Friends of Faith and Milestone Moments

Last month, I had the absolute joy of photographing the ordination service of my dear friend, Reverend Jeff — a moment that felt equal parts holy, heartfelt, and beautifully full-circle. Since the day I started attending church with my boyfriend, Rev. Jeff has been a constant source of friendship and encouragement. After a life filled with many careers and chapters, he found his true calling in ministry, and watching him step into that purpose with passion and reverence has been nothing short of inspiring. So when he asked if I would photograph his big day, the answer was an immediate and enthusiastic yes.

Planning photography for this milestone was a dream. Rev. Jeff is a creative soul himself, so the collaboration flowed naturally. I was given a timeline of key moments, preferred shooting placements throughout the service, and plenty of creative freedom to artistically document the day. It was the perfect blend of structure and spontaneity that fuels my Vivid & Vibrant heart.

As the service unfolded, the message centered on community — and wow, did that message come to life. The sanctuary overflowed with people who have loved, supported, and uplifted Rev. Jeff throughout his journey. “It takes a village…” is a phrase we hear often in education, but that day, it took on a whole new depth. His village showed up — joyful, faithful, and fully present for this milestone moment.

Normally, I take about a week to cull and edit a full gallery, especially when the event falls on a Sunday and I’m balancing my work in education. But this time? The inspiration was instant. I got home, downloaded the images, and felt such a spark from the joy of the day that I edited the entire gallery that very night. Some moments just fill you up like that.

A heartfelt belated congratulations to Rev. Jeff, and an enormous thank you to my faith family at First Congregational Church of Essex UCC. You consistently turn my work into a celebration — every gig feels less like a job and more like joining the party. Here’s to new callings, bright beginnings, and the beautiful communities that surround us.

Stay colorful, stay joyful, and keep celebrating the moments that make life vibrant.

— Vivid & Vibrant Photography