I remember it distinctly. My parents had told me we'd be attending a wedding together as a family, and I was ecstatic. I carefully crafted a paper chain to count down the days. As each day passed, I'd rip a link off the chain and admire my one-link-shorter paper chain. 

When the day arrived, I got dressed up and watched as a fairytale unfolded before my eyes. The bride was radiant, and her groom, a real life prince charming. My dad had been hired as the photographer for the wedding (the bride's parents were some friends of my parents). 

It was a hot day, and I remember the relief that came when the ceremony ended and we were allowed into the banquet hall. Scattered on the tables were several small green disposable cameras for guests to use as the celebrations continued through the evening. As any child destined to become a wedding photographer would, I spent the rest of the evening playing with my new toy, and practicing all the skills I picked up from my dad through observation. 

Looking back now, I can see how incapable I was then of containing my creativity. I tried many other creative endeavors as I grew up– I even invented a dishwashing product called "sponge-on-a-string" (shocker no one picked that one up). It wasn't until college that photography became more than a hobby. I discovered that preserving the lives and celebrations of others allowed me to bring together my greatest passions: building meaningful connections and creating something beautiful.