(And how it benefits our couples)

I jumped into Passenger when it felt like it was my only option during the pandemic of 2020, and I didn’t stop to wonder anything about the future. I was not thrilled about working from home – I had just graduated college and all that I knew was classwork and internships. I thought I had to work in an office and have a shiny corporate job. As I slowly fell in love with Passenger over the last 5 years, I have realized just how special the opportunity to have a flexible schedule at home is. I get to do both. I get to be a mom and I get to work. While I am being a fully present mom, my brain is taking a break from the hours of editing I just completed. Giving myself and my films some room to breathe has given me a freshness I was missing. When I was sitting on my computer all day, I was actually taking longer to edit my films and often felt deadlines sneaking up on me.

My work feels even more important. More priceless. It makes me cry now watching mother/son dances, and while she’s pinning on his boutonniere before the ceremony, hearing the dad talk about what this day means for his family. I just feel like I can picture what it’ll be like to relieve these moments in 20 years. Whereas before, I was so in the present and overthinking the perfect shot, now I know that I need to capture the entire moment for times’ sake. Moments I normally wouldn’t have bothered to film, now have importance. I have also heard from new moms who were my brides sharing how their toddlers beg to watch their wedding videos, and it’s their favorite movie. So cute!

I love that I get to work while being a mom. Having a break from both makes each part more meaningful to me. I am grateful for the confidence, creativity, support, and love that I get from being a videographer, and I love that I get to come home and be so present here, too.