrible happens. Your body responds even when your mind is struggling to catch up.

My house looked….different. It’s like looking at a puzzle with some of the pieces missing. The tv goes there, my computer goes there….but where are they? I remember looking—actually looking around for them. Seriously, did my cats just knock over the tv? Was it somehow hidden behind the dresser? It’s funny how long your mind can stay in denial.

—-

I may be getting a little personal here, but this post has been a long time coming and so difficult for me to write.

Sometimes, life throws you a curveball. On July 8th, my home was burglarized. After making a hysterical call to the police, I went upstairs to find  jewelry, cash, laptops, and more missing. I found myself hoping that the plain black bag would still be there (by the bed). The one with EVERY bit of camera equipment I’d saved up for over the years. My work. My life.

It wasn’t.

I felt broken. The next few days/weeks I scoured Craigslist, pawn shops, jewelry stores—to no avail. I posted to my friends on Facebook and reached out to my local photography community—and that’s when amazing started to happen. One photographer, Shane Hunter, offered me his gear and lenses for my upcoming wedding so I wouldn’t have to worry about renting equipment (insurance takes awhile). Several of my current and former brides called to make sure I was ok and offered food, babysitting, and company. (Seriously guys—awesome!) I also had a MASSIVE amount of messages flooding my inbox—from strangers. My designer friend (and former bride)  Tarra offered refuge in her home. (Stocked with strong drinks, snacks, and Glee) My boyfriend’s parents opened their guest room to us. It was incredible.

It was a week before I closed on my new home. My family pitched in and I was able to buy replacement equipment with money I’d put aside for the house.

—-

I guess the point is—yeah, sometimes life gives you lemons—big, sour, ugly things that you don’t know what to do with. I didn’t have it in me to be optimistic or hopeful. But others did. And somehow, the outpouring of love I felt from friends, family, and strangers—made lemonade.

 

These photos of me are the last photos taken with my old camera—captured by my sweet boy (and budding assistant). (And yes, I know I do weird things when a camera is pointed at me)