Category Archives: Photography

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my picks

I am incredibly blessed to work with my husband, Jeff Mullikin, in his photography business. I know a lot of women who would literally go crazy if they had to work with their husbands, but Jeff and I have a very professional business relationship, and we enjoy our partnership. (I pray that never changes!)

On February 12th, we shot Nakeshia and Corey’s wedding at the beautiful InterContinental Hotel in Kansas City, MO. Jeff is teaching my so much about photography, and not everyone can learn from a SCAD graduate! It’s a lot of fun, and not to mention an honor to be a part of the most important day in a couple’s relationship. There are tears, laughter, glitz and glam – and we get to capture every moment of it.

So, here are “my picks” from Nakeshia and Corey’s gallery:

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the dress

It’s my favorite question to ask the bride when we meet for the first time.

“Have you found the dress yet?”

And then, her eyes light up and a smile creeps across her face as she describes in explicit detail the gown she will wear. Somewhere in the fog of detail, her and I forget we’re meeting in the studio to supposedly discuss photography packages. Instead, we’re both caught up in a steady stream of lace, ruffles, pearls and satin.

Months later, I’ll find myself stowed away in her dressing room with a camera in hand, capturing giggles from bridesmaids and picture-perfect curls being formed. And then my favorite long-awaited moment comes. She slips one leg into the mess of fabric. The gown is pulled up and laced tightly, she’s adorned in simple jewels and she turns to take in her reflection for the very first time.

And for one brief moment, the room goes still. I forget about my camera, and we all sigh in unison. The vision before us can only be described as breathtaking. It doesn’t matter how many weddings we shoot, or how many brides I meet – the moment she first appears in all her anticipated glory is nothing short of epic.

And the moment always reminds me of that upcoming wedding hosted by God himself in which all of humanity has been invited. A wedding which will make the Royal Wedding look like child’s play. Christ is the groom and we, the body of believers, are His bride.

The cotton candy colored sky and the white-topped mountains are only a foreshadowing of God’s glory and creativity, which will reach its peak with the wedding feast ushering in a new heaven and new earth.

The wedding attendees will be clothed in special garments. Like any typical girl, I’ve already begun thinking about what I will arrive wearing. My dress won’t be self-made or even purchased from a famed boutique, because it could never, ever be good enough. The way I live my life on earth will determine the beauty of my future dress, and as Isaiah writes, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Isaiah’s defines filthy rags as menstrual garments– how ridiculous to think about showing off a used tampon! In the same way, it’s ludicrous to assume that any of my “good deeds” could impress a holy God. For my sins far outweigh any good I have done.

However, God Himself will provide a garment for me, which will be unequalled! “I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.” (Isa. 61:10)

I won’t be able to enter heaven without my special wedding garment, this robe of righteousness. Only God can give me the glorious robe; it’s a free gift. And I’ve already accepted it. Have you?

“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” Matt. 22:11-13

*Picture courtesy of Jeff Mullikin Photography

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just another day’s work

Well, we have officially worked our first bridal show! Today, we hosted a booth at the Perfect Wedding Guide bridal show at Union Station. It was a blast! We handed out 500 bags of Topsy’s popcorn with our brochures and booked four weddings at our booth! I am SO blessed to be in a position to help my husband with his business. He is such an incredible, worthy man and I would run to the end of the earth for him. We prayed for God’s blessing on the way to the show, and He definitely delivered! It was five hours of non-stop standing and talking, but it was worth it! I look forward to the day when I can use my gifts in the ministry again, but in the meantime I adore helping Jeff and being faithful with what God continues to give us. 

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washed by the water

Jeff and I were honored to photograph and video Journey Church International’s first baptism service this past Sunday.

 Galatians 3:27 “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.”

 

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lily faith

Saturday, Jeff did a photo shoot with Miss Lily Faith – high heels and all!

She did a fantastic job. We learned that she prefers dancing to Rihanna and Beyonce over the Disney channel Jeff had set up for her on Pandora.

The balloons were a big hit.

She especially enjoyed pressing the button which makes the lights flash.

But most entertaining was listening to a 2-year old scream with delight in describing her upcoming trip to Disney land. (“Mickey Castle!!”)

Some of my personal favs…

www.jeffmullikin.com 

When I look at Jeff’s photos, I am so happy God made our world in colors. I wish I could’ve watched him paint the sky blue and “bedazzle” it with stars at night. Pretty cool. 

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one final shot

If you have been reading my posts, you should know by now that I am engaged to this handsome photographer:

He asked me to help him shoot a wedding this past weekend. Despite the 100PLUSdegree weather, standing in my uncomfortable shoes for hours, and carrying a ridiculously heavy lens (who knew photographers had to have “guns”?!), I had such an incredible time with him.

(Here I am taking a much needed water break, haha)

Isn’t it intriguing to watch someone thoroughly in their element? Jeff is that way while  shooting pictures; just completely in the zone. It’s as if everyone and everything fades away while he just creates. As my eyes followed him, I could almost visualize the invisible wheels perpetually turning in his head.

The evening wound down as bubbles faded into oblivion, jackets were discarded and ties had been loosened. With smiles and sighs of relief, the newlyweds finally released their pent-up stress and anxiety after months of planning. Pictures were done…and yet Jeff saw something. Shinning light burst through trees illuminating the horizon as the sun set and Jeff envisioned what could be.

Quickly, we pulled the couple away from their party inside to grab one final picture. They probably would have never noticed the magnificent light on their own. They were done holding smiles taut and posing. However, a few seconds and one final shot produced a memory that will live on. And in my opinion…it’s breathtaking. 

I see God’s fingerprints everywhere in my life. This moment pointed me to Him yet again. God envisions what could be in our lives. He sees the brilliance and sparkling light. He glimpses the awaiting masterpiece. If it were up to us, we would never leave the current party we’re attending. Because were tired of the planning and stressing. We just want to let our hair down. 

But do you see Him rushing in? Did you notice Him grab our hands and pull us alongside Him? He has something for us.

We just have to hold on tight and trust Him. 

“Ask me and I will tell you about remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.” Jeremiah 33:3

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my engagement pictures


I remember the first time I spoke to him. Laying out at the pool, enjoying life as a recent high school graduate, my cell phone rang. Jeff Mullikin still claims he doesn’t remember quite how he got my phone number, but regardless, that phone call led to friendship which ushered quickly into teenage love. We had so much fun that summer, but August soon came and we headed our separate ways. Jeff to play baseball and study photography at SCAD in Savannah and I began school at Liberty University in Lynchburg. In September, the long distance took it’s toil and after a quick phone call, we split up and wouldn’t speak for six years.

In 2006 I married someone that Jeff once considered his best friend. Four years later, that marriage fell apart. I was left completely broken, hurt and down on myself, with absolutely no idea about my future. Out of no where, Jeff fell back into my life. He had heard about my situation and compassionately reached out to me. We met up for lunch, and then I just couldn’t seem to get him to stop texting me!

Jeff quickly became my best friend, walking me through the hardest experience of my life. Countless times he has let me cry on his shoulder when my situation became too overwhelming. He helped me clean and pack up my old house. And when my pipes busted in the winter and water ran for days, he was there beside me yet again, cleaning up my belongings and wiping my tears.

He has supported me in all of my passions and dreams, coming with me to the AIDS home and sitting through hours of youth band practice. He never forgets to remind me how much he loves me. In such a short time, he has built me back up. He is truly the greatest man that I know (the inspiration for my top ten list) and honestly makes me strive to be a better woman every single day. I trust him wholeheartedly and can tell him anything. He is my rock. Everything that Jesus Christ did to restore me spiritually, Jeff has done physically in my life. When I think of him, I think of Galatians 5:22, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindess, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Jeff is all of these things…and so much more.

It is an absolute blessing to spend the rest of my life loving him.