friends, there’s something that has been weighing on my heart. and if I’m being completely honest there’s probably something you might not have known about me…
let me back up.
in my ideal world, I would curl up in bed at night with the scent of ink on crisp paper pages waiting to be dog-eared, worn, highlighted and offer an escape into a world not of my own. in reality, my bedtime routine consists of panic when I realize the time followed by an internal conversation weighing the consequences of not washing my face as I crash into bed… and then scroll a blinding blue-light screen making purchases I won’t remember in the morning before passing out. wake up, repeat.
baffling and slightly embarrassing, I know. and there’s also this: I hate reading (I can’t believe I said that out loud).
but then… then a book came into my life that I couldn’t put down, a book that shockingly became dog-eared and worn and highlighted and offered an escape into a world that was actually my own. in reality, it changed me. it changed the way I thought, my habits, my rituals, my perspective on it all. and it was then that I took this small business, the sweat and tears and strain of building something from scratch and I gave it all away along with all of it’s joy, fulfillment and pride. it was equally terrifying and oddly comforting and there hasn’t been a day gone by that I’ve doubted my decision or looked back. because here’s the thing, it’s not about me. i’ll let that sink in. laura gattis photography is anything but me – simply put, it’s a gift that’s an honor to carry for however long I’m blessed to do so. I can’t think much further past that because, well, that’s where the terrifying sets in. but it’s ok, I know i’m being carried.
it was in this moment of offering up everything my life’s work culminated to when I asked God how I can serve him, represent him, honor him through my business. I mean, let’s be honest, this is a far cry from a philanthropy. I prayed this prayer and prayed it again. and again. annnddd again until one day it was so blatantly clear to me what was laid on my heart. laura, He said… just pray.
gosh, just typing that welts my eyes with tears as if it was fresh on my heart. pray. how simple is that? pray over them. and so I do.
I want you to know that my honor and grace is praying over every single client that walks through my door, their husbands, their children, all by name. it’s how I start my morning and begin each session I photograph. a prayer that I can capture their love and connection just as He sees, a prayer that whatever struggles they may face, that I can be the person they need to let go of it all, even for that moment, and let their love shine. a prayer of thanksgiving for the beautiful skies that backdrop us and for the stories my studio walls hold. I’m thankful for them, I’m thankful for you.
it’s now become my ritual: prayer & thanksgiving.
after nearly a year in the making, i’m so excited to launch a charity candle to celebrate all it. it represents every prayer offered that, like smoke, has sweetly risen above. for families and friends that have been carried on the heart. prayers wrapped over those not even known. for all that weighs heavy on a mama’s heart. for the celebrations and joy and reminders of love in between. for every word intentionally spoken and resoundingly heard. when you walk through the studio, may the soothing scent of the ritual candle always be a reminder of that.
as I begin this new year, i’m thankful more than ever for the opportunity to love and serve and get to know each and every one of you. for friendships held so dear to my heart and those on the horizon… thank you for allowing me in and sharing your hearts. here is mine.
