Hi friend! My name is Jessica, I am a family and portrait photographer based in Washington Dc. I am a Christian, wife, and identical twin. I love lilacs, candles, rainy days and honesty. I love finding joy in simple things.
For several years I had it on my heart to host a ladies event to encourage woman who struggle with infertility. Last year my dream came to fruition and this year we had the honor of hosting our second event. I couldn’t do this without the support and help of my twin sister, Jolene. After talking to many woman who are alone in their journey I realize what a blessing it is to have a twin who also understands the pain of infertility and the desire to “wait well.” I could write a book on all the details of the day and how many of these woman got to the event, but I’ll tuck them away in my heart for now. I know for sure that God’s hand was with us throughout the day and pray these dear woman were refreshed, challenged, and marriages strengthened.
Jolene and I met in York and packed my car -FULL- before heading into Lancaster.
Lovely flowers were donated by Rachel Ogborn.
We stopped by Lancaster Market to pick up a few desserts for lunch and headed to the venue to set up.
So many things add to a beautiful day but one of the most important to me is the setting and ambiance. Hingework was the perfect location and so accommodating.
We managed to lock ourselves out of the venue 30 minutes before the woman were to arrive. Even if it looks like someone has it all together, they most likely do not. 🙂 We said a prayer, put our heads together and got back in a few minutes before they arrived.
Kendra and Rosanna pitched in with helping to set up and breakfast and it all fell into place.
Rosanna made the yummiest cinnamon rolls for us.
Kendra did such a wonderful job in sharing her story and heart.
One of the ladies who attended the event last year donated this beautiful banner with our theme verse on it. ROOTED in CHRIST.
Within ten minutes of arriving the ladies had arranged their chairs in a circle and started talking, it was so beautiful to watch.
I opened up the day with a few thoughts and then passed the time onto Kendra…
An event isn’t complete without good food. Cafe One Eight did an incredible job!
This is us! All from different backgrounds, families, and stories. We came united by infertility and it’s brokenness but left with friendships and the beauty that grief brings.
Community is such a vital part of a full and joyful life, I am honored to watch it come together during these events.
At the end of the day Jolene, Kendra, and I had an open panel where we discussed our own infertility.
We cried, we laughed and we talked about some really hard things: How to help friends understand us, is God good if He allows this, how to deal with hurt…..it was really good.
Then we broke into prayer groups to talk more and pray over each other.
We finished the day with tea and cupcakes.
I couldn’t have managed the day without these two women.
Dear Ruth stayed to help cleanup and pack.
Here are a few iPhone photos from the day…we picked up cupcakes for lunch, stopped by the gas station to get ice and ended up helping a man who sprayed gas in his eyes, and of course ended the day with pizza.
As we left Lancaster County, we looked back to see this rainbow arched across the sky. Such a beautiful reminder of God’s promises.
A friend shared your post with me and I just wanted to say it made my day. I’m an infertility survivor and it blesses me SO MUCH to see other sisters in the Lord using their talents and gifts to encourage others who are waiting. Your event looked AMAZING and your photography is just stunning. I wish you lived near me (I’m in California) so I could hire you! Thank you for encouraging others. Hugs.
A friend shared your post with me and I just wanted to say it made my day. I’m an infertility survivor and it blesses me SO MUCH to see other sisters in the Lord using their talents and gifts to encourage others who are waiting. Your event looked AMAZING and your photography is just stunning. I wish you lived near me (I’m in California) so I could hire you! Thank you for encouraging others. Hugs.
Thank you so much Lisa! Such and encouragement. I would love to photograph you-I keep telling my husband I want to visit Cali. 🙂