I used to be more concerned about fitting into other people’s stories than I was about the power in each of our journeys…

Life used to be filled with uncertainties and questions when it came to what a fairytale ending should look like. I had preconceived notions about how it should feel to be in love and to be fully me with another person. And I had tucked away feelings of “something’s not quite right” because I was more concerned about fitting into other people’s stories than I was about the power in each of our journeys, and the importance of bringing myself, unedited, unfiltered, and unaltered to the table. 

There were several seasons (and a lot of tears) involved in shifting my mindset, primarily focused on finding my independence and ultimately myself, in getting me to the here and now of my story, but the pinnacle of it all was finding Andrew - finding my home. Having given myself time to venture into the unknown completely alone made all the difference, because when Andrew and I met I had stepped into who I was – passionate about adventure, the world of academia, pursuit of justice, rock climbing, travel, animals, kids, and ultimately about being myself. But when we rested in the stability of our blossoming relationship it brought me to a place of being fully present like I’d never experienced before. 

It is because of my story I feel passionate that individuals feel empowered to find themselves: do the things that make you feel most present and alive

It’s not about finding yourself as a means to get or achieve anything else; however, the beauty in this actualization is the natural outpouring into all aspects of life and relationships. It is in this beautiful understanding of oneself, and the power of confidently owning who we are, that we can begin showing up most authentically and powerfully in our relationships and our community. 

We too often apply the phrase “treating ourselves” to the basics of enjoying individuality, as if they are signs of luxury, when in reality, they are signs of a healthy understanding of finding peace within ourselves and how this enables us to keep doing the work of intentionality within our friendships, relationships, marriages, and parenthood journeys. This process is never-ending, but some of life’s best moments and memories are in the journey to becoming fully who we were meant to be, and this journey is never complete. If given the space and stability we are constantly discovering more about the truths of who we are as people.

Falling in love is powerful because it’s entirely about affirming something good, right and beautiful. It’s not about failed pasts or carried baggage, it’s about looking at the person in front of you and saying “yes,” forever and always I commit to be the one affirming the good in you

It’s about knowing yourself and choosing to join forevers with someone who empowers you more everyday to step into your personhood more strongly and with greater confidence. As a wedding photographer, my camera is the tool I use to help remind couples not only of the good they see in each other, but ultimately the good individuals see in themselves, to help them affirm the beauty and joy found in their togetherness, all so that they can move forward in a life and relationship that fosters intentionality and results in a fulfilling and communicative marriage.

Cora is a wedding photographer based near Mystic, Connecticut, photographing love stories throughout New England (and beyond). Cora is a wife, mom and photographer and finds joy in relationships - with her husband, her daughter, family, friends, and couples. Her photographic style emphasizes warmth and romance experienced by genuine people in classic New England places. When on the road or in the air you will likely find her exploring Boston, Massachusetts; New Haven, Connecticut; Block Island, Rhode Island; Hudson Valley, New York; or New York City, New York. Learn More