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Vanessa | Athens Senior Session

March 22, 2017 Justine Wright

Okay, so remember that time I said I couldn't take pictures of my cousins forever? Well... I may have been lying, because I think I actually could.

Several weeks ago, my husband and I tagged along on a family excursion to visit my cousin, Vanessa, at the University of Georgia for her Senior Equestrian Meet! I had been looking for an excuse to make the journey north because UGA's Equestrian Complex is truly a sight to be seen, and Vanessa has always been one of my "more willing" muses. 

I had visions, you know? Vanessa was going to ride a big, beautiful horse in the the rolling hills of Northern Georgia. Her long, dark hair would blow in the wind, and she'd be wearing some beautiful dress and it would look like one of those Ralph Lauren "Romance" ads. Who cares if we didn't have a Fabio? 

... and don't pretend like you guys don't know what I'm talking about. EVERYONE KNOWS THAT AD.

But, alas, that's not what happened. As Vanessa gently pointed out - we would not be able to hijack the UGA horses for our own benefit - and so I kissed the Ralph Lauren dream goodbye.

This being said, I was NOT a disappointed photographer. The University of Georgia is stunning, and even if it wasn't, Vanessa could make any background look good. She took Zach and I around North Campus, telling us about the old buildings and her favorite places on campus while I searched for the best light. I live for these opportunities, folks!

So, imagine my surprise when I realized that the photos weren't the best part of the weekend? Yep - I said it and I can't take it back. My favorite part of the weekend was absolutely, without a doubt, watching Vanessa. (And I don't mean that in a creepy way, people. Don't be creepy.) #insomniacookieswereaclosesecond

It is no secret to anyone that the experiences in which you push yourself outside of your comfort zone (new places, new people) are the experiences that inspire the most growth; I have seen it in others, and I have seen in it myself. While Vanessa is known to her family as "baby sister" at home - she has become a beloved leader at UGA - especially when it comes to her equestrian teammates. From the second we got there ("What can I do to make sure you guys have a good time?") to watching her ride and listening to the incredibly beautiful, true words her Coach spoke about her Saturday night... Vanessa beamed all weekend, and your heart couldn't help but fill for her. What an amazing experience she's had. What an amazing person she's become.

Regardless of Vanessa's title (baby sister or captain of the Equestrian team), it is obvious to anyone who meets her that she is kind, hard-working, and selfless... and there is no doubt in my mind that she is going to change the world somehow.

Ness - we are so proud of you. 💕  

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In Portraiture Tags portraiture, senior, senior photography, film, film photography, fine art, athens, georgia
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White Magnolias, just trying to bloom.
“My mama mapped out the road that she knows; which hands you shake, and which hands you hold.”
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event: @thefilmgathering
HAMU: @kmichelleclark
design & styling: @mwrightevents
florals: @cotton_social
dress: @asos_maternity
model: @alexcia.brooks.photo
“Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
Hi frans! My name is Justine and that handsome fella in the next frame is my hubby, Zach. We are the force behind JWP and to be transparent, much further into this than we thought we’d be just shy of three years from picking up our first camera. That being said... we're certainly not complaining. .
Fun facts about me? Believe it or not, I've been more social this year than I think I've been since high school, and between the friends I've made in education and the friends I've made through photography... I'm feeling like a big, bold, fluttery butterfly.  Has anyone else found themselves more social with age? I'm also deep in planning my summer bucket list because for the first time ever I DON'T WORK THIS SUMMER and I'm excited to have time to try all the things. #livingmybestSLPlife (Sorry... I've never said it and I've always wanted to. Done, I promise.) .
Fun facts about Zach? Zach just kind of got dragged into the photography thing but since discovering he could double as a comedian (he thinks he's pretty darn funny), he's been enjoying the positive reinforcement from our client friends. Another fun fact? Zach deboarded a plane for me once. It was during our first(?) year of dating, and we were set to go visit his dad out in the wonderful state of Wyoming... but... I woke up that morning with a fever (that turned out to be strep throat), and once we arrived at the airport, I knew I couldn't stomach the trip. I called someone to come pick me up as I watched Zach get on the plane... only to see his stressed out face five minutes later (when he decided he just couldn't do it). Think "Dumb and Dumber"... but the other way around. No, we never got refunded. And yes, Zach constantly uses this as a source of guilt and proof of his undying devotion. Go ahead, guys... praise Zach. He's going to LOVE these #fridayintroductions!
There have been many lessons learned over the past year, but of them all, patience and perseverance have been at the forefront. I am learning to be patient in my personal growth (as an educator, as a photographer, and as a person). I am learning to be patient with people, and patient with alllllll the things that fall outside of my control... and, in the midst of all this patience, I am learning the art of perseverance (especially in situations that feel really overwhelming, which, for someone with my level of anxiety, can happen quite often). But my takeaway is this: no matter where you are in your personal journey to wherever you’re going (or want to be)... it is OKAY to be where you are, and it’s okay if all you can do is show up, as you are, and be there as best as you can. Give yourself some grace, because it’s most certainly better than not showing up at all.

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