Working Together, Growing Together

When we look back over the last fifteen years of running this business together, one of the greatest and most unexpected gifts has been how photography has impacted our marriage.

We didn’t start this business with the intention of making it a “together” thing. In fact, before starting to work together Courtney claimed she would never enjoy working with Cam.

What began as Courtney’s creative outlet became our shared venture, and with it came some of our hardest, holiest, and most wonderful marriage moments.

Here are a few things we’ve learned along the way.

1. We learned to communicate better

Working a wedding day is no small feat. It’s high-pressure, fast paced, and full of unpredictable situations and emotions. There is no time for unclear expectations or passive-aggressive sighs. So we learned how to speak up, listen well, and trust each other. We developed our own shorthand, glances or nods that could say everything or nothing at all, and a deep respect for the way each of us shows up in those moments.

That spilled out into our marriage overall as well. We became better at checking in, asking direct questions, and letting each other feel and process as needed. Our communication muscles became stronger because they had more opportunity to be worked.

2. We discovered new ways to support each other

There is something so beautiful about watching your spouse do what they are good at. Every wedding, Cam got to see how Courtney could bring calm, peace and confidence to nervous brides, organize chaotic timelines and families, and guide couples through their day with so much care. And Courtney would see Cam step in to ease tension, solve problems, crack jokes with the groomsmen, and catch the small, but so magical moments with his camera.

We became each other’s biggest fans- not just as partners in life, but as co-creatives. We saw new sides of each other. We celebrated strengths and helped to lift each other up in our weaknesses. That kind of partnership doesn’t just make for a good business- it makes for a stronger marriage.

3. We had to get really honest about balance

Photography and running your own business can be all-consuming. Weekends booked out months or even years in advance. Late nights editing. Constant communication with clients. And for the most part, we loved the hustle. But there are also points where we had to ask: Is this sustainable? Is this healthy for our family? Is this healthy for us?

The work helped us face those hard questions head-on. We learned how to be more intentional, to set boundaries, to prioritize time with our kids and each other. We have learned the importance of rest- though we are still learning how to do that well. We were forced to focus on what mattered most. And it taught us that “success” doesn’t mean saying yes to everything or everyone.

4. We made memories together

We have been in some amazing locations. We have been complete goofballs in front of our clients. We’ve cried during father-daughter dances and heartfelt vows. We’ve been behind the lens for some of the most meaningful, emotional and joyful moments in other people’s lives, and we got to experience them together.

That’s not something every couple gets. And we don’t take it for granted.

Some of our favourite memories as a couple are from behind the scenes- connecting and checking in on the drive between locations, whispering “did you get that shot?” during a first look, making each other laugh with a simple look from across the room. These aren’t just work memories, they’re marriage memories.

5. We grew up together

This business spanned a decade and a half of our lives. In that time, we grew from twenty-somethings with a camera and a dream into seasoned photographers, parents to three children, and partners who have weathered a lot of life. Photography was the backdrop to our growing-up years. And it shaped us, as individuals and as a couple.

We always talk about watching our clients grow up and seeing their families start or grow, but they got to do the same with us. Year after year, as we caught up with past clients, we could share the stories and the changes that had occurred in our family as well.

It reminded us over and over again of the value of love, connection, presence and intention. We have watched numerous couples say, “I do” and each time, it brought us back to our own vows. We have seen what lasts, what fades, and what really matters. And we carried those lessons home with us.

So how has photography impacted our marriage?

In so many ways, almost too many to count. And some that we may not even realize yet.

It deepened our connection, while also challenging us. It humbled us, but also made us laugh, a LOT. We learned to hold space for each other and for others. It reminded us of the specialness of shared moments.

And ultimately, it gave us a story that we were privileged to co-author.

As we prepare to close this chapter, we’re walking away with more than beautiful images and a long list of client names. We’re walking away with a marriage that is stronger because of the work we did- side by side.

And that’s a legacy we’ll carry with us, always and forever.

xoxo

Cam & Courtney