I first met Amanda at a styled shoot when I was pregnant with Stella. We connected instantly as believers and became friends. Through the years we were in Texas we talked about business and even hosted a little Bible Study group together. Her heart for the Lord is beautiful. She is real and is always pointing back to the gospel. She is one of the things I miss most about the state of Texas. I just know that you will love her too.
Tell us a little about yourself?
My current favorite title is "Wife". I absolutely adore being married to my husband, Matt. I'm also a daughter, sister and soon to be mom (I'm sure I'm going to love this title too)! I'm passionate about building and fostering community, our church (The Village Church in Flower Mound) and my marriage. We live in a cozy little house with our big orange tabby, Oliver.
As a wedding photographer, what inspires you?
Marriage. The Lord put this deep love in my heart for marriage and how it reflects the gospel. I didn't start out to become a wedding photographer. In fact, I worked in Public Relations and was a Corporate Event Planner for three years before I started my own company. The Lord continued to press and challenge me to the ministry of marriage. Matt and I dated long distance for 5 years (including our engagement) and were also apart for 8-9 months of the year during the first two years of our marriage. During this time, I really learned what I was made of. The Lord exposed so much yuck in my heart and so many preconceived expectations I had about marriage that simply weren't true. As a wedding photographer, getting to capture the gospel covenant on a weekly basis is so refreshing and a constant reminder to myself. The Lord sees and knows the deepest darkest depths of our hearts and loves us the same. He says, even though I know all that is there, I forgive you and I'm not going anywhere. All your sin has been nailed to the cross. We have the opportunity to practice this with our spouses each day. The wedding day is only the beginning.
![Chase&Kendall180](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0575/8061/files/ChaseKendall180.jpg)
What does a typical day look like for you?
It's always different! Which I love! Usually, I start the day outside with my breakfast and my Bible. I then go through emails and make a to-do list for the day. Depending on the day, I'm going to potential client meetings, networking events, designing wedding albums, editing images, or blogging.
What helps you stay organized?
Systems and processes! At the beginning of the year I attended Sage Wedding Pro's
"The Simple Plan" workshop. This was a turning point for my business! I was able to create a step-by-step process that is the same for every single client every single time. Before, I did things differently every time and was so stressed about missing a step! Another huge stress reliever is keeping an organized inbox. I organize everything by folders. If there's still an email in my inbox then it needs attention. If it's been taken care of, it gets filed. The last thing, I hired a part-time assistant and album designer. Her name is Laura and
she is an absolute answer to prayer. Just kidding, the real last thing, scheduling a day off
each week and getting serious about making Sunday our Sabbath. If you are a small business owner, make this a priority!! My day off each week usually changes but at the beginning of each month, I look at the calendar and write "Amanda's Day Off" and block off the entire day. I learned