I never graduated from college. It’s something I’ve considered a personal fault. You see… My heart hurts a little when people casually ask where Nate and I went to school. My first instinct, and what I usually reply, is The University of Tennessee. I went there my freshman year, and that’s where I gained some of those priceless “college experiences.” The rest, however, came when I packed up everything I owned and literally ran away from my troubles to join the Walt Disney World College Program. And who was in my passenger seat? Lorie. :)
Lorie has been there for me since the end of the ‘old me’ and beginning of the new. She’s seen me 10 floors below rock bottom and helped me not only hang on for dear life, but make it out alive. I never would have had the strength to move to FL without her, and she’s remained my rock for the past 8 years. :) We’ve had our ups and downs, but when push comes to shove, we’re always there for each other.
While Lorie was working full time and finishing up her degree, I was floundering around in school having no idea what I wanted to do with my life. When I finally stepped away to figure things out, this whole wedding photography thing kinda plopped on my lap. It didn’t take long for me to figure out this was the career I not only wanted, but needed. As perfect as everything turned out, though, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed in myself for not finishing college. There was always a part of me that felt like that chapter of my life wasn’t done.
Then Lorie graduated. :) Even though I didn’t go through classes with her, or do the “hard” work if you will, I really felt like we were going through it together. In some weird way, as much as it was the end of that part of Lorie’s life, I also feel like it’s the end of that part of my life, too. I may not have taken the course in life my parents and I thought I would, but you know what? It doesn’t matter. My own path found me, and college degree or not, I’m SO happy and proud of myself. Isn’t that all that really matters, anyway?
Nate and I sat with Lorie’s fiance and parents in the very front of the arena, 3 rows up from the floor, and had perfect seats to watch Lorie get her (fake) diploma. :) (We also had the perfect seats for watching countless nervous graduates trip down the steps on their way off the stage! I no longer feel as embarrassed about falling down the steps at my high school graduation.) I was beaming with pride for Lorie and my eyes were stingy and watery through the whole ceremony, until they called her name and the tears wouldn’t stop. :) Lorie, I couldn’t be more proud of you. I love you so much. :)
If this isn’t proof they’re our best friends, I don’t know what is! I told Lorie I wanted a photo of her and Jon, and they immediately jumped into this. ;)
This one’s gonna be framed. :)
“Because I knew you, I have been changed… For good.” – Wicked
Love it! Those are the best grad pictures I’ve seen in a long time. And I love the Wicked quote!
Thank you!! I’m kind of obsessed with Wicked. :)
Jensey,
Some people go to college for years to learn the skills you portray in your photos. Some people need the school to understand the techniques and skills; you however, have the eye for them naturally. You photos are so touching and so emotional. I could look through them over and over and still be amazed! Don’t ever look down on yourself for not finishing college. You’re skills and your heart for what you do will make you go further than most people could ever dream of!
And on a note for Lorie…CONGRATS ON GRADUATING!!!! :)
Lindsey, you are too sweet to stop in and write that! Thank you so much. :)
I second Lindsey!
Awesome blog post Jensey! Feel the love :)
(btw: you and Nate in glasses – TOO cute!)
I know! Nate in glasses makes me swoooooon! <3
You should have warned me!! Here I am at work, checking the blog to get my daily dose of the Roots, and then what happens? The water works! I know my co-workers think I’m crazy at this point. Oh well, I love you so much. I’m going to avoid being a babbling idiot, but I want you to know that I never would have been able to do this without you.
Woohoo!!! WE GRADUATED!!!!!!!
Awwwww, sorry for not warning. ;) I love you so much, too, and WE DID IT! :)
Jensey,
It means so much to Lorie and me to have you and Nate with us through all of life’s big challenges. One down (graduation), two to go (wedding and moving)! Whatever happens to one of us, happens to all of us :)
I don’t know what we’d do without you guys. :) I completely agree- Whatever happens to one, happens to us all!
Ok – I love this. First of all, it’s beautifully written! Second, because I found yet another reason why we are friends… I lost my shoe going up the stairs at my college graduation and had to go back down a few steps to find it. It halted everything.
From here on out, we shall both refuse to be embarrassed over memories of our diploma assembly line foibles!!
Ashley, did you seriously pull a Cinderella at your graduation?! You’re my hero! Just another reason we’re destined to be bff. ;) Thank you so much for taking the time to leave some love! :)
I have to say….LOVE Nate in glasses :-)
I knooooooow! So dreamy! :)
Looooove it! Great pics :) congrats to Lorie and Jensey, you make all lifes trials and joys that much easier and that much more joyous :) love you!
Love you too, Casi. :)
Your posts always make my day. So lovely.
Thank you, Amanda!
Awwww! Congrats to you both! I got to share graduation with my best friend this past weekend and couldn’t have been more proud of her either — it meant the world to share it with her :)
The best thing about college is learning a craft from the couple of professors who are really good at it, and it sounds like you’ve had something even better: personal mentoring in a craft :) Not to mention you’re just awesome!
Thank you, Crystal! I’m so lucky she let me share in her day. :) Thank you for leaving a note! :)
Thanks for making me cry! This was so sweet- Made me miss my best friend. Hope you guys are doing great. I have a big present for yall that has been sitting by my back door for two months…. I need to get a lunch date on your calendar!!
Yes! Let’s make it happen! Our summer schedule looks pretty lunch-friendly. :)
I believe the correct response is “Congratulotions!”
:-)
Thanks, Jeff!! :)
Ack! Just got the Wicked reference! ;) Thanks plenty, dearest! :)
Testing out Facebook integration. Hooray! :)
This is so sweet Jensey! I know I am a couple of days late. Oops! I still wanted to let you know that this means a lot to me. I think of you and Lorie as sisters and I am so happy that you are part of our family. I love you! And I’m definitely printing this post out :)
Jensey,
I used to work with Phu and feel like I know you. What you have in your photography you could have NEVER learned in college. I know that Barry and Phu love you and Nate like you were their kids. In your photos you can see and feel the expressions of the ones in the actual picture. Your great! I can’t say I remember if Phu said that you and Nate were moving to Nashville or not, but I would predict that you four will be together again. I have two daughters and one day I will need a photographer for their weddings. Hope you are close by! Have fun in Africa and never look back, you have a gifted talent and always follow your dreams.
Betty Hayes
Jensey,
I am a good friend and former co-worker of Phu, and just for talking to and emailing her I feel that I know you and Nate personally, the photos, all of them are simply goregeous!!! You have a God-given talent and that is the best gift or degree of all. Lorie I am so very proud of you!! You did it!! Congratulations on graduation and the upcoming wedding, wish that I could be there, however thru Jensey photos it will be the next best thing!! Love You all!! Vivian