Last Saturday was a vivid picture of how I totally envision my business going. Annie and Walker got married and I had the very special privilege of being their wedding photographer. I love this couple. I connect well with Walker because he loves the ocean, and Annie is just such a cheerful person who really appreciates fantastic photography and genuine people. Most of us love to be appreciated for pouring our hearts into our work, and Annie and Walker are both those kind of people who turn into raving fans once you show them that you want to blow away their expectations.

The best part for me professionally is the way this couple found me. Back in Fall of 2006, one of my other wedding couples, Melissa and Jacob, got married in Cocoa Beach. Walker was a groomsman in that wedding and Annie caught the bouquet. These two weren't an item at the time, but because of the great job we did at that wedding, they locked Cannonfire Photography into their minds as the best in Brevard County/Central Florida wedding photography, and when it was time to plan the wedding, sure enough I got the call. I was so excited. I LOVE referrals from existing clients like Melissa and Jacob. Referrals allow us all to enter into a professional relationship with already-established bits of trust and lots of excitement, as opposed to apprehension and wondering if the photographer can deliver on one of the biggest days of your lives, and if the clients are a good match for our style. The best part is when we go to the weddings gained through referrals, we get to see old friends (Jacob was now a groomsman in Walker's wedding). Also, now Melissa and Jacob have started a family, so I had the added bonus of getting to capture their first family photos with their new baby on the same weekend. It was so rewarding and fulfilling to capture the photos and celebrate their new addition.

Now recently Annie sent a referral, so the chain is still going strong, and because of that, I know I'll have the chance to have reunions with she and Walker every so often as well. On a personal level, nothing beats that for me, as I am so highly relational and enjoy developing wonderful, meaningful relationships with my clients. Our goal is aways two-fold: (1) Create raving fans who can't stop speaking positive things about their photography and photographic experience with Cannonfire Photography, (2) Gain "clients for life" by exceeding expectations and showing we genuinely care about being a huge blessing to each and every client who chooses us to be their photography team, thereby gaining opportunities to capture updated images every year and with every key event.

Annie and Walker get it, and I'm so thankful for them. Annie has already referred a friend who recently booked her wedding-day photography with us. Thanks to people like she and Walker, and Melissa and Jacob, there will be plenty of reunions and amazing celebrations that we'll be able to enjoy along life's journey in coming months and years.

Thanks, you guys, for allowing me to be a part of your lives, and your special wedding day. Also, special thanks to Mike Buoy with Mike Buoy Photography, Karry Castillo with Uniquely Yours Wedding Specialists, for helping plan and prepare an amazing wedding for Annie and Walker, and thanks to Amy Griffin for being a great photo assistant for the day. This is the dream-team, and I feel so blessed to get to do what I do. :o)

Hope you enjoy the samples and the slideshow: Annie & Walker's wedding